Leuprorelide versus Goserelin to advanced prostate cancer: cost minimization analysis

Abstract

Objective: To carry out a cost-minimization assessment comparing the drugs goserelin and leuprolide in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer in a public hospital of Porto Alegre (Brazil). Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients who were treated for prostate cancer from January to December 2016 in a large general hospital. An economic analysis compared the drugs goserelin 10,8 mg and leuprolide 22,5 mg in the regimen of quarterly application, from the perspective of the Brazilian public health system. Results: Data from 458 patients were analyzed, 37.8% of them lived in Porto Alegre and 62.2% lived in other cities. The mean age was 73 years old and the mean age at diagnosis of prostate cancer was 68 years old. Regarding treatment, 85.4% used goserelin and 14.6% used leuprolide. The total cost per patient for goserelin was R$ 4,725.84 per year; while the total cost per patient for leuprolide was R$ 2,968.20 per year. Conclusions: Patients with metastatic prostate cancer can use both drugs, with leuprolide being the least expensive option for the service. We recommend that institutions could carry out economic analyzes in order to assess the feasibility of standardized treatments, considering cost, scientific evidences, logistics of treatment and patient preference.