The Economic Burden of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Iran

Vahid  Alipour; Soroush  Rad; Shahin  Nargesi; Fateme  Mezginejad; Reza  Jahangiri; Zeinab  Dolatshahi; Seyed Asadollah  Mousavi; Zahra  Moshkani

doi:10.18502/ijph.v51i11.11178

Vahid Alipour Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Soroush Rad Hematology, Oncology, and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transportation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shahin Nargesi Department of Health Management and Economics, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
Fateme Mezginejad Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand Iran University of Medical Science, Birjan, Iran
Reza Jahangiri Department of Health Economics, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Zeinab Dolatshahi Department of Health Policy, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Seyed Asadollah Mousavi Hematology, Oncology, and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transportation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Teh-ran, Iran
Zahra Moshkani Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v51i11.11178

Keywords: Acute myeloid leukemia; Consolidation therapy; Iran; Economic burden

Abstract

Background: Cancer imposes a significant economic burden on the health system and society. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the third deadliest leukemia and is one of the leading health problems worldwide. The present study aimed to estimate the economic burden of AML in Iran for 2020.

Methods: In this study, we estimated a prevalence-based on the cost-of-illness of the AML in Iran. A societal perspective was considered, in which the direct costs and productivity losses with the adoption of the human capital approach in the AML cases were estimated for 2020. Moreover, in the present study, several resources including national cancer registry reports, hospital records, occupational data, and interviews with experts were cited.

Results: Approximately 98% of patients with AML received induction therapy. The AML economic burden was $33,243,107.39. Indirect costs accounted for 60% (21,593,764.4$) of this amount, and direct medical costs and direct non-medical costs make up for 19% (6,359,380.88$) and 16% (5,289,962.11$) of this estimated economic burden, respectively

Conclusion: The economic burden of AML in Iran is very remarkable and due to the increasing prevalence of this disease, it is expected to increase gradually. Having insights into the costs associated with the disease provide an excellent opportunity for health policymakers and managers to effectively improve resource allocation.