Cost associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a retrospective claims data analysis in Germany

Aim: Quantify hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) costs in German patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)and follicular lymphoma (FL). Methods: The primary outcome was direct and indirect costs in patients with ALL/DLBCL/FL who received HSCT between 2010 and 2014. Costs were evaluated two to four quarters before to eight quarters after HSCT. Results: Among 258 patients with HSCT, direct costs were Euro290,125/patient (pediatric ALL), Euro246,266/patient (adult ALL), Euro230,399/patient (DLBCL/FL allogeneic) and Euro107,457/patient (DLBCL/FL autologous). Indirect costs with HSCT were Euro52,939/patient (adult ALL), Euro20,285/patient (DLBCL/FL allogeneic) and Euro29,881/patient (DLBCL/FL autologous). Conclusion: Direct and indirect costs associated with HSCT are substantial for patients with ALL, DLBCL and FL. Novel therapies that reduce HSCT use could reduce medical costs.