High Costs of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment Revealed in New Study

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences have conducted a study on the direct costs and cost drivers of perioperative and adjuvant systemic treatments for stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Jordan. The study used micro-costing methodology to analyze direct medical expenses, including drug acquisition, preparation, administration, pre/post-medications, diagnostics, labor, and wastage costs. The findings highlight the substantial economic impact and cost variability among treatment regimens, with targeted/immunotherapy agents significantly increasing costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed 26 assessed regimens, including 2 targeted therapy, 10 chemotherapy, 10 chemo-immunotherapy, and 4 immunotherapy, and found that targeted/immunotherapy agents significantly increased costs.
  • Chemotherapy regimen cost differences ranged from $633.68 (squamous) to $1,763.91 (non-squamous) per cycle.
  • Antineoplastic agents were the primary cost drivers, with the highest cost driver being Durvalumab (98.72% of cycle cost).
  • Laboratory costs comprised up to 50.73% in chemotherapy and 7.24% in immunotherapy regimens.
  • Wastage contributed up to 10.36% of total cycle costs.
  • Average administration cost was $35 per cycle.
  • Maximum cycle costs were: targeted therapy ($7,206.44), immunotherapy ($9,057.71), immune-chemotherapy ($11,358.43), and chemotherapy ($2,300.72).
  • The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive and precise cost analysis to inform healthcare policies and clinical practices.
  • Future research should focus on cost-effectiveness analyses of these expensive agents to ensure value for money, support evidence-based decision-making, and strengthen price negotiations with suppliers.

Statistics:

  • 26 regimens were assessed in the study, including targeted therapy, chemotherapy, chemo-immunotherapy, and immunotherapy.
  • The cost of Durvalumab was 98.72% of the cycle cost.
  • Laboratory costs comprised up to 50.73% in chemotherapy and 7.24% in immunotherapy regimens.
  • Wastage contributed up to 10.36% of total cycle costs.
  • Average administration cost was $35 per cycle.
  • Maximum cycle costs ranged from $2,300.72 for chemotherapy to $11,358.43 for immune-chemotherapy.

Sources:

  • Comparative Cost Analysis for Direct Medical Costs of Protocol Administration of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment Regimens in Curative Intent: A Micro-Costing Study in Jordan. ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research, 2025, Volume 17(Issue 1):455-471.
  • NewsRx. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Researchers Have Provided New Study Findings on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Comparative Cost Analysis for Direct Medical Costs of Protocol Administration of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment Regimens in ...). Immunotherapy Weekly. July 30, 2025; p 949.