The Cost of Nephroblastoma Treatment in South Africa: A Very Cost-Effective Investment with Guidelines for the Rest of Africa
S. Afr. j. child health (Online)
;
8(4): 128-132, 2014.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1270439
ABSTRACT
Background. Nephroblastoma is one of the most common childhood malignancies in Africa; but with a survival rate significantly lower than in developed countries. In African countries with a small gross domestic product (GDP) per capita; the cost of treating nephroblastoma may be prohibitive. Objectives. To determine the direct costs of treatment of nephroblastoma in South Africa (SA) and to propose a more cost-effective approach to investigations and treatment for the disease in Africa. Methods. Data from 2000 - 2010 from two SA paediatric oncology units were retrospectively analysed. The costs included investigations; chemotherapy and radiotherapy; comparing early-v. advanced-stage disease. In both units; the nephroblastoma International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) protocol was used. Results. Stage I disease was the most common; followed by stage IV. The total cost of diagnosis; staging and treatment of stage I disease was ZAR9 304.97 (EUR882.80 or USD1 093.40); compared with a five-times higher cost for stage IV (ZAR48 293.62 (EUR4 581.9 or USD5 674.9)). Treating one patient averted more than 32 disability adjusted life years. The investigation and treatment of early- and advanced-stage disease is very cost-effective when compared with the local GDP per capita. Conclusion. The cost of investigation and treatment of nephroblastoma remains a challenge everywhere; but especially in Africa. However; it is a very cost-effective disease to treat and children in Africa should not be denied treatment
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Guideline
/
Cost-Benefit Analysis
/
Cost of Illness
/
Wilms Tumor
/
Neoplasm Staging
Type of study:
Practice guideline
/
Health economic evaluation
Language:
English
Journal:
S. Afr. j. child health (Online)
Year:
2014
Type:
Article
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