Cost-Effectiveness of Ibrutinib for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment in India: Is Evidence Really at Crossroads?

Abstract

In recent years, newer drugs, such as ibrutinib, have shown promising improvements in the survival of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Despite their effectiveness, concerns about their cost have arisen, prompting the need for an evaluation of their cost-effectiveness. However, recent assessments of ibrutinib’s cost-effectiveness for treating CLL in India reveal divergent conclusions. The discord centers on divergent cost-effectiveness thresholds, comparator regimens, cost calculations, and outcome valuation approaches. Such discrepancies affect public health decisions and patient care. The recommendation calls for adherence to methodological guidelines by future studies, fostering consistent findings to empower policy makers and clinicians in leveraging economic evidence for informed decision making in CLL treatment strategies.