The cost-effectiveness of high dose chemotherapy in the treatment of relapsed Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

As part of an NHS Executive Trent regional initiative we considered the role and cost-effectiveness of high dose chemotherapy in the treatment of relapsed Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The key trials and case series show an additional patient benefit of 0.8-1.1 life years over standard chemotherapy. We estimate incremental cost per life year gained of 12 800 pound silver-17 600 pound silver, which reduces further if long-term benefits are considered. High dose chemotherapy in these conditions is both life-saving and cost-effective.