Cost Structure and Clinical Outcome of a Stem Cell Transplantation Program in a Developing Country: The Experience in Northeast Mexico

Abstract

Background and Objective. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in developing countries is cost-limited. Our primary goal was to determine the cost structure for the HSCT program model developed over the last decade at our public university hospital and to assess its clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods. Adults and children receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant from January 2010 to February 2011 at our hematology regional reference center were included. Laboratory tests, medical procedures, chemotherapy drugs, other drugs, and hospitalization costs were scrutinized to calculate the total cost for each patient and the median cost for the procedure. Data regarding clinical evolution were incorporated into the analysis. Physician fees are not charged at the institution and therefore were not included.

The effect of intra‐articular injection of autologous bone marrow stem cells on pain and knee function in patients with osteoarthritis

“…As mentioned before, we decided to use autologous BM because it has a higher concentration of SC in less volume, and has an easier access, also this protocol is financially sustainable, is carried out totally in an outpatient setting and we have experience performing it for hematologic and non-hematologic diseases. 9,16 Systemic mobilization of SC and other BM precursors (CD34 + ) using growth factors represents minimum manipulation and consequently a reduction in the risk of introducing viruses and prions. 17,18 Therefore, we used SC from BM stimulated in vivo.…”

Haematopoietic cell transplants in Latin America

“…This reduces costs and requires less infrastructure. 10-13 Costs of autotransplants in Latin America range from $10,000-50,000 USD and allotransplants from $20,000-$100,000 USD. h Median costs are about one-half or less than similar transplants in Europe and North America.…”

Establishing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit in Resource Limited Setting: A Critical Analysis of Indian Council of Medical Research 2017 Guidelines

“…The cost to patient is quite variable across the globe. While costing in India and Mexico is US$ 17,194 and 12,500, cost of HSCT in Europe and America is comparatively very high, US$ 120,000 [22–24]. As the GDP per capital of these countries are different and health care support is also not matching, it is not prudent to consider these cost figures as direct difference due to geography.…”

“…Patient data and clinical records should be pooled to increase the experience and knowledge. Fund raising and awareness for it are essential components for arranging the cost [22]. State sponsorship and donation/help from nongovernment organization must be active for HSCT programme.…”