Graft-versus-host disease cost-effectiveness of therapy

Cost-effectiveness of therapy focuses on the use of balance of medical expenses and therapeutic efficacy. In the case of GvHD therapy, corticosteroids are the least expensive treatment option, and alternative immunosuppressants or biologics are more expensive.

Corticosteroids are the most cost-effective therapy for GvHD. Prednisone and methylprednisolone are available at very low cost. If corticosteroids can be used, these should be given first. Second-line therapies such as alternative immunosuppressants are significantly more expensive. The most expensive therapies include biologics (such as antibodies) and cell-based therapies such as mesenchymal stem cell therapy.