Less Medication – fewer adverse reactions

With this study, in which lower doses of medication are given to patients with blood cancer at Odense University Hospital, researchers are investigating whether it can improve quality of life and reduce costs.

The study supported by the Vissing Foundation is investigating whether lower doses of medication are equally effective in patients with blood cancer – but with fewer adverse reactions and better quality of life. At the same time, the lower doses could mean considerable savings for the health services.

“Traditionally, cancer treatment has been based on the highest possible dose that the patient can tolerate. However, recent research shows that in many cases lower doses can be equally effective – and at the same time have fewer adverse effects such as tiredness, infections and the need for hospitalisation,” explains Kim Theilgaard-Mönch, Clinical Professor of Haematology at the Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, and Odense University Hospital.

The number of cancer patients is expected to increase noticeably in the years ahead, especially as the population becomes older. At the same time, new and effective cancer medication is very expensive – often costing about DKK 400,000 per patient per year. It is therefore important to find forms of treatment that are both beneficial for patients and economically sustainable for the health services.

“In our clinical studies we are investigating whether a lower dose of a new combination treatment for blood cancer can reduce adverse effects, preserve the effects of the treatment, and reduce the costs of medication. The first results from more than 100 patients show that at lower doses there are fewer adverse effects, with equally effective treatment, and an average saving of about DKK 400,000 per patient,” says Kim Theilgaard-Mönch.

The study also includes advanced laboratory trials, in which researchers test different forms of medication directly on cancer cells from patients with blood cancer (AML). These analyses may help to find new and more effective treatment combinations – especially for patients who do not benefit from the current treatment. In the long term, these results may lead to new clinical studies and better ways to treat patients who are severely ill.