Both S1 and
XELOX (capecitabine+oxaliplatin) have been recommended as an adjuvant treatment for
gastric cancer according to the guidelines of the National Comprehensive
Cancer Network (NCCN). This study compared the two regimens in terms of monetary costs, assuming equal efficacy of both regimens.
Chemotherapy cost data of 188 patients were collected from the medical records, 91 for the S1 group and 97 for
XELOX. Costs were classified as direct costs (
chemotherapy, hospitalization, venous access, and tests), adverse event-related treatments costs, and societal (travel and time) costs. The total direct costs of S1 and
XELOX per cycle per patient were $1938±236 and $2317±315, respectively. S1 cost $27 and $9 less than
XELOX on total adverse event-related costs and societal costs, respectively. The total costs of S1 and
XELOX were $1994±322 versus $2410±391 per cycle per patient, respectively. The total cost of S1 was 17.3% less than that of
XELOX for the average patient. All the differences were statistically significant. S1, compared with
XELOX, could be a more affordable option as an adjuvant treatment for
gastric cancer when all healthcare resources are taken into account in China.