OBJECTIVES: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. This study aims to calculate the annual treatment costs for GIST and non-GIST soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) in Turkiye.

METHODS: Data were collected using the Delphi Panel method; expert opinions were gathered from four oncologists with experience in cancer treatment. The standardized questionnaire consisted of questions eliciting the opinions of the expert panelists on the clinical characteristics of patients with GIST and non-GIST STSs. Analyses were conducted using Microsoft Office Excel from the perspective of a reimbursement agency. First, the costs of specific treatments for GIST and non-GIST STSs were calculated separately. Treatments were categorized as examinations (laboratory and imaging tests), follow-up and hospitalization (radiotherapy, surgical interventions, outpatient treatment, and hospitalization) or medication (chemotherapy and other medications). Next, the total costs for all treatments during the progression-free period, the post-progression period, and terminal care were calculated.

RESULTS: The annual cost per patient for GIST treatment was 126,988 TL, 251,042 TL, and 149,059 TL for the progression-free, post-progression, and terminal care periods, respectively in Turkiye. The annual cost per patient for non-GIST STSs treatment was 29,102 TL, 113,097 TL, and 33,810 TL for the progression-free, post-progression, and terminal care periods, respectively in Turkiye. Medication accounted for the highest costs in all periods.

CONCLUSIONS: It is important for decision makers to understand the costs of treating a disease. The study aims to help decision makers who assess health technology evaluate new treatment options for GIST and non-GIST STSs.