OBJECTIVES:To calculate the indirect costs associated with diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) and establish the extent to which it is possible to obtain accurate and reliable data about indirect costs from public sources.

METHODS:The study was a retrospective case-study analysis, conducted by using available electronic databases and by using data delivered directly from Social Insurance Agency (Slovakia). For the data calculation, the „bottom-up“ approach was performed, which helped us identify, quantify and value resources in a disaggregated way, so that each element of the indirect costs was estimated individually and they were summed up at the end. Indirect costs were calculated for a model patient with MM during the first 12 months after confirmed diagnosis.

RESULTS:Based on available resources, following indirect costs were identified (% from total indirect costs and equivalent of 2018 USD) within first 12 months after MM diagnosis: costs associated with absence from work due to illness (Sickness benefit) €2 813.28 (2%, $3 435), costs associated with loss of productivity (taxes, other deductions required by law) €2 542 (2%, $3 104) and costs associated with potential productivity loss due to premature death due to cancer €128 179 (96%, $156 507). Costs associated with invalidity due to multiple myeloma €1 503 ($1 835) and costs associated with long term disability due to multiple myeloma €17 636 ($21 533) were excluded, since their occurrence within first 12 months was questionable and not confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS:The indirect cost estimates were calculated from reliable sources and were close to reality, but still - the accuracy and reliability of indirect cost data can be considered as questionable, since agencies provided information about patients with C90 diagnosis (not C90.0). However, this study has important role for starting the serious discussion about indirect cost data quality and availability, even though it is not required for HTA processes.