Health economics of immunoglobulin in haematological malignancies

Immunoglobulin (Ig) is a common intervention to prevent infections in patients with haematological malignancies who have hypogammaglobulinaemia (HGG), or low IgG, and/or a history of recurrent infections. Ig products are fractionated from human plasma through a complex and costly process. In Australia, the cost of Ig in 2023-2024 was AU$1,014 million and acquired HGG secondary to haematological malignancies or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation was the indication for which the most Ig was issued. Despite the high economic burden to the health system, the effectiveness, cost, and cost-effectiveness of Ig treatment in patients with haematological malignancies remains uncertain.