Economic Evaluation of First-Line Treatments for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in A Health Resource–Limited Setting

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032530
• Publication Date: 2012-03-08T22:01:30Z
• Authors: Bin Wu; Baijun Dong; Yuejuan Xu; Qiang Zhang; Jinfang Shen; Huafeng Chen; Wei Xue
• Keywords: Economic Analysis; Health Economics

Background To estimate, from the perspective of Chinese healthcare system, economic outcomes five different first-line strategies among patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Methods and Findings A decision-analytic model was developed to simulate lifetime disease course associated carcinoma. The health (interferon-alfa, interleukin-2, interleukin-2 plus interferon-alfa, sunitinib bevacizumab interferon-alfa) were estimated assessed by indirect comparison. clinical utility data taken published studies. cost local charge current practices. Sensitivity analyses used explore impact uncertainty regarding results. patient assistant program (SPAP) evaluated via scenario analysis. base-case analysis showed that strategy yielded maximum benefits: 2.71 life years 1.40 quality-adjusted life-years (QALY). marginal cost-effectiveness (cost per additional QALY) gained compared conventional $220,384 (without SPAP, interferon-alfa dominated) $16,993 (with dominated). In general, results sensitive hazard ratio progression-free survival. probabilistic sensitivity demonstrated SPAP most cost-effective approach when willingness-to-pay threshold over $16,000. Conclusions Our suggests traditional cytokine therapy is option in setting. some relatively regions, may be a favorable alternative for mRCC.