Cost-effectiveness analysis of lung cancer screening

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early diagnosis of lung cancer by useing low-dose computed tomography in the pre-clinical stage of the disease. This intervention can start early in the asymptomatic stage of the disease therefore leading to better clinical outcomes.

Method: This study is an economical evaluation of cost-effectiveness of this early dignosis. Costs were obtained by using the Delphi method and experts' opinion. The sensitivity of diagnostic tests were also obtained by systematic review of the utility and effectiveness of valid studies. Tree age Software was used for data analysis. Modeling methods such as decision tree and Markov model were also, used. Appropriate time horizon was determined after modeling data extraction based on health system approach. Finally, to confront non-confidence, a probablity sensitivity analysis was performed.

Result: The sensitivity of diagnostic tests were extracted from systematic review studies. Based on the HSROC model, the sensitivity and specificity weights were 0/853465 and 0/929493. The costs obtained in this study were in according with the diagnosis and treatment process, respectively surgery (36914420), chemotherapy (0) and radiotherapy (10533224) for the Stage Curative NSCLC and for the Non Curative Stage 19338774, 30024762, 15887604, respectively.

Conclusion: Results: Costs on the lower stages were lower than the costs on the higher stages.The results of this study showed that screening is effective in patients with entry criteria due to the high sensitivity of low-dose computed tomography and lower diagnostic and treatment costs. Such a high degree of utility and effectiveness in lower stages based on its ICER analysis proves the cost effectiveness of this method. And the prevalence rate of lung cancer was an influencing factor in the results of cost effectiveness.