A systematic literature review of cardiovascular event utilities

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) results in half of the non-communicable disease-related deaths worldwide. Rising treatment costs have increased the need for cost-utility models designed to compare the value of new and existing therapies. Cost-utility models require utilities, values representing the strength of preferences for various health states. This systematic literature review aimed to identify and evaluate utilities reported for stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and angina. In total, 83 unique studies were identified that reported utilities for these events. Approximately two-thirds reported utility values for stroke, and most used the EuroQoL five dimension to derive utilities. Utility values were lower in patients who experienced cardiovascular (CV) events than in patients who did not. The utility estimates for each condition varied greatly, likely due to differences in assessment methodologies and patient populations. This variability must be considered when choosing values for cost-utility models. Comparisons among reported utilities are further complicated by inconsistent CV event definitions.

Utilization of intravenous bisphosphonates in patients with bone metastases secondary to breast, lung, or prostate cancer

Purpose

Cancer patients with bone metastases (BMets) are predisposed to skeletal complications. Bone-targeted therapies such as denosumab or intravenous bisphosphonates (IVBs) reduce the risk of these complications. This study characterized patterns of IVB use in these patients in the USA.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational study using the Truven Health MarketScan® Commercial and Medicare databases (2002–2011). Subjects with ≥1 claims of diagnosis of breast, lung, or prostate cancer (BC, LC, or PC) and ≥1 claims of BMets diagnosis were included. The date of first BMet diagnosis claim was the “index date.” Key exclusion criteria were diagnosis of other primary cancer, receipt of IVB, or <6 months continuous enrollment pre-index. Cumulative incidence of treatment initiation, interruption, and discontinuation were estimated. Proportions of IVB claims with chemotherapy administered on the same day and with renal monitoring within 2 weeks prior were summarized. Multivariate regressions assessing factors associated with IVB initiation were conducted.

Results

Cumulative incidence of IVB initiation at 12 months post-index was greatest for BC followed by PC and LC, and it declined with age in all tumor types, e.g., in BC from 62 % at age <50 years to 47 % at age ≥75 years. At 12 months, IVB treatment interruption ranged from 16 % (LC) to 31 % (PC), with discontinuation ranging from 46 % (BC) to 83 % (LC).

Conclusions

IVBs are used more frequently in patients with BMets secondary to BC than PC or LC. Many patients interrupt or discontinue IVB therapy within 12 months of initiation potentially impacting effectiveness.

Utilities associated with subcutaneous injections and intravenous infusions for treatment of patients with bone metastases

INTRODUCTION

Although cost-utility models are often used to estimate the value of treatments for metastatic cancer, limited information is available on the utility of common treatment modalities. Bisphosphonate treatment for bone metastases is frequently administered via intravenous infusion, while a newer treatment is administered as a subcutaneous injection. This study estimated the impact of these treatment modalities on health state preference.

METHODS

Participants from the UK general population completed time trade-off interviews to assess the utility of health state vignettes. Respondents first rated a health state representing cancer with bone metastases. Subsequent health states added descriptions of treatment modalities (ie, injection or infusion) to this basic health state. The two treatment modalities were presented with and without chemotherapy, and infusion characteristics were varied by duration (30 minutes or 2 hours) and renal monitoring.

RESULTS

A total of 121 participants completed the interviews (52.1% female, 76.9% white). Cancer with bone metastases had a mean utility of 0.40 on a standard utility scale (1 = full health; 0 = dead). The injection, 30-minute infusion, and 2-hour infusion had mean disutilities of -0.004, -0.02, and -0.04, respectively. The mean disutility of the 30-minute infusion was greater with renal monitoring than without. Chemotherapy was associated with substantial disutility (-0.17). When added to health states with chemotherapy, the mean disutilities of injection, 30-minute infusion, and 2-hour infusion were -0.02, -0.03, and -0.04, respectively. The disutility associated with injection was significantly lower than the disutility of the 30-minute and 2-hour infusions (P < 0.05), regardless of chemotherapy status.

CONCLUSION

Respondents perceived an inconvenience with each type of treatment modality, but injections were preferred over infusions. The resulting utilities may be used in cost-utility models examining the value of treatments for the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastases.

Natural history of skeletal-related events in patients with breast, lung, or prostate cancer and metastases to bone: a 15-year study in two large US health systems

PURPOSE

To document the risk of skeletal complications in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer (BC), lung cancer (LC), or prostate cancer (PC) in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

We used data from two large US health systems to identify patients aged ≥18 years with primary BC, LC, or PC and newly diagnosed bone metastases between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2009. Beginning with the date of diagnosis of bone metastasis, we estimated the cumulative incidence of skeletal-related events (SREs) (spinal cord compression, pathologic fracture, radiation to bone, bone surgery), based on review of medical records, accounting for death as a competing risk.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 621 BC, 477 LC, and 721 PC patients with newly diagnosed bone metastases. SREs were present at diagnosis of bone metastasis in 22.4, 22.4, and 10.0 % of BC, LC, and PC patients, respectively. Relatively few LC or PC patients received intravenous bisphosphonates (14.8 and 20.2 %, respectively); use was higher in patients with BC, however (55.8 %). In BC, cumulative incidence of SREs during follow-up was 38.7 % at 6 months, 45.4 % at 12 months, and 54.2 % at 24 months; in LC, it was 41.0, 45.4, and 47.7 %; and in PC, it was 21.5, 30.4, and 41.9 %. More than one half of patients with bone metastases had evidence of SREs (BC: 62.6 %; LC: 58.7 %; PC: 51.7 %), either at diagnosis of bone metastases or subsequently.

CONCLUSIONS

SREs are a frequent complication in patients with solid tumors and bone metastases, and are much more common than previously recognized in women with BC.

Consensus guidelines from The American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies on standardizing the delivery of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in colorectal cancer patients in the United States

BACKGROUND

The American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (ASPSM) is a consortium of cancer centers performing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This is a position paper from the ASPSM on the standardization of the delivery of HIPEC.

METHODS

A survey was conducted of all cancer centers performing HIPEC in the United States. We attempted to obtain consensus by the modified method of Delphi on seven key HIPEC parameters: (1) method, (2) inflow temperature, (3) perfusate volume, (4) drug, (5) dosage, (6) timing of drug delivery, and (7) total perfusion time. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

Response rates for ASPSM members (n = 45) and non-ASPSM members (n = 24) were 89 and 33 %, respectively. Of the responders from ASPSM members, 95 % agreed with implementing the proposal. Majority of the surgical oncologists favored the closed method of delivery with a standardized dual dose of mitomycin for a 90-min chemoperfusion for patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin.

CONCLUSIONS

This recommendation on a standardized delivery of HIPEC in patients with colorectal cancer represents an important first step in enhancing research in this field. Studies directed at maximizing the efficacy of each of the seven key elements will need to follow.

Utilization of intravenous bisphosphonates (IVBs) in patients with bone metastases (BMets) secondary to breast, lung, or prostate cancer (BC, LC, PC)

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Background: Cancer patients with BMets are predisposed to skeletal complications. Bone targeted therapies such as denosumab or IVBs reduce the risk of these complications. The objective of this study was to characterize patterns of IVB use in these patients. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study using the Thomson MedStat MarketScan Commercial and Medicare databases (9/02 - 6/11). Subjects were all persons with ≥1 claim with a diagnosis (Dx) of BC, LC, or PC and ≥1 claim with a Dx of BMets. The date of first BMet Dx claim was the “index date”. Key exclusion criteria were Dx of other primary cancer, receipt of IVB pre-index, or <6 mos continuous enrollment pre-index. Cumulative incidence of treatment initiation (first IVB claim, death as competing risk), interruption (gap of >60 days between IVB claims, discontinuation as competing risk), and discontinuation (last IVB claim) were analyzed. Results: Cumulative incidence of initiation of IVB at 12 mos post-index was greatest for BC followed by PC and LC (Table). IVB treatment interruption at 12 mos ranged from 16% (LC) to 31% (PC). IVB treatment discontinuation at 12 mos ranged from 46% (BC) to 83% (LC). Cumulative incidence of initiation of IVB at 12 mos declined with age in all tumor types: e.g., in BC, from 62% at age<50 years to 47% at age 75+ years. Conclusions: IVBs are used more frequently in patients with BMets secondary to BC than PC or LC. Many patients interrupt or discontinue IVB therapy within 12 mos. of initiation, potentially impacting effectiveness. [Table: see text]

Trends in use of intravenous bisphosphonates in patients with prostate cancer and newly diagnosed metastases to bone in two large U.S. integrated health systems

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Background: Bone is a common site of metastatic involvement in patients (pts) with prostate cancer (PC). Bony metastases (mets) are associated with skeletal complications, which can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Intravenous bisphosphonates (IV BPs) have been proven to reduce the incidence and onset of skeletal complications. Patterns of use of IV BPs in clinical practice in pts with bone mets due to PC are largely unknown. Methods: Using the tumor registries and electronic data stores at two large US integrated health systems that serve a total of approximately 1.3 million persons, we retrospectively identified all pts aged ≥18 yrs with primary PC and newly diagnosed bone mets between 1/1/95 and 12/31/09. Information on all administrations of IV BPs between date of diagnosis of bone mets and death, loss to follow-up, or end of study was extracted from administrative data stores and electronic medical records, which also were reviewed by trained medical abstractors for evidence of skeletal-related events (SREs) (spinal cord compression, pathologic fracture, surgery to bone, radiation to bone). Results: We identified a total of 461 pts with primary PC and newly diagnosed bone mets. Mean (SD) age was 72.8 yrs (10.7 yrs); 75% were Caucasian, and 21% were African-American. Median duration of follow-up after diagnosis of bone mets was 1.3 yrs. One-fifth (20.2%) of study subjects received IV BPs (92% zoledronic acid, 8% pamidronate) during follow-up--10.8% prior to, and 9.3% after, first on-study SRE. Median time from diagnosis of bone mets to first administration of IV BPs was 1.7 yrs, and the median number of administrations was 3. The percentage of study subjects receiving IV BPs increased steadily over the 15-yr study period--from 7.5% among those newly diagnosed with bone mets in 1995-1999, to 19.8% among those newly diagnosed with bone mets in 2000-2004, to 27.5% among those newly diagnosed with bone mets in 2005-2009. Conclusions: Despite a high risk of SREs in pts with PC and bone mets, most such pts still do not receive IV BPs.

Clinical benefit in patients with metastatic bone disease: results of a phase 3 study of denosumab versus zoledronic acid

BACKGROUND

Patients with metastatic bone disease are living longer in the metastatic stage due to improvements in cancer therapy, making strategies to prevent the aggravation of bone disease and its complications, such as skeletal-related events (SREs) and pain, increasingly important.

PATIENTS AND RESULTS

In this phase 3 trial in patients with advanced cancer (excluding breast and prostate cancer) or multiple myeloma, denosumab reduced the risk of radiation to bone by 22% relative to zoledronic acid (P = 0.026), prevented worsening of pain and pain interference (2-point increase in Brief Pain Inventory score; P < 0.05 versus zoledronic acid), and reduced the frequency of a shift from no/weak opioid analgesic use to strong opioids (P < 0.05 versus zoledronic acid at months 3-5). Denosumab delayed the time to moderate-to-severe pain compared with zoledronic acid in patients with mild or no pain at the baseline (P = 0.04), supporting early treatment. Health-related quality-of-life scores were similar in both groups. The number needed to treat to avoid one SRE for denosumab was 3 patient-years versus placebo and 10 patient-years versus zoledronic acid.

CONCLUSION

The use of denosumab was associated with better prevention of the complications of metastatic bone disease secondary to solid tumors or multiple myeloma versus zoledronic acid.

Cost of palliative radiation to the bone for patients with bone metastases secondary to breast or prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

To estimate the costs (paid amounts) of palliative radiation episodes of care (REOCs) to the bone for patients with bone metastases secondary to breast or prostate cancer.

METHODS

Claims-linked medical records from patients at 98 cancer treatment centers in 16 US states were analyzed. Inclusion criteria included a primary neoplasm of breast or prostate cancer with a secondary neoplasm of bone metastases; ≥2 visits to ≥1 radiation center during the study period (1 July 2008 through 31 December 2009) on or after the metastatic cancer diagnosis date; radiation therapy to ≥1 bone site; and ≥1 complete REOC as evidenced by a >30-day gap pre- and post-radiation therapy.

RESULTS

The total number of REOCs was 220 for 207 breast cancer patients and 233 for 213 prostate cancer patients. In the main analysis (which excluded records with unpopulated costs) the median number of fractions per a REOC for treatment of metastases was 10. Mean total radiation costs (i.e., radiation direct cost + cost of radiation-related procedures and visits) per REOC were $7457 for patients with breast cancer and $7553 for patients with prostate cancer. Results were consistent in sensitivity analyses excluding patients with unpopulated costs.

CONCLUSIONS

In the US, current use of radiation therapy for bone metastases is relatively costly and the use of multi-fraction schedules remains prevalent.

Health care utilization and costs associated with skeletal-related events (SREs) in patients with breast cancer (BC) and bone metastases (BMets)

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Background: Patients with BMets secondary to BC are predisposed to SREs, defined as spinal cord compression (SCC), pathologic fracture (PF), surgery to bone (SB), and radiation therapy to bone (RT). Information on health care utilization and costs to treat SRE episodes in BC patients are limited. The objective of this study was to document current patterns of healthcare utilization and costs of SRE in patients with BC and BMets. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study using the Thomson MedStat MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database from 9/2002 to 6/2011. Study subjects included all persons with claims for BC (ICD-9-CM 174.xx) and for BMets (ICD-9-CM 170.xx or 198.5x), and ≥1 claim(s) for SRE. Key inclusion criteria included no other primary cancer and continuous enrollment ≥6 mos prior to BMets diagnosis. Unique SRE episodes were identified based on a gap of ≥90 days without an SRE claim, and classified by treatment setting (inpatient [IP, hospitalized for SRE during episode] or outpatient [OP]) and SRE type (SCC; PF [and no SCC]; SB [and no SCC or PF]; RT [and no SCC, PF, or SB]). Results: Of 22,709 BC patients with BMets, 11,941 had ≥1 SRE. Among 5,809 patients who met all other criteria, there were 7,617 SRE episodes over a mean (SD) follow-up of 17.2 (15.2) mos. The percent of SRE episodes that required IP treatment ranged from 11% (RT) - 76% (SB) (23% overall). On average, IP SCC episodes were most costly; while OP PF episodes were least costly. Of the total SRE costs (mean [SD] $21,072 [$36,462]/episode), 36% were for OP RT and 31% were for IP PF. Conclusions: In patients with BC and BMets, SREs are frequent and associated with high costs and hospitalizations. OP RT and IP PF account for a large share of SRE costs. Treatments that prevent SREs in these patients may reduce these costs. [Table: see text]

Risk of skeletal-related events (SREs) in patients with breast cancer (BC) and newly diagnosed metastases to bone

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Background: Bone is a common site of metastatic involvement in patients (pts) with BC. Bony metastases (mets) are often associated with SREs (spinal cord compression [SCC], pathologic fracture [PF], surgery to bone [SB], radiotherapy to bone [RT]). Skeletal complications cause significant morbidity and mortality. Current estimates of SRE risk come principally from randomized clinical trials. Information from routine clinical practice is limited. Methods: Using the tumor registry and electronic data stores at a large U.S. Midwest healthcare system that serves approximately 800,000 persons, we retrospectively identified all pts aged ≥18 yrs with primary BC and newly diagnosed bone mets between 1/1/95 and 12/31/09. Electronic medical records were reviewed by trained abstractors for evidence of SREs between date of bone mets diagnosis and death, loss to follow-up, or end of study. Cumulative incidence of SREs was estimated in the presence of competing risk of death. Results: We identified a total of 378 pts with primary BC and newly diagnosed bone mets; 87 pts had evidence of SREs at initial diagnosis of bone mets and were excluded from the analyses. Among the remaining 291 pts, mean (SD) age was 58.2 yrs (14.3 yrs), and 99% were women; 48% were African-American and 46% were Caucasian. Median duration of follow-up after diagnosis of bone mets was 16.1 months (mos). At 12 mos, cumulative incidence of SREs was 44.5% (SCC, 5.2%; PF, 21.0%; SCC and/or PF, 23.3%; SB, 7.6%; RT, 34.3%) (Table). Corresponding figures at 24 mos were 53.8% (SCC, 7.5%; PF, 29.3%; SCC and/or PF, 32.5%; SB, 9.4%; RT, 41.7%). Approximately one-half (45.0%) of study subjects received intravenous bisphosphonates prior to SRE. Conclusions: Pts with BC in routine clinical practice are at high risk of SREs following initial diagnosis of bone mets. [Table: see text]