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Bayani DB, Lin YC, Nagarajan C, Ooi MG, Tso ACY, Cairns J, Wee HL. Modeling First-Line Daratumumab Use for Newly Diagnosed, Transplant-Ineligible, Multiple Myeloma: A Cost-Effectiveness and Risk Analysis for Healthcare Payers. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2024:10.1007/s41669-024-00503-9. [PMID: 38900407 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-024-00503-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of two regimens regarded as the standard of care for the treatment of newly diagnosed, transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma in Singapore: (1) daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone and (2) bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. Additionally, it aimed to explore potential strategies to manage decision uncertainty and mitigate financial risk. METHODS A cost-effectiveness analysis from the healthcare system perspective was conducted using a partitioned survival model to estimate lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) associated with daratumumab-based treatment and the bortezomib-based regimen. The analysis used data from the MAIA and SWOG S0777 trials and incorporated local real-world data where available. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the findings, and a risk analysis was conducted to analyze various payer strategies in terms of their payer strategy and uncertainty burden (P-SUB), which account for the decision uncertainty and the additional cost of choosing a suboptimal intervention. RESULTS The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (DRd) compared with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRd) was US $90,364 per QALY gained. The results were sensitive to variations in survival for DRd, postprogression treatment costs, cost of hospice care, and hazard ratio for progression-free survival. The scenarios explored indicated that structural assumptions, such as the time horizon of the analysis, significantly influenced the results due to uncertainties arising from immature trial data and treatment efficacy over time. Among the various payer strategies compared, an upfront price discount for daratumumab emerged as the best approach with the lowest P-SUB at US $14,708. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study finds that daratumumab as a first-line treatment for myeloma exceeds the cost-effectiveness threshold considered in this evaluation. An upfront price reduction is the recommended strategy to manage uncertainties and mitigate financial risks. These findings highlight the importance of targeted payer strategies to address specific types and sources of uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Beatriz Bayani
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117549, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Yihao Clement Lin
- Department of Hematology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Melissa G Ooi
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - John Cairns
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hwee Lin Wee
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Monnickendam G. Assessing the Performance of Alternative Methods for Estimating Long-Term Survival Benefit of Immuno-oncology Therapies. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2024; 27:746-754. [PMID: 38428815 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the accuracy and consistency of established methods of extrapolating mean survival for immuno-oncology (IO) therapies, the extent of any systematic biases in estimating long-term clinical benefit, what influences the magnitude of any bias, and the potential implications for health technology assessment. METHODS A targeted literature search was conducted to identify published long-term follow-up from clinical trials of immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Earlier published results were identified and Kaplan-Meier estimates for short- and long-term follow-up were digitized and converted to pseudo-individual patient data using an established algorithm. Six standard parametric, 5 flexible parametric, and 2 mixture-cure models (MCMs) were used to extrapolate long-term survival. Mean and restricted mean survival time (RMST) were estimated and compared between short- and long-term follow-up. RESULTS Predicted RMST from extrapolation of early data underestimated observed RMST in long-term follow-up for 184 of 271 extrapolations. All models except the MCMs frequently underestimated observed RMST. Mean survival estimates increased with longer follow-up in 196 of 270 extrapolations. The increase exceeded 20% in 122 extrapolations. Log-logistic and log-normal models showed the smallest change with additional follow-up. MCM performance varied substantially with functional form. CONCLUSIONS Standard and flexible parametric models frequently underestimate mean survival for IO treatments. Log-logistic and log-normal models may be the most pragmatic and parsimonious solutions for estimating IO mean survival from immature data. Flexible parametric models may be preferred when the data used in health technology assessment are more mature. MCMs fitted to immature data produce unreliable results and are not recommended.
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Chang JYA, Chilcott JB, Latimer NR. Challenges and Opportunities in Interdisciplinary Research and Real-World Data for Treatment Sequences in Health Technology Assessments. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2024; 42:487-506. [PMID: 38558212 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-024-01363-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
With an ever-increasing number of treatment options, the assessment of treatment sequences has become crucial in health technology assessment (HTA). This review systematically explores the multifaceted challenges inherent in evaluating sequences, delving into their interplay and nuances that go beyond economic model structures. We synthesised a 'roadmap' of literature from key methodological studies, highlighting the evolution of recent advances and emerging research themes. These insights were compared against HTA guidelines to identify potential avenues for future research. Our findings reveal a spectrum of challenges in sequence evaluation, encompassing selecting appropriate decision-analytic modelling approaches and comparators, deriving appropriate clinical effectiveness evidence in the face of data scarcity, scrutinising effectiveness assumptions and statistical adjustments, considering treatment displacement, and optimising model computations. Integrating methodologies from diverse disciplines-statistics, epidemiology, causal inference, operational research and computer science-has demonstrated promise in addressing these challenges. An updated review of application studies is warranted to provide detailed insights into the extent and manner in which these methodologies have been implemented. Data scarcity on the effectiveness of treatment sequences emerged as a dominant concern, especially because treatment sequences are rarely compared in clinical trials. Real-world data (RWD) provide an alternative means for capturing evidence on effectiveness and future research should prioritise harnessing causal inference methods, particularly Target Trial Emulation, to evaluate treatment sequence effectiveness using RWD. This approach is also adaptable for analysing trials harbouring sequencing information and adjusting indirect comparisons when collating evidence from heterogeneous sources. Such investigative efforts could lend support to reviews of HTA recommendations and contribute to synthesising external control arms involving treatment sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Yu Amy Chang
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK.
| | - James B Chilcott
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Nicholas R Latimer
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
- Delta Hat Limited, Nottingham, UK
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Chen EYT, Leontyeva Y, Lin CN, Wang JD, Clements MS, Dickman PW. Comparing Survival Extrapolation within All-Cause and Relative Survival Frameworks by Standard Parametric Models and Flexible Parametric Spline Models Using the Swedish Cancer Registry. Med Decis Making 2024; 44:269-282. [PMID: 38314657 PMCID: PMC10988990 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x241227230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In health technology assessment, restricted mean survival time and life expectancy are commonly evaluated. Parametric models are typically used for extrapolation. Spline models using a relative survival framework have been shown to estimate life expectancy of cancer patients more reliably; however, more research is needed to assess spline models using an all-cause survival framework and standard parametric models using a relative survival framework. AIM To assess survival extrapolation using standard parametric models and spline models within relative survival and all-cause survival frameworks. METHODS From the Swedish Cancer Registry, we identified patients diagnosed with 5 types of cancer (colon, breast, melanoma, prostate, and chronic myeloid leukemia) between 1981 and 1990 with follow-up until 2020. Patients were categorized into 15 cancer cohorts by cancer and age group (18-59, 60-69, and 70-99 y). We right-censored the follow-up at 2, 3, 5, and 10 y and fitted the parametric models within an all-cause and a relative survival framework to extrapolate to 10 y and lifetime in comparison with the observed Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. All cohorts were modeled with 6 standard parametric models (exponential, Weibull, Gompertz, log-logistic, log-normal, and generalized gamma) and 3 spline models (on hazard, odds, and normal scales). RESULTS For predicting 10-y survival, spline models generally performed better than standard parametric models. However, using an all-cause or a relative survival framework did not show any distinct difference. For lifetime survival, extrapolating from a relative survival framework agreed better with the observed survival, particularly using spline models. CONCLUSIONS For extrapolation to 10 y, we recommend spline models. For extrapolation to lifetime, we suggest extrapolating in a relative survival framework, especially using spline models. HIGHLIGHTS For survival extrapolation to 10 y, spline models generally performed better than standard parametric models did. However, using an all-cause or a relative survival framework showed no distinct difference under the same parametric model.Survival extrapolation to lifetime within a relative survival framework agreed well with the observed data, especially using spline models.Extrapolating parametric models within an all-cause survival framework may overestimate survival proportions at lifetime; models for the relative survival approach may underestimate instead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Yi-Tung Chen
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yuliya Leontyeva
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chia-Ni Lin
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Der Wang
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mark S. Clements
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul W. Dickman
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ulfsdotter Gunnarsson K, Henriksson M, Bendtsen M. Digital Alcohol Interventions Could Be Part of the Societal Response to Harmful Consumption, but We Know Little About Their Long-Term Costs and Health Outcomes. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e44574. [PMID: 38536228 PMCID: PMC11007605 DOI: 10.2196/44574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption causes both physical and psychological harm and is a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. Digital alcohol interventions have been found to support those looking for help by giving them tools for change. However, whether digital interventions can help tackle the long-term societal consequences of harmful alcohol consumption in a cost-effective manner has not been adequately evaluated. In this Viewpoint, we propose that studies of digital alcohol interventions rarely evaluate the consequences of wider dissemination of the intervention under study, and that when they do, they do not take advantage of modeling techniques that allow for appropriately studying consequences over a longer time horizon than the study period when the intervention is tested. We argue that to help decision-makers to prioritize resources for research and dissemination, it is important to model long-term costs and health outcomes. Further, this type of modeling gives important insights into the context in which interventions are studied and highlights where more research is required and where sufficient evidence is available. The viewpoint therefore invites the researcher not only to reflect on which interventions to study but also how to evaluate their long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Henriksson
- Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marcus Bendtsen
- Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Verbeek JGE, van der Sluis K, Vollebergh MA, van Sandick JW, van Harten WH, Retèl VP. Early Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer Patients with Limited Peritoneal Carcinomatosis. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2024; 8:119-131. [PMID: 38032438 PMCID: PMC10781926 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-023-00454-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) have a poor prognosis, with a median overall survival of 10 months when treated with systemic chemotherapy only. Cohort studies showed that cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) might improve the prognosis for gastric cancer patients with limited PC. Besides generating trial data on clinical effectiveness, it is crucial to timely collect information on economic aspects to guide the reimbursement decision-making process. No previous data have been published on the cost(-effectiveness) of CRS/HIPEC in this group of patients. Therefore, we performed an early model-based cost-effectiveness analysis of CRS/HIPEC for gastric cancer patients with limited PC in the Dutch setting. METHODS We constructed a two-state (alive-dead) Markov transition model to evaluate costs and clinical outcomes from a Dutch healthcare perspective. Clinical outcomes, transition probabilities and utilities were derived from literature and verified by clinical experts in the field. Costs were measured using two available representative cohorts (2010-2017): one 'systemic chemotherapy only' cohort and one 'CRS/HIPEC' cohort (n = 10 each). Incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs) were expressed as Euros per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). We performed probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity, scenario, and value-of-information analyses using a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of €80,000/QALY, which reflects the Dutch norm for severe diseases. RESULTS In the base-case analysis, CRS/HIPEC yielded more QALYs (increment of 0.68) and more costs (increment of €34,706) compared with systemic chemotherapy only, resulting in an ICUR of €50,990/QALY. The probability that CRS/HIPEC was cost effective compared with systemic chemotherapy alone was 64%. To reduce uncertainty, the expected value of perfect information amounted to €4,021,468. The scenario analyses did not alter the results and showed that treatment costs, lifetime health-related quality of life and overall survival had the largest influence on the model. CONCLUSIONS The presented early cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that adding CRS/HIPEC to systemic chemotherapy for gastric cancer patients with limited PC has a good chance of being cost-effectiveness compared with systemic chemotherapy alone when using a WTP of €80,000/QALY. However, there is substantial uncertainty in view of the current available data on effectiveness. Results from the ongoing phase III PERISCOPE II trial are therefore crucial for further decisions on treatment policy and its cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost G E Verbeek
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 90203, 1006 BE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Karen van der Sluis
- Department of Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke A Vollebergh
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Wim H van Harten
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 90203, 1006 BE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Valesca P Retèl
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 90203, 1006 BE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Jackson CH. survextrap: a package for flexible and transparent survival extrapolation. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:282. [PMID: 38030986 PMCID: PMC10685663 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-02094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health policy decisions are often informed by estimates of long-term survival based primarily on short-term data. A range of methods are available to include longer-term information, but there has previously been no comprehensive and accessible tool for implementing these. RESULTS This paper introduces a novel model and software package for parametric survival modelling of individual-level, right-censored data, optionally combined with summary survival data on one or more time periods. It could be used to estimate long-term survival based on short-term data from a clinical trial, combined with longer-term disease registry or population data, or elicited judgements. All data sources are represented jointly in a Bayesian model. The hazard is modelled as an M-spline function, which can represent potential changes in the hazard trajectory at any time. Through Bayesian estimation, the model automatically adapts to fit the available data, and acknowledges uncertainty where the data are weak. Therefore long-term estimates are only confident if there are strong long-term data, and inferences do not rely on extrapolating parametric functions learned from short-term data. The effects of treatment or other explanatory variables can be estimated through proportional hazards or with a flexible non-proportional hazards model. Some commonly-used mechanisms for survival can also be assumed: cure models, additive hazards models with known background mortality, and models where the effect of a treatment wanes over time. All of these features are provided for the first time in an R package, survextrap, in which models can be fitted using standard R survival modelling syntax. This paper explains the model, and demonstrates the use of the package to fit a range of models to common forms of survival data used in health technology assessments. CONCLUSIONS This paper has provided a tool that makes comprehensive and principled methods for survival extrapolation easily usable.
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Zhou Y, Frampton C, Dowsey M, Choong P, Schilling C, Hirner M. Assessing the Mortality Rate After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Observational Study to Inform Future Economic Analysis. J Arthroplasty 2023; 38:2328-2335.e3. [PMID: 37279845 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.05.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has focused on the perioperative or short-term (<1 year) mortality rate of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), leaving the long-term (>1 year) mortality rate unresolved. In this study, we calculated the mortality rate up to 15 years after primary TKA. METHODS Data from the New Zealand Joint Registry from April 1998 to December 2021 were analyzed. Patients aged 45 years or older who underwent TKA for osteoarthritis were included. Mortality data were linked with national records from births, deaths, and marriages. To determine the expected mortality rates in the general population, age-sex-specific life tables from statistics New Zealand were used. Mortality rate was presented as standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) - a comparison of relative mortality rate between the TKA and general populations. In total, 98,156 patients with a median follow-up of 7.25 years (range, 0.00 to 23.74) were included. RESULTS Over the entire follow-up period, 22,938 patients (23.4%) had died. The overall SMR for the TKA cohort was 1.08 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06 to 1.09), suggesting that TKA patients have an 8% higher mortality rate compared to the general population. However, a reduction in short-term mortality rate was observed for TKA patients up to 5 years post TKA (SMR 5 years post TKA; 0.59 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.60]). On the contrary, a significantly increased long-term mortality rate was observed in TKA patients with greater than 11 years of follow-up, particularly in men over the age of 75 years (SMR 11 to 15 years post TKA for males ≥ 75 years; 3.13 [95% CI: 2.95 to 3.31]). CONCLUSION The results suggest a reduction in short-term mortality rate for patients who undergo primary TKA. However, there is an increased long-term mortality rate particularly in men over the age of 75 years. Importantly, the mortality rates observed in this study cannot be causally attributed to TKA alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushy Zhou
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris Frampton
- Department of Medicine, The University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Dowsey
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Choong
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris Schilling
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marc Hirner
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Whangarei Hospital, Whangarei, New Zealand
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Barufaldi LA, de Albuquerque RDCR, do Nascimento A, Martins LFL, Zimmermann IR, de Souza MC. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Monoclonal Antibodies Associated With Chemotherapy in First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Value Health Reg Issues 2023; 37:33-40. [PMID: 37207532 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (cetuximab and panitumumab) or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (bevacizumab) monoclonal antibodies associated with conventional chemotherapy (CT) (fluorouracil and leucovorin with irinotecan) as a first-line treatment for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer. METHODS A partitioned survival analysis model was adopted to simulate direct health costs and benefits comparing therapeutic options in a 10 years' time horizon. Model data were extracted from the literature and costs were obtained from Brazilian official government databases. The analysis considered the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System; costs were measured in local currency (BRL) and benefits in quality-adjusted life-years (QALY). A 5% discount rate was applied to costs and benefits. Alternative willingness-to-pay scenarios, varying from 3 to 5 times the cost-effectiveness threshold established in Brazil, were estimated. The results were presented incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS The most cost-effective choice would be the association of CT with panitumumab, with an ICER of $58 330.15/QALY compared with isolated CT. The second-best option was CT with bevacizumab and panitumumab, with an ICER of $71 195.40/QALY compared with panitumumab alone. Although having higher costs, the second-best option was the most effective. Both strategies were cost-effective in part of the Monte Carlo iterations, considering the 3× threshold. CONCLUSIONS The therapeutic option CT + panitumumab + bevacizumab represents the most significant effectiveness gain in our study. It is the second-lowest cost-effectiveness, and this option includes monoclonal antibodies association for patients with and without KRAS mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Barufaldi
- Health Technology Assessment Department, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Rita de C R de Albuquerque
- Health Technology Assessment Department, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Aline do Nascimento
- Health Technology Assessment Department, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luís Felipe L Martins
- Division of Surveillance and Situation Analysis, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ivan R Zimmermann
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, University of Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Mirian C de Souza
- Division of Populational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Sweeting MJ, Rutherford MJ, Jackson D, Lee S, Latimer NR, Hettle R, Lambert PC. Survival Extrapolation Incorporating General Population Mortality Using Excess Hazard and Cure Models: A Tutorial. Med Decis Making 2023; 43:737-748. [PMID: 37448102 PMCID: PMC10422853 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x231184247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different parametric survival models can lead to widely discordant extrapolations and decision uncertainty in cost-effectiveness analyses. The use of excess hazard (EH) methods, which incorporate general population mortality data, has the potential to reduce model uncertainty. This review highlights key practical considerations of EH methods for estimating long-term survival. METHODS Demonstration of methods used a case study of 686 patients from the German Breast Cancer Study Group, followed for a maximum of 7.3 y and divided into low (1/2) and high (3) grade cancers. Seven standard parametric survival models were fit to each group separately. The same 7 distributions were then used in an EH framework, which incorporated general population mortality rates, and fitted both with and without a cure parameter. Survival extrapolations, restricted mean survival time (RMST), and difference in RMST between high and low grades were compared up to 30 years along with Akaike information criterion goodness-of-fit and cure fraction estimates. The sensitivity of the EH models to lifetable misspecification was investigated. RESULTS In our case study, variability in survival extrapolations was extensive across the standard models, with 30-y RMST ranging from 7.5 to 14.3 y. Incorporation of general population mortality rates using EH cure methods substantially reduced model uncertainty, whereas EH models without cure had less of an effect. Long-term treatment effects approached the null for most models but at varying rates. Lifetable misspecification had minimal effect on RMST differences. CONCLUSIONS EH methods may be useful for survival extrapolation, and in cancer, EHs may decrease over time and be easier to extrapolate than all-cause hazards. EH cure models may be helpful when cure is plausible and likely to result in less extrapolation variability. HIGHLIGHTS In health economic modeling, to help anchor long-term survival extrapolation, it has been recommended that survival models incorporate background mortality rates using excess hazard (EH) methods.We present a thorough description of EH methods with and without the assumption of cure and demonstrate user-friendly software to aid researchers wishing to use these methods.EH models are applied to a case study, and we demonstrate that EHs are easier to extrapolate and that the use of the EH cure model, when cure is plausible, can reduce extrapolation variability.EH methods are relatively robust to lifetable misspecification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dan Jackson
- Statistical Innovation, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sangyu Lee
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Nicholas R. Latimer
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Delta Hat Limited, UK
| | - Robert Hettle
- Health Economics and Payer Evidence, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul C. Lambert
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, UK
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
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Vervaart M, Aas E, Claxton KP, Strong M, Welton NJ, Wisløff T, Heath A. General-Purpose Methods for Simulating Survival Data for Expected Value of Sample Information Calculations. Med Decis Making 2023; 43:595-609. [PMID: 36971425 PMCID: PMC10336715 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x231162069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expected value of sample information (EVSI) quantifies the expected value to a decision maker of reducing uncertainty by collecting additional data. EVSI calculations require simulating plausible data sets, typically achieved by evaluating quantile functions at random uniform numbers using standard inverse transform sampling (ITS). This is straightforward when closed-form expressions for the quantile function are available, such as for standard parametric survival models, but these are often unavailable when assuming treatment effect waning and for flexible survival models. In these circumstances, the standard ITS method could be implemented by numerically evaluating the quantile functions at each iteration in a probabilistic analysis, but this greatly increases the computational burden. Thus, our study aims to develop general-purpose methods that standardize and reduce the computational burden of the EVSI data-simulation step for survival data. METHODS We developed a discrete sampling method and an interpolated ITS method for simulating survival data from a probabilistic sample of survival probabilities over discrete time units. We compared the general-purpose and standard ITS methods using an illustrative partitioned survival model with and without adjustment for treatment effect waning. RESULTS The discrete sampling and interpolated ITS methods agree closely with the standard ITS method, with the added benefit of a greatly reduced computational cost in the scenario with adjustment for treatment effect waning. CONCLUSIONS We present general-purpose methods for simulating survival data from a probabilistic sample of survival probabilities that greatly reduce the computational burden of the EVSI data-simulation step when we assume treatment effect waning or use flexible survival models. The implementation of our data-simulation methods is identical across all possible survival models and can easily be automated from standard probabilistic decision analyses. HIGHLIGHTS Expected value of sample information (EVSI) quantifies the expected value to a decision maker of reducing uncertainty through a given data collection exercise, such as a randomized clinical trial. In this article, we address the problem of computing EVSI when we assume treatment effect waning or use flexible survival models, by developing general-purpose methods that standardize and reduce the computational burden of the EVSI data-generation step for survival data.We developed 2 methods for simulating survival data from a probabilistic sample of survival probabilities over discrete time units, a discrete sampling method and an interpolated inverse transform sampling method, which can be combined with a recently proposed nonparametric EVSI method to accurately estimate EVSI for collecting survival data.Our general-purpose data-simulation methods greatly reduce the computational burden of the EVSI data-simulation step when we assume treatment effect waning or use flexible survival models. The implementation of our data-simulation methods is identical across all possible survival models and can therefore easily be automated from standard probabilistic decision analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathyn Vervaart
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eline Aas
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl P Claxton
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
- Department of Economics and Related Studies, University of York, York, UK
| | - Mark Strong
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nicky J Welton
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Torbjørn Wisløff
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Heath
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
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Che Z, Green N, Baio G. Blended Survival Curves: A New Approach to Extrapolation for Time-to-Event Outcomes from Clinical Trials in Health Technology Assessment. Med Decis Making 2023; 43:299-310. [PMID: 36314662 PMCID: PMC10026162 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x221134545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival extrapolation is essential in cost-effectiveness analysis to quantify the lifetime survival benefit associated with a new intervention, due to the restricted duration of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Current approaches of extrapolation often assume that the treatment effect observed in the trial can continue indefinitely, which is unrealistic and may have a huge impact on decisions for resource allocation. OBJECTIVE We introduce a novel methodology as a possible solution to alleviate the problem of survival extrapolation with heavily censored data from clinical trials. METHOD The main idea is to mix a flexible model (e.g., Cox semiparametric) to fit as well as possible the observed data and a parametric model encoding assumptions on the expected behavior of underlying long-term survival. The two are "blended" into a single survival curve that is identical with the Cox model over the range of observed times and gradually approaching the parametric model over the extrapolation period based on a weight function. The weight function regulates the way two survival curves are blended, determining how the internal and external sources contribute to the estimated survival over time. RESULTS A 4-y follow-up RCT of rituximab in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide versus fludarabine and cyclophosphamide alone for the first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is used to illustrate the method. CONCLUSION Long-term extrapolation from immature trial data may lead to significantly different estimates with various modelling assumptions. The blending approach provides sufficient flexibility, allowing a wide range of plausible scenarios to be considered as well as the inclusion of external information, based, for example, on hard data or expert opinion. Both internal and external validity can be carefully examined. HIGHLIGHTS Interim analyses of trials with limited follow-up are often subject to high degrees of administrative censoring, which may result in implausible long-term extrapolations using standard approaches.In this article, we present an innovative methodology based on "blending" survival curves to relax the traditional proportional hazard assumption and simultaneously incorporate external information to guide the extrapolation.The blended method provides a simple and powerful framework to allow a careful consideration of a wide range of plausible scenarios, accounting for model fit to the short-term data as well as the plausibility of long-term extrapolations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaojing Che
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, Gower Street, London UK
| | - Nathan Green
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, Gower Street, London UK
| | - Gianluca Baio
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, Gower Street, London UK
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13
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Kang J, Cairns J. Exploring uncertainty and use of real-world data in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence single technology appraisals of targeted cancer therapy. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1268. [PMID: 36471259 PMCID: PMC9724266 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dealing with uncertainty is one of the critical topics in health technology assessment. The greater decision uncertainty in appraisals, the less clear the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of the health technology. Although the development of targeted cancer therapies (TCTs) has improved patient health care, additional complexity has been introduced in drug appraisals due to targeting more specific populations. Real-world data (RWD) are expected to provide helpful information to fill the evidence gaps in appraisals. This study compared appraisals of TCTs with those of non-targeted cancer therapies (non-TCTs) regarding sources of uncertainty and reviewed how RWD have been used to supplement the information in these appraisals. METHODS This study reviews single technology appraisals (STAs) of oncology medicines performed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) over 11 years up to December 2021. Three key sources of uncertainty were identified for comparison (generalisability of clinical trials, availability of direct treatment comparison, maturity of survival data in clinical trials). To measure the intensity of use of RWD in appraisals, three components were identified (overall survival, volume of treatment, and choice of comparators). RESULTS TCTs received more recommendations for provision through the Cancer Drugs Fund (27.7, 23.6% for non-TCT), whereas similar proportions were recommended for routine commissioning. With respect to sources of uncertainty, the external validity of clinical trials was greater in TCT appraisals (p = 0.026), whereas mature survival data were available in fewer TCT appraisals (p = 0.027). Both groups showed similar patterns of use of RWD. There was no clear evidence that RWD have been used more intensively in appraisals of TCT. CONCLUSIONS Some differences in uncertainty were found between TCT and non-TCT appraisals. The appraisal of TCT is generally challenging, but these challenges are neither new nor distinctive. The same sources of uncertainty were often found in the non-TCT appraisals. The uncertainty when appraising TCT stems from insufficient data rather than the characteristics of the drugs. Although RWD might be expected to play a more active role in appraisals of TCT, the use of RWD has generally been limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Kang
- grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XDepartment of Health Service Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock place, London, WC1H 9SH UK ,grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - John Cairns
- grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XDepartment of Health Service Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock place, London, WC1H 9SH UK ,grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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