Economic analysis of adjuvant therapy with interferon alpha-2a in stage II malignant melanoma

Eur J Cancer. 2001 Feb;37(3):369-75. doi: 10.1016/s0959-8049(00)00411-1.

Abstract

Using the trial demonstrating that interferonalpha-2a (IFNalpha-2a) is efficacious as adjuvant therapy in stage II melanoma, we evaluate its outcomes and economic consequences. Using rates observed in the 5-year trial and published figures, survival and Q-TWIST (Time Without Symptoms and Toxicity) were extrapolated to a 10-year and lifetime horizon. Cost analysis was performed using the trial's data, published literature and experts' opinions from the perspective of the French Sickness Funds. Patients in the IFNalpha-2a-group have an additional 0.26 years in life-expectancy over a 5-year time period (P=0.046), 0.67 years over a 10-year period and 2.59 years over a lifetime. Cost per life-year-gained was estimated at approximately 14400 after 5 years, 6635 after 10 years and 1716 over a lifetime. Assuming that there is an improvement in disease-free survival only, cost is 26147 per Q-TWIST. Cost-effectiveness of IFNalpha-2a in stage II melanoma compares favourably with estimates for widely used therapies in the oncological field.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / economics*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Direct Service Costs
  • Drug Costs
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / economics*
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Melanoma / economics*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / economics
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Quality of Life
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / economics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins