Lorlatinib as a first-line treatment of adult patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer: Α cost-effectiveness analysis in Greece

Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res. 2024 Mar;24(3):375-385. doi: 10.1080/14737167.2023.2288249. Epub 2023 Nov 25.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of lorlatinib compared to 1st generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) TKI crizotinib, and 2nd generation TKIs alectinib and brigatinib, for previously untreated patients with ALK+ advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (aNSCLC).

Methods: A partitioned survival model was locally adapted from a Greek payer perspective over a lifetime horizon. Clinical, safety and utility data were extracted from literature. Direct medical costs reflecting the year 2023 were included in the analysis (€). Model outcomes were patients' life years (LYs), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), total costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

Results: Total cost per patient with lorlatinib, alectinib, crizotinib, and brigatinib was estimated to be €188,205, €183,343, €75,028, and €145,454 respectively. Lorlatinib appeared to yield more LYs and QALYs gained versus alectinib, crizotinib, and brigatinib. Hence, lorlatinib resulted in ICERs of €4,315 per LY gained and €4,422 per QALY gained compared to alectinib, €34,032 per LY gained and €48,256 per QALY gained versus crizotinib and €16,587 per LY gained and €26,271 per QALY gained compared to brigatinib.

Conclusion: Lorlatinib provides substantial clinical benefit and appears to be a cost - effective treatment option compared to 1st and 2nd generation TKIs for previously untreated patients with ALK+ aNCSLC in Greece.

Keywords: Cost-effectiveness; Greece; anaplastic lymphoma kinase; first-line treatment; non-small cell lung cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aminopyridines*
  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase / analysis
  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
  • Crizotinib / therapeutic use
  • Greece
  • Humans
  • Lactams*
  • Lactams, Macrocyclic / therapeutic use
  • Lung Neoplasms*
  • Organophosphorus Compounds*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Pyrazoles*
  • Pyrimidines*

Substances

  • Crizotinib
  • lorlatinib
  • brigatinib
  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
  • Lactams, Macrocyclic
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Pyrimidines
  • Aminopyridines
  • Lactams
  • Pyrazoles
  • Organophosphorus Compounds