 |
|
Cost-benefit analysis: Combo treatment costs more, saves money later
November 08, 2006From a health insurer's perspective, the most effective cancer treatment may also be the most cost-effective, according to a new study sponsored by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG 91-11).
Compared to higher-priced combination treatments, the least expensive, single-modality cancer treatment may cost more in the long run because of the costs associated with treating complications and recurrence of cancer, said lead author Andre A. Konski, M.D., M.B.A., M.A., a radiation oncologist and director of clinical research in Fox Chase Cancer Center's radiation oncology department. Konski presented the results today at the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology in Philadelphia.
The study examined costs for patients with Medicare insurance who had taken part in an RTOG clinical trial, #9111, for locally advanced laryngeal cancer between 1991 and 1996. That randomized phase III trial was designed to compare three treatment regimens-two combining radiation therapy and chemotherapy and one using only radiation therapy.
"In overall survival rates, there was no significant difference among the three treatment arms," Konski pointed out. "However, patients receiving induction chemotherapy as well as radiation or concurrent chemo-radiation therapy had better outcomes in terms of disease-free survival, local and regional control and preservation of their larynx.
"In our subsequent economic analysis," Konski explained, "these better outcomes translated into significant savings of dollars that were spent on treating patients for complications and recurrences that occurred with the less effective therapy of radiation by itself."
The specific aim of the new RTOG cost-benefit analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the combination chemotherapy and radiation treatments compared to radiation therapy alone as viewed from the payer's perspective. Of the 547 patients who took part in RTOG 9111, Medicare cost data and clinical outcomes for 47 months were available for 66 patients.
Data included Medicare Part A and Part B costs from all providers-inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing facility, home health care, hospice and physicians. The RTOG researchers calculated expected costs for the 47-month period for each arm of the trial, based on average estimates of survival probabilities and mean monthly costs for each month.
Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated as savings per life year in terms of overall survival and in terms of disease-free life years. Calculations were in 1996 dollars with the standard annual discount rate of 3 percent.
"Although radiation alone costs less in and of itself, the expected mean 47-month cost of that treatment was $57,357-compared to the two treatment arms that included chemotherapy," Konski said. "Concurrent chemo-radiation cost a little more $57,870, and represented an incremental increase of $697 per life year of overall survival and $2,048 per disease-free life year."
"Induction chemotherapy plus radiation therapy was the most cost-effective," Konski concluded. "At a 47-month cost of $49,018, this treatment saved $7,031 per disease free and $9336 per life year of total survival.\\\
Fox Chase Cancer Center
"In overall survival rates, there was no significant difference among the three treatment arms," Konski pointed out. "However, patients receiving induction chemotherapy as well as radiation or concurrent chemo-radiation therapy had better outcomes in terms of disease-free survival, local and regional control and preservation of their larynx.
"In our subsequent economic analysis," Konski explained, "these better outcomes translated into significant savings of dollars that were spent on treating patients for complications and recurrences that occurred with the less effective therapy of radiation by itself."
The specific aim of the new RTOG cost-benefit analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the combination chemotherapy and radiation treatments compared to radiation therapy alone as viewed from the payer's perspective. Of the 547 patients who took part in RTOG 9111, Medicare cost data and clinical outcomes for 47 months were available for 66 patients.
Data included Medicare Part A and Part B costs from all providers-inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing facility, home health care, hospice and physicians. The RTOG researchers calculated expected costs for the 47-month period for each arm of the trial, based on average estimates of survival probabilities and mean monthly costs for each month.
Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated as savings per life year in terms of overall survival and in terms of disease-free life years. Calculations were in 1996 dollars with the standard annual discount rate of 3 percent.
"Although radiation alone costs less in and of itself, the expected mean 47-month cost of that treatment was $57,357-compared to the two treatment arms that included chemotherapy," Konski said. "Concurrent chemo-radiation cost a little more $57,870, and represented an incremental increase of $697 per life year of overall survival and $2,048 per disease-free life year."
"Induction chemotherapy plus radiation therapy was the most cost-effective," Konski concluded. "At a 47-month cost of $49,018, this treatment saved $7,031 per disease free and $9336 per life year of total survival.\\\
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Cancer Treatment Current Events and Cancer Treatment News RSSStereotactic radiotherapy offers noninvasive, effective treatment for frail patients with early-stage lung cancer
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) should be considered a new standard of care for early-stage lung cancer treatment in patients with co-existing medical problems, according to results from a national clinical trial led by UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians.
Discovery offers potential new pancreatic cancer treatment
Tiny particles that can carry drugs and target cancer cells may offer treatment hope for those suffering with pancreatic cancer. New research to be presented in November at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles reveals that tumor-penetrating microparticles (TPM) have been specifically designed to break through hard-to-infiltrate barriers and deliver drugs more effectively and efficiently than the standard form of chemotherapy such as those injected through a vein.
Canadian cardiology team clears the way for lifesaving breast cancer treatment
A team of Canadian cardiologists, in collaboration with oncologists, are playing an important role in the war against breast cancer Dr. Michael McDonald told the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2009, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.
Sensor biochips could aid in cancer diagnosis and treatment
It is very difficult to predict whether a cancer drug will help an individual patient: only around one third of drugs will work directly in a given patient.
Depression in older cancer patients can be effectively treated with collaborative approach
Depression in older cancer patients can be effectively treated with collaborative approach in primary-care settings
New data: Hospital imaging centers poised to pull back, hitting patients hardest in rural areas
Survivors and patients with cancers and heart disease, along with patient advocate organizations and physicians, today urged policymakers to enhance early diagnosis of deadly diseases by preserving access to advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, in final health care reform legislation.
Studying cancer in pet dogs to find new treatments for human patients
A team of scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bethesda, USA, says that studying pet dogs with cancer could yield valuable information on how to diagnose and treat human cancers.
Prediction model superior to traditional criteria in bladder treatment decision
A statistical model can accurately predict which patients will have poor outcomes after bladder surgery and can determine the need for chemotherapy.
Radiation costs vary widely by delivery, U-M study finds
When cancer spreads to the bone, radiation treatments can help relieve the pain caused by the tumor. But how best to deliver the radiation may vary widely from one oncologist to the next.
Survivors of childhood cancer less likely to marry
Childhood cancer survivors typically suffer from the long-term effects of cancer treatment on physical health, and results of a new study suggest that social implications also exist, which may affect their chance of an "I do" at the altar.
More Cancer Treatment Current Events and Cancer Treatment News Articles
 |
Life Over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Treatment by Keith Block (Author), Andrew Weil M.D. (Foreword) Dr. Keith Block is at the global vanguard of innovative cancer care. As medical director of the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment in Evanston, Illinois, he has treated thousands of patients who have lived long, full lives beyond their original prognoses. Now he has distilled almost thirty years of experience into the first book that gives patients a systematic, research-based plan for developing the physical and emotional vitality they need to meet the demands of treatment and recovery. Based on a profound understanding of how body and mind can work together to defeat disease, this groundbreaking book offers: • Innovative approaches to conventional treatments, such as “chronotherapy”–chemotherapy timed to patients’ unique circadian rhythms for... |
 |
Relaxation, Imagery and Meditation: Healing Practices to Complement Cancer Treatment by Carolyn McManus |
|
Alternative Cancer Treatment by Peter Mann natural remedies for cancer Everything you ever wanted to know about alternative cancer treatment is contained in this unique guide...Kindle blogs are fully downloaded onto your Kindle so you can read them even when you're not wirelessly connected. And unlike RSS readers which often only provide headlines, blogs on Kindle give you full text content and images, and are updated wirelessly throughout the day. | |
 |
The Cancer Treatment Revolution: How Smart Drugs and Other New Therapies are Renewing Our Hope and Changing the Face of Medicine by David G. Nathan M.D. (Author) Praise for The Cancer Treatment Revolution "A wonderful journey through modern medical science, told with warmth and insight, brought to life through the stories of people confronting cancer. This book will inspire and educate both laymen and caregivers." "This is probably the best book on cancer that exists--beautifully written and unfailingly interesting, conveying a clear sense of hope for cancer patients and survivors. Cancer treatment has come a long way but not without intense struggles and passions, which David Nathan narrates from the inside as one of the leading players. He explains cancer more clearly than anyone else, and... |
 |
Healing Cancer Directed By: Mike Anderson HEALING CANCER (DVD MOVIE) |
 |
Maximum Intenational Maximize Graviola 750, 750mg Graviola, 100 Veggie Caps by Maximum International Having attracted worldwide interest as an inhibitor of malignant cell growth, this remarkable Amazonian herb has been studied in more than 20 laboratory tests for its anti-tumor and cell protective qualities. The best Graviola on the market. Maximum Int'l. is the company with the most potent products available. Lab tested to make sure the ingredients are of the most superior quality and highes quality raw materials available. This product is manufactured in an FDA inspected and GMP certified facility. Quality is guaranteed. |
|
Options in the Treatment of Breast Cancer [VHS] Starring: B. Elliot Grysen M.D. J.D. Directed By: B. Elliot Grysen M.D. J.D. Also With: B. Elliot Grysen M.D. J.D. (Primary Contributor) This video production is based on the counseling sessions used by Dr. Mark Campbell to explain to his patients what breast cancer treatment options are available. These sessions have been widely acclaimed by patients and cancer support groups and now have been recorded and edited to present the same information to other patients and their families. | |
 |
My Pink Ribbon Book A Breast Cancer Treatment Journal and Organizer for BODY. MIND. SPIRIT by Vera Bradley This journal was lovingly created to be a companion for your journey. Not only a useful tool, it's a helpmate and confidante, and can assist you in making sense of everything as you chart your own course toward recovery. Also makes a thoughful gift for that special person! Measures 8" X 9" |
 |
Hypnosis Support for Cancer Treatment Gwen Randall-Young (Primary Contributor) |
|
Surgsat: Professional Video Journal in General Surgery Volume II: 11:21 Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, 11:22 Operative Treatment of Cancer of the Colon, 11:23-24 The Technique of Total Thyroidectomy c1986 Video tape. John L. Cameron, M.D., editor. The John Hopkins Medical Institutions. CME-SAT. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |