scholarly journals Cost-Effectiveness Models of Proton Therapy for Head and Neck: Evaluating Quality and Methods to Date

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 339-353
Author(s):  
Danmeng Huang ◽  
Steven J. Frank ◽  
Vivek Verma ◽  
Nikhil G. Thaker ◽  
Eric D. Brooks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Health Economic Evaluation ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Proton Beam Therapy ◽  
Accurate Estimate ◽  
Probability Models ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Methodologic Quality

Abstract Purpose Proton beam therapy (PBT) is associated with less toxicity relative to conventional photon radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer (HNC). Upfront delivery costs are greater, but PBT can provide superior long-term value by minimizing treatment-related complications. Cost-effectiveness models (CEMs) estimate the relative value of novel technologies (such as PBT) as compared with the established standard of care. However, the uncertainties of CEMs can limit interpretation and applicability. This review serves to (1) assess the methodology and quality of pertinent CEMs in the existing literature, (2) evaluate their suitability for guiding clinical and economic strategies, and (3) discuss areas for improvement among future analyses. Materials and Methods PubMed was queried for CEMs specific to PBT for HNC. General characteristics, modeling information, and methodological approaches were extracted for each identified study. Reporting quality was assessed via the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 24-item checklist, whereas methodologic quality was evaluated via the Philips checklist. The Cooper evidence hierarchy scale was employed to analyze parameter inputs referenced within each model. Results At the time of study, only 4 formal CEMs specific to PBT for HNC had been published (2005, 2013, 2018, 2020). The parameter inputs among these various Markov cohort models generally referenced older literature, excluding many clinically relevant complications and applying numerous hypothetical assumptions for toxicity states, incorporating inputs from theoretical complication-probability models because of limited availability of direct clinical evidence. Case numbers among study cohorts were low, and the structural design of some models inadequately reflected the natural history of HNC. Furthermore, cost inputs were incomplete and referenced historic figures. Conclusion Contemporary CEMs are needed to incorporate modern estimates for toxicity risks and costs associated with PBT delivery, to provide a more accurate estimate of value, and to improve their clinical applicability with respect to PBT for HNC.

scholarly journals The Cost-Effectiveness of Mobile Health (mHealth) Interventions for Older Adults: Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5290
Author(s):  
Zartashia Ghani ◽  
Johan Jarl ◽  
Johan Sanmartin Berglund ◽  
Martin Andersson ◽  
Peter Anderberg
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Economic Evaluation ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Health Economic Evaluation ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
The Cost

The objective of this study was to critically assess and review empirical evidence on the cost-effectiveness of Mobile Health (mHealth) interventions for older adults. We systematically searched databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Literature (CINAHL) for peer-reviewed economic evaluations published in English from 2007 to 2018. We extracted data on methods and empirical evidence (costs, effects, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) and assessed if this evidence supported the reported findings in terms of cost-effectiveness. The consolidated health economic evaluation reporting standards (CHEERS) checklist was used to assess the reporting quality of the included studies. Eleven studies were identified and categorized into two groups: complex smartphone communication and simple text-based communication. Substantial heterogeneity among the studies in terms of methodological approaches and types of intervention was observed. The cost-effectiveness of complex smartphone communication interventions cannot be judged due to lack of information. Limited evidence of cost-effectiveness was found for interventions related to simple text-based communications. Comprehensive economic evaluation studies are warranted to assess the cost-effectiveness of mHealth interventions designed for older adults.

Economic evaluations of videoconference and telephone consultations in primary care: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1357633X2110433
Author(s):  
Keshia R De Guzman ◽  
Centaine L Snoswell ◽  
Liam J Caffery ◽  
Anthony C Smith
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Economic Evaluation ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Cost Minimization ◽  
Health Economic Evaluation ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cost Utility ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Published Evidence

Introduction Telehealth services using videoconference and telephone modalities have been increasing exponentially in primary care since the coronavirus pandemic. The challenge now is ensuring that these services remain sustainable. This review investigates the cost-effectiveness of videoconference and telephone consultations in primary care settings, by summarizing the available published evidence. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL databases was used to identify articles published from January 2000 to July 2020, using keyword synonyms for telehealth, primary care, and economic evaluation. Databases were searched, and title, abstract, and full-text reviews were conducted. Article reporting quality was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist. Results Twenty articles were selected for inclusion, with 12 describing telephone triage services, seven describing telehealth substitution services, and one describing another telehealth service in primary care. These services were delivered by nurses, doctors, and allied health clinicians. Of the 20 included studies, 11 used cost analyses, five used cost-minimization analyses, and four used one or more methods, including either a cost–consequence analysis, a cost–utility analysis, or a cost-effectiveness analysis. Conclusions Telephone and videoconference consultations in primary care were cost-effective to the health system when deemed clinically appropriate, clinician when time was used efficiently, and when overall demand on health services was reduced. The societal benefits of telehealth consultations should be considered an important part of telehealth planning and should influence funding reform decisions for telehealth services in primary care.

scholarly journals Cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab for treatment of platinum-resistant recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in China: an economic analysis based on a randomised, open-label, phase III trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e038867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenxiu Xin ◽  
Haiying Ding ◽  
Qilu Fang ◽  
Xiaowei Zheng ◽  
Yinghui Tong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Probabilistic Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Platinum Resistant ◽  
The Cost

BackgroundPembrolizumab was recently demonstrated to have survival benefit in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (r/mHNSCC). However, the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy in China remains uncertain.ObjectiveThis analysis aimed to describe the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab versus standard-of-care (SOC) therapy in r/mHNSCC in China.DesignA Markov model consisting of three health states (stable, progressive and dead) was developed to compare the cost and effectiveness of pembrolizumab with SOC in platinum-resistant r/mHNSCC. Model inputs for transition probabilities and toxicity were collected from the KEYNOTE-040 trial, while health utilities were estimated from a literature review. Cost data were acquired for the payer’s perspective in China. Costs and outcomes were discounted at an annual rate of 3.0%. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the uncertainties surrounding model parameters.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), which were calculated as the cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).ResultsThe total mean cost of pembrolizumab and SOC was US$45 861 and US$41 950, respectively. As for effectiveness, pembrolizumab yielded 0.31 QALYs compared with 0.25 QALYs for SOC therapy. The ICER for pembrolizumab versus SOC was US$65 186/QALY, which was higher than the willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP) of US$28 130/QALY in China. The univariate sensitivity analysis indicated that utility values for progressive state, probability from stable to progressive in the SOC group, as well as cost of pembrolizumab were the three most influential variables on ICER. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that standard therapy was more likely to be cost-effective compared with pembrolizumab at a WTP value of US$28 130/QALY. Results were robust across both univariate analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.ConclusionsPembrolizumab is not likely to be a cost-effective strategy compared with SOC therapy in patients with platinum-resistant r/mHNSCC in China.Trial registration numberNCT02252042; Post-results.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Earlier Detection of Pancreatic Cancer—A Comprehensive Review

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2722
Author(s):  
Greta Brezgyte ◽  
Vinay Shah ◽  
Daria Jach ◽  
Tatjana Crnogorac-Jurcevic
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Index Test ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Study Selection

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) carries a deadly diagnosis, due in large part to delayed presentation when the disease is already at an advanced stage. CA19-9 is currently the most commonly utilized biomarker for PDAC; however, it lacks the necessary accuracy to detect precursor lesions or stage I PDAC. Novel biomarkers that could detect this malignancy with improved sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP) would likely result in more curative resections and more effective therapeutic interventions, changing thus the present dismal survival figures. The aim of this study was to systematically and comprehensively review the scientific literature on non-invasive biomarkers in biofluids such as blood, urine and saliva that were attempting earlier PDAC detection. The search performed covered a period of 10 years (January 2010—August 2020). Data were extracted using keywords search in the three databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool was applied for study selection based on establishing the risk of bias and applicability concerns in Patient Selection, Index test (biomarker assay) and Reference Standard (standard-of-care diagnostic test). Out of initially over 4000 published reports, 49 relevant studies were selected and reviewed in more detail. In addition, we discuss the present challenges and complexities in the path of translating the discovered biomarkers into the clinical setting. Our systematic review highlighted several promising biomarkers that could, either alone or in combination with CA19-9, potentially improve earlier detection of PDAC. Overall, reviewed biomarker studies should aim to improve methodological and reporting quality, and novel candidate biomarkers should be investigated further in order to demonstrate their clinical usefulness. However, challenges and complexities in the path of translating the discovered biomarkers from the research laboratory to the clinical setting remain and would have to be addressed before a more realistic breakthrough in earlier detection of PDAC is achieved.

Induction Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: A New Standard of Care?

2008 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 1155-1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jochen H. Lorch ◽  
Marshall R. Posner ◽  
Lori J. Wirth ◽  
Robert I. Haddad
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Induction Chemotherapy ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Advanced Head

Comparisons of normal tissue complication probability models derived from planned and delivered dose for head and neck cancer patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahiro Kanehira ◽  
Simon van Kranen ◽  
Tomas Jansen ◽  
Olga Hamming-Vrieze ◽  
Abrahim Al-Mamgani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Normal Tissue ◽  
Normal Tissue Complication Probability ◽  
Probability Models ◽  
Delivered Dose

scholarly journals Cost-Effectiveness of Peer-Delivered HIV Self-Tests for MSM in Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Okoboi ◽  
Barbara Castelnuovo ◽  
Jean-Pierre Van Geertruyden ◽  
Oucul Lazarus ◽  
Lung Vu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Incremental Cost ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
The Cost

Introduction: Distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits through MSM peer networks is a novel and effective strategy to increase HIV testing coverage in this high-risk population. No study has evaluated the cost or cost effectiveness of peer distribution of HIVST strategies among MSM in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: From June to August 2018, we conducted a pilot study of secondary MSM peer HIVST kit distribution at The AIDS Support Organization at Entebbe and Masaka. We used an ingredients approach to estimate the cost of MSM peer HIVST kit distribution relative to standard-of-care (SOC) hotspot testing using programme expenditure data reported in US dollars. The provider perspective was used to estimate incremental cost-effective ratios per HIV infection averted using the difference in HIV annual transmission rates between MSM with HIV who knew their status and were not virologically suppressed and MSM with HIV who did not know their status.Results: We enrolled 297 participants of whom 150 received MSM peer HIVST kit distribution (intervention group) and 147 received TASO standard of care HIV testing (control group). Provider cost for the intervention was $2,276 compared with $1,827 for SOC during the 3-month study period. Overall, the intervention resulted in higher HIV positivity yield (4.9 vs. 1.4%) and averted more HIV infections per quarter (0.364 vs. 0.104) compared with SOC. The cost per person tested was higher for the intervention compared to SOC ($15.90 vs. $12.40). Importantly, the cost per new HIV diagnosis ($325 vs. $914) and cost per transmission averted ($6,253 vs. $ 17,567) were lower for the intervention approach relative to SOC. The incremental cost per HIV transmission averted by the self-testing program was $1,727. The incremental cost to providers per additional HIV-positive person identified by the intervention was $147.30.Conclusion: The intervention strategy was cost-effective, and identified more undiagnosed HIV infections than SOC hotspot testing at a cost-effectiveness threshold of US $2,129. Secondary distribution of HIVST kits through peers should further be evaluated with longer duration aimed at diagnosing 95% of all persons with HIV by 2030; the first UNAIDS 95-95-95 target.

scholarly journals Antitumor Activity of Nanoparticles Loaded with PHT-427, a Novel AKT/PDK1 Inhibitor, for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1242
Author(s):  
Joaquín Yanes-Díaz ◽  
Raquel Palao-Suay ◽  
María Rosa Aguilar ◽  
Juan Ignacio Riestra-Ayora ◽  
Antonio Ferruelo-Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Polymeric Nanoparticles ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Current Standard

Currently, new treatments are required to supplement the current standard of care for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The phosphatidylinositol3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is commonly altered and activated in HNSCC. PHT-427 is a dual PI3K-mammalian target of the AKT/PDK1 inhibitor; however, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of the PHT-427 inhibitor on HNSCC has not been investigated. This study aims to evaluate the antitumoral effect of PHT-427-loaded polymeric nanoparticles based on α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS). The in vitro activity of PHT-427 was tested in hypopharynx carcinoma squamous cells (FaDu) to measure the cell viability, PI3KCA/AKT/PDK1 gene expression, and PI3KCA/AKT/PDK1 levels. Apoptosis, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also measured. The presence of PHT-427 significantly enhances its antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity by inactivating the PI3K/AKT/PDK1 pathway. Nanoparticles (NPs) effectively suppress AKT/PDK1 expression. Additionally, NPs loaded with PHT-427 produce high oxidative stress levels that induce apoptosis. In conclusion, these results are promising in the use of this nanoformulation as a PHT-427 delivery system for effective HNSCC treatment.

scholarly journals Examining the cost-effectiveness of personal protective equipment for formal healthcare workers in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Kazungu ◽  
Kenneth Munge ◽  
Kalin Werner ◽  
Nicholas Risko ◽  
Andres I. Vecino-Ortiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Incremental Cost ◽  
Healthcare Worker ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Economic Evaluation ◽  
Response Strategy ◽  
Decision Analytic Model ◽  
Protective Equipment

Abstract Background Healthcare workers are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection during care encounters compared to the general population. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) have been shown to protect COVID-19 among healthcare workers, however, Kenya has faced PPE shortages that can adequately protect all healthcare workers. We, therefore, examined the health and economic consequences of investing in PPE for healthcare workers in Kenya. Methods We conducted a cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) analysis using a decision-analytic model following the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) guidelines. We examined two outcomes: 1) the incremental cost per healthcare worker death averted, and 2) the incremental cost per healthcare worker COVID-19 case averted. We performed a multivariate sensitivity analysis using 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations. Results Kenya would need to invest $3.12 million (95% CI: 2.65–3.59) to adequately protect healthcare workers against COVID-19. This investment would avert 416 (IQR: 330–517) and 30,041 (IQR: 7243 – 102,480) healthcare worker deaths and COVID-19 cases respectively. Additionally, such an investment would result in a healthcare system ROI of $170.64 million (IQR: 138–209) – equivalent to an 11.04 times return. Conclusion Despite other nationwide COVID-19 prevention measures such as social distancing, over 70% of healthcare workers will still be infected if the availability of PPE remains scarce. As part of the COVID-19 response strategy, the government should consider adequate investment in PPE for all healthcare workers in the country as it provides a large return on investment and it is value for money.

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