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PurposeWe aimed to estimate health state utility values (HSUVs) for the key health states found in opioid use disorder (OUD) cost-effectiveness models in the published literature.MethodsData obtained from six trials representing 1,777 individuals with OUD. We implemented mapping algorithms to harmonize data from different measures of quality of life (the SF-12 Versions 1 and 2 and the EQ-5D-3 L). We performed a regression analysis to quantify the relationship between HSUVs and the following variables: days of extra-medical opioid use in the past 30 days, injecting behaviors, treatment with medications for OUD, HIV status, and age. A secondary analysis explored the impact of opioid withdrawal symptoms.ResultsThere were statistically significant reductions in HSUVs associated with extra-medical opioid use (-0.002 (95% CI [-0.003,-0.0001]) to -0.003 (95% CI [-0.005,-0.002]) per additional day of heroin or other opiate use, respectively), drug injecting compared to not injecting (-0.043 (95% CI [-0.079,-0.006])), HIV-positive diagnosis compared to no diagnosis (-0.074 (95% CI [-0.143,-0.005])), and age (-0.001 per year (95% CI [-0.003,-0.0002])). Parameters associated with medications for OUD treatment were not statistically significant after controlling for extra-medical opioid use (0.0131 (95% CI [-0.0479,0.0769])), in line with prior studies. The secondary analysis revealed that withdrawal symptoms are a fundamental driver of HSUVs, with predictions of 0.817 (95% CI [0.768, 0.858]), 0.705 (95% CI [0.607, 0.786]), and 0.367 (95% CI [0.180, 0.575]) for moderate, severe, and worst level of symptoms, respectively.ConclusionWe observed HSUVs for OUD that were higher than those from previous studies that had been conducted without input from people living with the condition.

AimTo assess, from a United States (US) payer's perspective, the cost-effectiveness of gels designed to separate the endometrial surfaces (intrauterine spacers) placed following intrauterine surgery.Materials and methodsA decision tree model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of intrauterine spacers used to facilitate endometrial repair and prevent the formation (primary prevention) and reformation (secondary prevention) of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) and associated pregnancy- and birth-related adverse outcomes. Event rates and costs were extrapolated from data available in the existing literature. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to corroborate the base case results.ResultsIn this model, using intrauterine spacers for adhesion prevention led to net cost savings for US payers of $2,905 per patient over a 3.5-year time horizon. These savings were driven by the direct benefit of preventing procedures associated with IUA formation ($2,162 net savings) and the indirect benefit of preventing pregnancy-related complications often associated with IUA formation ($3,002). These factors offset the incremental cost of intrauterine spacer use of $1,539 based on an assumed price of $1,800 and the related increase in normal deliveries of $931. Model outcomes were sensitive to the probability of preterm and normal deliveries. Budget impact analyses show overall cost savings of $19.96 per initial member within a US healthcare plan, translating to $20 million over a 5-year time horizon for a one-million-member plan.LimitationsThere are no available data on the effects of intrauterine spacers or IUAs on patients' quality of life. Resultingly, the model could not evaluate patients' utility related to treatment with or without intrauterine spacers and instead focused on costs and events avoided.ConclusionThis analysis robustly demonstrated that intrauterine spacers would be cost-saving to healthcare payers, including both per-patient and per-plan member, through a reduction in IUAs and improvements to patients' pregnancy-related outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases, or non-communicable diseases (NCD), are conditions of long duration and often influenced and contributed by complex interactions of several variables, including genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. These conditions contribute to death, disability, and subsequent health care costs. Primary and secondary school settings provide an opportunity to deliver relatively low cost and effective interventions to improve public health outcomes. However, there lacks systematic evidence on the cost-effectiveness of these interventions. METHODS: We systematically searched four databases (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science) for published studies on the cost-effectiveness of chronic-disease interventions in school settings. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they assessed interventions of any chronic or non-communicable disease, were conducted in a school setting, undertook a full cost-effectiveness analysis and were available in English, Spanish, or French. RESULTS: Our review identified 1029 articles during our initial search of the databases, and after screening, 33 studies were included in our final analysis. The most used effectiveness outcome measures were summary effectiveness units such as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) (22 articles; 67%) or disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) (4 articles; 12%). The most common health condition for which an intervention targets is overweight and obesity. Almost all school-based interventions were found to be cost-effective (30 articles; 81%). CONCLUSION: Our review found evidence to support a number of cost-effective school-based interventions targeting NCDs focused on vaccination, routine physical activity, and supplement delivery interventions. Conversely, many classroom-based cognitive behavioral therapy for mental health and certain multi-component interventions for obesity were not found to be cost-effective.

BackgroundIncarceration is associated with drug-related harms among people who inject drugs (PWID). We trained >1800 police officers in Tijuana, Mexico on occupational safety and HIV/HCV, harm reduction, and decriminalization reforms (Proyecto Escudo). We evaluated its effect on incarceration, population impact and cost-effectiveness on HIV and fatal overdose among PWID.MethodsWe assessed self-reported recent incarceration in a longitudinal cohort of PWID before and after Escudo. Segmented regression was used to compare linear trends in log risk of incarceration among PWID pre-Escudo (2012-2015) and post-Escudo (2016-2018). We estimated population impact using a dynamic model of HIV transmission and fatal overdose among PWID, with incarceration associated with syringe sharing and fatal overdose. The model was calibrated to HIV and incarceration patterns in Tijuana. We compared a scenario with Escudo (observed incarceration declines for 2 years post-Escudo among PWID from the segmented regression) compared to a counterfactual of no Escudo (continuation of stable pre-Escudo trends), assessing cost-effectiveness from a societal perspective. Using a 2-year intervention effect and 50-year time horizon, we determined the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER, in 2022 USD per disability-adjusted life years [DALYs] averted).FindingsCompared to stable incarceration pre-Escudo, for every three-month interval in the post-Escudo period, recent incarceration among PWID declined by 21% (adjusted relative risk = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68-0.91). Based on these declines, we estimated 1.7% [95% interval: 0.7%-3.5%] of new HIV cases and 12.2% [4.5%-26.6%] of fatal overdoses among PWID were averted in the 2 years post-Escudo, compared to a counterfactual without Escudo. Escudo was cost-effective (ICER USD 3746/DALY averted compared to a willingness-to-pay threshold of $4842-$13,557).InterpretationEscudo is a cost-effective structural intervention that aligned policing practices and human-rights-based public health practices, which could serve as a model for other settings where policing constitutes structural HIV and overdose risk among PWID.FundingNational Institute on Drug Abuse, UC MEXUS CONACyT, and the San Diego Center for AIDS Research (SD CFAR).

IntroductionIn high-burden settings, low-complexity screening tests for tuberculosis (TB) could expand the reach of community-based case-finding efforts. The potential costs and cost-effectiveness of approaches incorporating these tests are poorly understood.MethodsWe developed a microsimulation model assessing 3 approaches to community-based case-finding in hypothetical populations (India-, South Africa-, The Philippines-, Uganda-, and Vietnam-like settings) with TB prevalence 4 times that of national estimates: (1) screening with a point-of-care C-reactive protein (CRP) test, (2) screening with a more sensitive "Hypothetical Screening test" (95% sensitive for Xpert Ultra-positive TB, 70% specificity; equipment/labor costs similar to Xpert Ultra, but using a $2 cartridge) followed by sputum Xpert Ultra if positive, or (3) testing all individuals with sputum Xpert Ultra. Costs are expressed in 2023 US dollars and include treatment costs.ResultsUniversal Xpert Ultra was estimated to cost a mean $4.0 million (95% uncertainty range: $3.5 to $4.6 million) and avert 3200 (2600 to 3900) TB-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100 000 people screened ($670 [The Philippines] to $2000 [Vietnam] per DALY averted). CRP was projected to cost $550 (The Philippines) to $1500 (Vietnam) per DALY averted but with 44% fewer DALYs averted. The Hypothetical Screening test showed minimal benefit compared to universal Xpert Ultra, but if specificity were improved to 95% and per-test cost to $4.5 (all-inclusive), this strategy could cost $390 (The Philippines) to $940 (Vietnam) per DALY averted.ConclusionsScreening tests can meaningfully improve the cost-effectiveness of community-based case-finding for TB but only if they are sensitive, specific, and inexpensive.

BackgroundRecently-updated global guidelines for cervical cancer screening incorporated new technologies-most significantly, the inclusion of HPV DNA detection as a primary screening test-but leave many implementation decisions at countries' discretion. We sought to develop recommendations for Malawi as a test case since it has the second-highest cervical cancer burden globally and high HIV prevalence. We incorporated updated epidemiologic data, the full range of ablation methods recommended, and a more nuanced representation of how HIV status intersects with cervical cancer risk and exposure to screening to model outcomes of different approaches to screening.MethodsUsing a Markov model, we estimate the relative health outcomes and costs of different approaches to cervical cancer screening among Malawian women. The model was parameterized using published data, and focused on comparing "triage" approaches-i.e., lesion treatment (cryotherapy or thermocoagulation) at differing frequencies and varying by HIV status. Health outcomes were quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and deaths averted. The model was built using TreeAge Pro software.ResultsThermocoagulation was more cost-effective than cryotherapy at all screening frequencies. Screening women once per decade would avert substantially more deaths than screening only once per lifetime, at relatively little additional cost. Moreover, at this frequency, it would be advisable to ensure that all women who screen positive receive treatment (rather than investing in further increases in screening frequency): for a similar gain in QALYs, it would cost more than four times as much to implement once-per-5 years screening with only 50% of women treated versus once-per-decade screening with 100% of women treated. Stratified screening schedules by HIV status was found to be an optimal approach.ConclusionsThese results add new evidence about cost-effective approaches to cervical cancer screening in low-income countries. At relatively infrequent screening intervals, if resources are limited, it would be more cost-effective to invest in scaling up thermocoagulation for treatment before increasing the recommended screening frequency. In Malawi or countries in a similar stage of the HIV epidemic, a stratified approach that prioritizes more frequent screening for women living with HIV may be more cost-effective than population-wide recommendations that are HIV status neutral.

Aim: To evaluate the cost–effectiveness of aumolertinib as the epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer first-line treatment from the Chinese healthcare system perspective. Methods: A Markov model was developed based on the AENEAS trial. Only direct medical costs were considered in the model. Utilities were obtained from published literature. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to explore the robustness of the model. Results: Compared with gefitinib, aumolertinib yielded an additional 0.941 expected life-years and 0.692 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), with an incremental cost of $18,855.55 over a 20-year time horizon. The incremental cost–effectiveness ratios were $20,051.67/life-year and $27,272.29/QALY, that below the willing-to-pay threshold of $38,223.34/QALY. Conclusion: Aumolertinib was a cost-effective alternative first-line treatment for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-positive advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer in China. Plain Language Summary What is this article about? This study assesses the costs and health outcomes associated with aumolertinib therapy for Chinese patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Aumolertinib therapy is a specific type of medication used to treat a certain type of lung cancer called nonsmall cell lung cancer. It is a newer treatment that targets certain genetic changes in the cancer cells. How was this done? The costs and treatment benefits were estimated using data from the AENEAS trial, provincial medical cost lists and previously published studies. A Markov model was developed to simulate disease progression. Provincial Medical Cost Lists are official lists maintained by different provincial governments in China that specify the drugs and their prices that are covered by the public healthcare system. A Markov Model is a mathematical tool used to predict how a disease might progress over time. It is like a simulation where the possible outcomes of the disease are analyzed, helping to understand the likely course of the disease and how different treatments might affect it. What were the results? The cost of treatment with aumolertinib for Chinese patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC was considered to be acceptable based on the benefits it provides. What do the study results mean? The results suggest that aumolertinib is a cost-effective treatment for patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC in China. Article highlights Aumolertinib has demonstrated significant clinical benefit as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated NSCLC. A Markov model was developed to compare the cost–effectiveness of aumolertinib and gefitinib. Clinical data were extracted from the AENEAS trial. Direct medical costs incorporated in the model included costs of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, follow-up, hospitalization, adverse event management, subsequent treatment postprogression and end-of-life care. The base-case incremental cost–effectiveness ratios were $20,051.67/life-year and $27,272.29/quality-adjusted life-year. Aumolertinib proved to be a cost-effective first-line treatment option for nonsmall cell lung cancer in China. The price of aumolertinib had the greatest impact on the incremental cost–effectiveness ratio. The probability of aumolertinib being a cost-effective treatment was 96.8% at the willingness-to-pay threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Assessing the cost-effectiveness of Nivolumab with Gemcitabine–Cisplatin for Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma (aUC) treatment from the perspective of Chinese payers. Methods: A Markov model assessed economic outcomes, estimating health outcomes in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of uncertainties on the results. Results: The base-case analysis showed Nivolumab plus Gemcitabine–Cisplatin yielded 0.59 QALYs at an extra cost of $78,780.61, leading to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) of $133,526.46/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis highlighted Nivolumab's cost as the key factor, while probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed a 0% chance of cost-effectiveness for Nivolumab plus Gemcitabine–Cisplatin in aUC treatment. Conclusion: Nivolumab plus Gemcitabine–Cisplatin is not cost-effective in the treatment of aUC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major depressive disorder (MDD) represents a sizable economic burden in Spain. Pharmacogenetic (PGx) screening to guide the choice of antidepressant medication (ADM) in MDD patients yields higher response and remission rates, which could reduce both healthcare and indirect costs. We built a cost-effectiveness probabilistic Markov model with microsimulation using Tree Age Pro 2022, simulating a patient cohort from the SNHS starting ADM for MDD, and comparing PGx screening before starting ADM versus no screening (No PGx). We carried out a probabilistic sensitivity analysis using the Monte Carlo simulation with microsimulation, set for 1000 iterations and 1000 microsimulation trials, both from societal and healthcare provider perspectives, for a time horizon of 3 years. From a societal perspective, the model estimated a mean cost of 3172.85€ and effectiveness of 2.64 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for the No PGx strategy, and a mean cost of 1687.02€ and effectiveness of 2.84 QALYs for the PGx strategy. The mean ICER was −7820.56 €/QALY. From a healthcare provider perspective (no indirect costs considered), the mean cost was 662.62€ for the No PGx strategy, and 446.60€ for the PGx strategy. The mean ICER was −1130.16 €/QALY. The heterogeneity of input data from the literature, the need for assumptions of homogeneous distribution of variables and events across population and time, and the inherent limitations of cost-effectiveness analysis should be considered. The model omits combined therapies (ADMs with mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, cognitive behavioral therapy...). PGx screening in MDD prior to ADM start is a dominant strategy in the SNHS. • Treatment failure rates in major depressive disorder are high and contribute to its economic impact • Pharmacogenetics-guided choice of antidepressants lower failure rates, which could reduce the associated economic burden • We analyzed the cost-effectiveness of this strategy with a Markov model • Microsimulation allows for a more accurate simulation of individual patients' characteristics • Pharmacogenetic screening when starting antidepressants is a dominant strategy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To perform a cost–effectiveness analysis comparing axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) with standard of care (SoC; salvage chemoimmunotherapy, followed by high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell rescue for responders) for second-line (2L) treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (r/r LBCL) in the pivotal ZUMA-7 trial data from a Japanese payer perspective. Materials & methods: A three-state partitioned survival model was utilized using population and clinical inputs from the ZUMA-7 trial data over a lifetime horizon. Results: Axi-cel was associated with greater incremental quality-adjusted life-years (2.06) and higher incremental total costs ($48,685.59/¥6.9 million) leading to an incremental cost–effectiveness ratio of $23,590.34/¥3.3 million per quality-adjusted life-years compared with SoC. Conclusion: Axi-cel is a cost-effective treatment alternative to SoC for 2L treatment of adults with r/r LBCL. Article highlights The current standard of care (SoC) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (r/r LBCL) is associated with substantial economic burden due to associated poor outcomes and relatively longer hospital stays in the pre-CAR T era. Current SoC therapies alone provide limited coverage to the rapidly aging Japanese population as advanced age precludes eligibility for transplant. We conducted a cost–effectiveness analysis of second-line (2L) axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) versus current SoC for the treatment of adult patients with r/r LBCL from a Japanese payer perspective. Our base case analysis showed that axi-cel treatment resulted in higher incremental effectiveness (2.06 quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs]) compared with SoC. Substantial cost offsets (-$152,700.14/-¥1083 million)were observed with 2L axi-cel treatment for subsequent therapy and disease management leading to a modestly higher total cost ($50,252.99/¥6.9 million) and thus resulting in an incremental cost–effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $23,590.34 (¥3.3 million) per QALY gained, within the accepted willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold ($53,191.49 [¥7.5 million] per QALY) from the Japanese payer perspective. Therefore, treatment with axi-cel may be considered cost-effective compared with SoC. The base case ICER was most sensitive to the overall survival extrapolations used for SoC and axi-cel, acquisition cost of axi-cel and tisagenlecleucel, and proportion of patients in the SoC arm receiving third-line axi-cel. Axi-cel remained cost-effective compared with SoC at a drug acquisition cost lower than $283,687.94 (¥40.0 million) considering the WTP threshold of $53,191.49 (¥7.5 million) per QALY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indigenous people in high-income countries have worse eye health outcomes when compared to non-Indigenous people, contributing to ongoing socioeconomic disadvantage. Although services have been designed to address these disparities, it is unclear if they have undergone comprehensive economic evaluation. Our scoping review aimed to identify the number, type, quality, and main findings of such evaluations. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library Database, the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, EconLit, and relevant grey literature were systematically searched as per our pre-registered protocol. All economic evaluations of real or model services designed to meet the eye care needs of Indigenous populations in high-income countries were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality using the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument. Results: We identified 20 studies evaluating services for Indigenous populations in Australia (n = 9), Canada (n = 7), and the United States of America (n = 4). Common services included diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening through fundus photographs acquired in local primary health care clinics (n = 7) or by mobile teams (n = 6), and general eye care through teleophthalmology (n = 2), outreach ophthalmology (n = 2) or an Indigenous health care clinic optometrist (n = 1). These services were economically favourable in 85% of comparisons with conventional alternatives, mainly through reduced costs of travel, in-person consults, and vision loss. Only four studies assessed the benefits of increased patient uptake. Only five included patient evaluations, but none integrated these into their quantitative analysis. Methodological issues included no stated economic perspective (n = 10), no sensitivity analysis (n = 12), no discounting (n = 9), inappropriate measurement of costs (n = 13) or outcomes (n = 5), and unjustified assumptions (n = 15). Conclusion: Several Indigenous eye care services are cost-effective, particularly remote DR screening. Other services are promising but require evaluation, with attention to avoid common methodological pitfalls. Well-designed evaluations can guide the allocation of scarce resources to services with demonstrated effectiveness and sustainability. Trial registration: Our scoping review protocol was pre-registered (Open Science Framework DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/YQKWN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anxiety disorder is one of the most prevalent mental disorders. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is effective for treating anxiety disorders. However, no studies have investigated the cost-effectiveness of MBCT for anxiety disorders. We aimed to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to clarify the cost-effectiveness of MBCT for anxiety disorders. Methods: A cost-effectiveness analysis alongside an RCT was conducted for 8 weeks in 40 patients with anxiety disorders at a university hospital. Patients (1) aged 20–75 years; (2) who were diagnosed with panic disorder/agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria; and (3) who provided written consent were analyzed. The participants were allocated randomly (1:1 ratio) to the augmented MBCT group (i.e., MBCT plus treatment as usual [TAU]) or TAU (waitlist control) group. The cost-effectiveness was assessed using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), which is the ratio of the incremental costs divided by the incremental state-trait anxiety inventory- state (STAI-S), state-trait anxiety inventory- trait (STAI-T), and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The QALYs were estimated using The Japanese version of EuroQoL five-dimensional 3-level questionnaire. The unit cost data were derived from the government-regulated fees. This study was conducted from a public healthcare insurance perspective. No discount rates were considered. Results: A total of 38 participants with complete data were included in the analysis. The MBCT was JPY 13,885 more than the cost of TAU and was associated with a STAI-S, STAI-T, and QALY increase of 10.13, 12.00, 0.009 respectively. The ICER were JPY 1,371 (USD13) per STAI-S, JPY 1,157 (USD 11) per STAI-T, and JPY 1,566,357 (USD 14,940) per QALY respectively. MBCT had an 77.5% probability of being cost-effective at a willingness to pay threshold in Japan (JPY 5,000,000 per QALY). The results of the four one-way sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of the base-case analysis findings. Discussion: Augmented MBCT for anxiety disorders is cost-effective compared with TAU post-treatment from a public healthcare insurance perspective. Future studies should include long-term observations, and analysis from a societal perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Combining Trastuzumab with chemotherapy for HER2-positive gastric cancer shows treatment promise but may raise costs. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of combining Trastuzumab with chemotherapy for HER2-positive gastric cancer treatment in Iran. Methods: We employed a partitioned survival model (PSM) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of trastuzumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone. The PSM framework included three distinct health states: progression-free, post-progression, and death. Clinical data, including overall survival and progression-free survival rates, were derived from the ToGA trial, a randomized controlled study. A bottom-up approach was used to calculate costs by considering drug costs, adverse event management costs and other disease management costs separately for the progression-free and post-progression states. The analysis was conducted from the Iranian healthcare system's perspective, considering direct medical costs. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis to determine the optimal strategy by comparing the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) to Iran's cost-effectiveness threshold, set at one to three times the GDP per capita. Additionally, we conducted sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of our findings. Results: Both FOLFOX-based regimens were strongly dominated. In comparison, the CAPOX regimen cost $2,811.11 for 0.75 QALYs. Adding Trastuzumab to CAPOX increased the cost to $6,128 and improved effectiveness to 0.92 QALYs, resulting in an ICER of $19,089.94 per QALY, which is between 2 and 3 times the GDP per capita in 2022. Conclusion: The addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy regimens improved clinical outcomes in HER2-positive gastric cancer patients. From an economic perspective, the CAPOX regimen is the most cost-effective option when considering a cost-effectiveness threshold of up to two times Iran's GDP per capita. However, when the threshold increases to three times the GDP per capita, the CAPOX + Trastuzumab regimen becomes the preferred choice. These findings provide valuable insights for healthcare policymakers in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The efficacy and safety of enfortumab vedotin combined with pembrolizumab (EV-PEMB) was investigated as a first-line treatment for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) in a phase III clinical trial (EV-302). The trial findings indicated significant prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to chemotherapy with a favorable safety profile. However, EV-PEMB is costly and it is unknown whether it is cost-effective compared to chemotherapy. This study aimed to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of EV-PEMB versus chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced UC from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. Methods: A Markov model with three distinct health states was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of EV-PEMB as a first-line treatment for advanced UC versus chemotherapy based on the EV-302 trial. Drug costs were obtained from national tender prices. Other expenses and utility values were sourced from the literature or expert advice. The findings of the study included total costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). We conducted a one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis to ensure the model's robustness. Results: The EV-PEMB regimen demonstrated a gain of 3.22 QALYs at $375,420.24, compared to the chemotherapy regimen with 1.70 QALYs at $23,369.67. ICER for EV-PEMB compared to chemotherapy was at $232,256.16 per QALY gained. In China, at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $38,133 per QALY, EV-PEMB has a 0% probability of being cost-effective as a first-line treatment for advanced UC compared to chemotherapy. Conclusion: From the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, EV-PEMB is unlikely to be a cost-effective first-line treatment option for advanced UC compared to chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (CAVTE) is a preventable, life-threatening complication with a considerable morbidity and mortality. Primary venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is currently recommended; however, the health and economic benefits have not been evaluated and compared in China. This study aimed to assess and compare the cost-effectiveness of anticoagulants in primary CAVTE prevention among cancer patients in China. Methods: A Markov model with a 5-year horizon was established to evaluate the costs and effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and no prevention in primary prophylaxis of CAVTE in China. Key clinical outcomes were obtained from the available clinical trials, comparing DOACs (rivaroxaban and apixaban) with LMWHs or with no thromboprophylaxis. Utility and the cost inputs were all obtained from the published literature or local data with public sources. The total costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated as the main endpoints of the modal for each strategy. The assessment of uncertainty was performed involving deterministic sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA). Impact of time horizon, generic drug price, and individual DOACs were assessed in scenario and subgroup analyses. Results: Primary prophylaxis using DOACs were projected to yield 1.866 QALYs at a cost of $3,287.893, resulting in the ICERs of $12,895.851 (DOACs vs. no-thromboprophylaxis) and $43,613.184/QALYs (LMWHs vs. DOACs). Sensitivity analysis revealed that ICER was sensitive to the VTE and bleeding risk, drug cost of anticoagulants, self-payment ratio, and overall death rate of cancer. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that DOACs and LMWHs had a 48% and 45% probability of being cost-effective at a 5-year time horizon, respectively. When the time horizon extended to 10 years, DOACs achieved a cost-effective probability of 43%. Among individual DOACs, apixaban was found to be the preferred strategy in VTE prevention due to its incremental health gain with an acceptable cost increase. Conclusion: Primary thromboprophylaxis with DOACs was cost-effective in cancer patients at a willing-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $37,125.24/QALY in China. Cancer death rate, risk of VTE and major bleeding, and the drug cost assumed greater relevance and importance in the decision-making process for primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the cost-effectiveness of digital interventions for mental health, emphasizing the importance of economic evaluations in healthcare decision-making. It explains the techniques used in economic evaluations, such as Cost-Benefit Analysis, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, and Cost-Utility Analysis. The text also highlights common misconceptions about cost-effectiveness and provides insights into the current evidence on the cost-effectiveness of digital interventions for mental health disorders. Additionally, it suggests future directions for advancing economic evaluations in the field of digital health interventions. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Global disparities in valvular surgery services exist. Cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost‐utility analysis can be used to guide national investment decisions. This scoping review aims to synthesize economic evaluations for valvular surgery by income settings and provide recommendations. Methods: A systematic literature review identified primary CEAs or CUAs in English comparing surgical management strategies for valvular heart disease. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Business Source Complete were searched using keywords "valvular surgery," "valve disease," "cost‐effectiveness," and "cost‐benefit analysis". Articles comparing outcomes or costs only were excluded. Search results were uploaded and screened on COVIDENCE. Variables from eligible articles were charted in a spreadsheet. Results: Twenty articles were eligible, six from low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) and 14 from high‐income countries (HICs). In HICs, the top conditions were degenerative aortic valve disease (7/14) and mitral valve disease (4/14) compared to congenital (2/6) and rheumatic heart diseases (2/6) in LMICs. HICs evaluated new technologies and techniques, whereas LMICs compared different valve types or surgery versus no intervention. Most articles used published studies (12/20) or databases (7/20) to conduct their CEA and quality‐adjusted life years was the most common effectiveness measure (12/20). Comparator interventions were cost‐effective in all LMIC articles and in 8/14 for HICs. Conclusion: Economic evaluations are mostly conducted in HICs and for adult conditions. More analyses in LMICs are needed. This can be facilitated by maintaining databases, documenting costs, and implementing quality of life assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a widespread pre-cancerous skin condition that may evolve to squamous cell carcinoma, a non-melanoma skin cancer, which is able to become locally invasive and metastatic. Thus, it is important to treat AK. Methods: We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis for the field-directed therapeutic approaches: local application of drugs containing 5-fluorouracil, both alone at a 4% concentration and associated to 10% salicylic acid at a 0.5% concentration (0.5% 5-FU + 10% SA cut. sol.); diclofenac-hyaluronic acid gel; imiquimod, both at 3.75% and 5% (5% IMQ cream) concentrations; and tirbanibulin ointment. The effectiveness data were abstracted from the literature. The cost-effectiveness analysis was performed by considering the prices reported by Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA) for each medicine. Results: We obtained the total cost for each treatment by computing the cost of a single treatment for its duration. Application of 0.5% 5-FU + 10% SA cut. sol. appeared as the most convenient approach, as it was more effective and less expensive than all treatments except for 5% IMQ cream. For this last option, the incremental cost/effectiveness ratio analysis showed that a modest gain in effectiveness has a cost of EUR 7.94, therefore making it less cost effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BETAcc clinical trial demonstrated that chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab plus atezolizumab (CBA) significantly prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with metastatic, persistent, or recurrent cervical cancer. However, to the best of our knowledge, the economic value of using this new therapy for this indication is currently unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of CBA for the first-line treatment of metastatic, persistent, or recurrent cervical cancer from the United States healthcare payers perspective. A state-transition Markov model over a 10-year lifetime horizon was developed to compare the cost and effectiveness of CBA with that of chemotherapy plus bevacizumab (CB). The primary outcomes of our study included costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the robustness of the results. CBA was associated with an additional 0.58 QALY at an extra cost of $172 495.90 compared with CB. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $295 972.43/QALY, significantly higher than the willingness-to-pay threshold value of $150 000/QALY. One-way sensitivity analyses revealed that results were most sensitive to the progression-free disease utility, the unit cost of atezolizumab, and progressed disease utility. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that CBA achieved a 4.3% probability of cost-effectiveness at a $150 000/QALY threshold. To achieve cost-effectiveness, the unit price of atezolizumab must be reduced by approximately 56.6%. CBA treatment is unlikely to be a cost-effective option compared with CB for patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer in the United States. • Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy improved the prognosis of metastatic, persistent, or recurrent cervical cancer. • The cost-effectiveness of chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab plus atezolizumab treatment for cervical cancer was assessed for the first time with a state-transition Markov model. • The findings suggest that chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab plus atezolizumab may be a valuable therapy for metastatic, persistent, or recurrent cervical cancer but may become more cost-effective with price reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In consideration of patient out-of-pocket costs in low- and middle-income countries, this observational cohort study sought to quantify the travel expenses associated with receiving free cardiac services in India and create a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) referral model. Methods: In a tertiary hospital that offers free services in Bangalore, India, we interviewed outpatients awaiting cardiac evaluation regarding their out-of-pocket expenses. A subgroup underwent POCUS for signs of left atrial enlargement, inferior vena cava plethora, and extravascular lung water, and subsequent chart review for significant findings on echocardiography or need for immediate care. A model was tested in which a normal POCUS would negate the requirement for referral. Results: Patients (N = 219), of age (mean ± SD) 49.0 ± 12.9 y, traveled [median (IQR)] 1178 miles (248–1240), spent $104 ($26-$195), and lost 4.5 (0–10) days of work at a daily wage of $3.90 ($1.95-$6.50). The one-way travel cost equated to 27 days of daily pay. In the POCUS subgroup, symptoms were commonly chest pain (57%) and dyspnea (48%) and were less than moderate in severity (71%). Abnormal echo findings were present in 54% of patients, of whom 29% needed immediate care, and 71% were dismissed without follow-up. POCUS signs were related to an abnormal echo (p < 0.001), but not immediate care (p = 0.50). POCUS-based referral would have prevented 51% (35/68) of unnecessary referrals and missed 13% (9/68) of cases that required immediate care. Conclusions: Out-of-pocket costs, relative to income, can be significant for those seeking free cardiac care. POCUS performed locally could potentially reduce the costs of travel but would risk missing cases, depending on symptom type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Providing secondary prevention through structured and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programmes to patients after a myocardial infarction (MI) reduces mortality and morbidity and improves health-related quality of life. Cardiac rehabilitation has the highest recommendation in current guidelines. While treatment target attainment rates at Swedish cardiac rehabilitation centres is among the highest in Europe, there are considerable differences in service delivery and variations in patient-level outcomes between centres. In this trial, we aim to study whether centre-level guideline adherence and patient-level outcomes across Swedish cardiac rehabilitation centres can be improved through a) regular audit and feedback of cardiac rehabilitation structure and processes through a national quality registry and b) supporting cardiac rehabilitation centres in implementing guidelines on secondary prevention. Furthermore, we aim to evaluate the implementation process and costs. Methods: The study is an open-label cluster-randomized effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial including all 78 cardiac rehabilitation centres (attending to approximately 10 000 MI patients/year) that report to the SWEDEHEART registry. The centres will be randomized 1:1:1 to three clusters: 1) reporting cardiac rehabilitation structure and process variables to SWEDEHEART every six months (audit intervention) and being offered implementation support to implement guidelines on secondary prevention (implementation support intervention); 2) audit intervention only; or 3) no intervention offered. Baseline cardiac rehabilitation structure and process variables will be collected. The primary outcome is an adherence score measuring centre-level adherence to secondary prevention guidelines. Secondary outcomes include patient-level secondary prevention risk factor goal attainment at one-year after MI and major adverse coronary outcomes for up to five-years post-MI. Implementation outcomes include barriers and facilitators to guideline adherence evaluated using semi-structured focus-group interviews and relevant questionnaires, as well as costs and cost-effectiveness assessed by a comparative health economic evaluation. Discussion: Optimizing cardiac rehabilitation centres' delivery of services to meet standards set in guidelines may lead to improvement in cardiovascular risk factors, including lifestyle factors, and ultimately a decrease in morbidity and mortality after MI. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT05889416. Registered 2023-03-23. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is common among young children in Argentina. Use of the currently available prophylactic agent is limited to children aged ≤ 2 years with selected high-risk conditions, and thus the majority of infants remain unprotected. We estimated the value-based price (VBP) of a novel RSVpreF vaccine for use among pregnant people for prevention of RSV-LRTI among infants during the first year of life. Methods: Clinical outcomes and economic costs of RSV-LRTI during infancy and expected impact of RSVpreF vaccination during pregnancy were projected using a population-based Markov-type cohort model. Model results—estimated on the basis of gestational age at birth, disease/fatality rates, and mother's vaccination status—include total numbers of RSV-LRTI cases, RSV-LRTI-related deaths, and associated costs. Base case analyses (RSVpreF vs. no vaccine) were conducted from the healthcare system perspective. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA; 1000 replications) were also conducted. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) was $10,636 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY; i.e., 1 × 2021 gross domestic product [GDP] per capita) in base case analyses and PSA. Costs are reported in USD, estimated on the basis of the June 22, 2023 exchange rate. Results: Use of RSVpreF among 342,110 pregnant persons provided protection to 330,079 infants at birth. In total, RSVpreF prevented 3915 RSV hospitalizations, 6399 RSV cases requiring emergency department care, 6182 RSV cases requiring a physician office visit, and 67 disease-related deaths. Direct costs were projected to be reduced by $5.0 million. With 2061 QALYs gained and vaccine administration cost of $1.4 million, the VBP of RSVpreF was estimated to be $74.46 per dose. In PSA, mean VBP was $75.02 (95% confidence interval 54.24–97.30). Conclusions: RSVpreF among pregnant persons would significantly reduce the clinical and economic burden of RSV-LRTI among infants in Argentina and would be considered a cost-effective intervention up to a price of approximately $75. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The present analysis estimated the cost‐effectiveness of treatment with the Tandem t: slim X2 insulin pump with Control IQ technology (CIQ) in children with type 1 diabetes in Sweden. Methods: A four‐state Markov model and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were used to assess the cost‐effectiveness of CIQ use compared with treatment with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in conjunction with CGM. Data sources included clinical input data from a recent retrospective, observational study, cost data from local diabetes supply companies and government agencies, and published literature. Outcomes measures were quality adjusted life years (QALYs) at 10, 20 and 30‐year time horizons based on cost per QALY and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). Results: A total of 84 type 1 diabetes children were included (CIQ, n = 37; MDI, n = 19; CSII, n = 28). For all time horizons, the use of CIQ was a dominant strategy (e.g. more effective and less costly) compared with MDI or CSII use: 10‐year ICER, SEK ‐88,010.37 and SEK ‐91,723.92; 20‐year ICER, SEK −72,095.33 and SEK −87,707.79; and 30‐year ICER, SEK −65,573.01 and SEK ‐85,495.68, respectively. PSA confirmed that CIQ use was less costly compared with MDI and CSII. Conclusions: Initiation of CIQ use in children with type 1 diabetes is cost‐saving, besides previously shown improved glycaemic control, and increased quality of life. Further investigations are needed to more fully elucidate the cost‐effectiveness of these technologies in different countries with existing differences in payment models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This umbrella review aims to synthesise and summarise the role of teledentistry in improving oral health outcomes and access to dental care. Methods: We searched the databases PubMed (Medline), Scopus, CINHAL, OVID, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, JBI Database of Systematic Reviews & Implementation Reports and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews through March 2024. Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses on teledentistry were eligible for inclusion. No publication time or language restrictions were applied. Our search retrieved 24 studies for which we conducted quality assessments using the Joanna Biggs Institute (JBI) for Systematic Reviews and Research Synthesis Critical Appraisal Tool. Results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Studies addressed clinical oral health outcomes, health‐related quality of life and patient experience, access to dental care and cost‐effectiveness of teledentistry compared to conventional, face‐to‐face dental consultations. We found that there was consensus that teledentistry enhanced oral health through the early detection of oral lesions and increased access to dental care in remote areas and was time‐ and cost‐saving. Conclusion: Teledentistry can improve oral health outcomes and access to dental care. Future research on its impact on oral health equity is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To highlight oversimplified quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) calculations and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) regarding lifestyle metformin and placebo as flaws in the trial‐based (Diabetes Prevention Program) cost‐effectiveness analysis. Materials and Methods: We revised the QALY calculations to conform to convention and calculated appropriate ICERs using both original and revised QALYs results. We used several additional health economics tools to present results, showing the consistency of each method and the added value of each. We presented net monetary benefits, assessed decision uncertainty and calculated net losses. We also used graphics, making correct interpretation clearer and allowing illustration and calculation of technical and economic inefficiencies of treatments that were not cost‐effective. Results: ICERs with either QALY calculation indicated that metformin was technically and economically inefficient and not cost‐effective. There was virtually no decision uncertainty. All methods employed pointed to an identical conclusion. Conclusions: In contrast to original claims, although lifestyle was cost‐effective in diabetes prevention, metformin was not, and acting otherwise imposes significant monetary and health costs. Various available tools of economic evaluation would probably have prevented the original misinterpretation by the authors had they been used. The varied tools implemented here illustrate with a common example their consistency and value to the field, showing how to depict the results in various ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose : Few cost-effectiveness studies have been conducted on social-emotional interventions for students in preschool settings. The current study is a cost-effectiveness analysis of the First Step Next (FSN) intervention for preschool students. Method : Our approach involved a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial that utilized the ingredients method to estimate costs (Levin & McEwan, 2001). In addition, effect sizes were used to generate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios representing the cost of improving student outcomes by one standard deviation (1 SD). Results : FSN was more cost-effective for improving behavior in the school setting than in the home setting, with an average cost per 1 SD improvement of $3,833 and $6,329, respectively. Additionally, the intervention had greater cost-effectiveness for social skill-related outcomes than problem behavior-related outcomes among preschool students. Discussion : This study advances our understanding of the costs and outcomes of practices designed to improve the school success of our youngest learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young people living with HIV (YPLWH) face the burden of navigating the unique physical, psychological, and social challenges of adolescence while coping with a stigmatized infectious disease that requires lifelong care. Consequently, YPLWH experience worse HIV outcomes compared to children and adults. This systematic review seeks to collate evidence on the health and economic impact of HIV interventions targeting YPLWH and to identify gaps in the available evidence that may inform future economic evaluations of interventions for YPLWH. We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Global Index Medicus databases for peer-reviewed articles published through April 24, 2022 (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022356244). Our inclusion criteria encompassed economic evaluations of HIV interventions that report health and economic outcomes among individuals ages 10–24 years. Three investigators screened articles at the title, abstract, and full-text levels. The data were extracted in accordance with the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2022. Of the 3,735 unique articles retrieved through our search, 32 met our inclusion criteria. Of these 32 articles, 8 (25%) evaluated a behavioral, educational, or financial intervention, 6 (19%) voluntary medical male circumcision, 5 (16%) HIV screening or testing, 4 (13%) pre-exposure prophylaxis, 3 (9%) a hypothetical HIV vaccine, 2 (6%) antiretroviral therapy, 1 (3%) condom distribution, and 3 (9%) a combination of interventions. Twenty-two studies (69%) focused on Africa, 9 (28%) on North America, and 1 (3%) on Europe. Thirty studies (94%) were cost-effectiveness analyses and 2 (6%) were cost-utility analyses. Of the intervention types captured by this review, most were deemed cost-saving or cost-effective. Only two studies—one evaluating a financial intervention and one evaluating HIV testing—concluded that the intervention was not cost-effective. Evidence presented by this review suggests that investments in HIV prevention and treatment for young people can be a cost-effective, and sometimes cost-saving, solution to combating the global HIV epidemic. However, additional evaluations of HIV interventions targeting young people, which adhere to standardized reporting practices, are needed to permit comparability of cost-effectiveness outcomes between interventions and settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents a growing disease burden in South Africa. While glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) testing is the gold standard for long-term blood glucose management, recommendations for HbA1c monitoring frequency are based on expert opinion. This study investigates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of alternative HbA1c monitoring intervals in the management of T2D. A Markov model with three health states (HbA1c <7%, HbA1c ≥ 7%, Dead) was used to estimate lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of alternative HbA1c monitoring intervals among patients with T2D, using a provider's perspective and a 3% discount rate. HbA1c monitoring strategies (three-monthly, four-monthly, six-monthly and annual tests) were evaluated with respect to the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) assessing each comparator against a less costly, undominated alternative. The scope of costs included the direct medical costs of managing diabetes. Transition probabilities were obtained from routinely collected public sector HbA1c data, while health service utilization and health-related-quality-of-life (HRQoL) data were obtained from a local cluster randomized controlled trial. Other parameters were obtained from published studies. Robustness of findings was evaluated using one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. A South African indicative cost-effectiveness threshold of USD2665 was adopted. Annual and lifetime costs of managing diabetes increased with HbA1c monitoring, while increased monitoring provides higher QALYs and life years. For the overall cohort, the ICER for six-monthly vs annual monitoring was cost-effective (USD23 22.37 per QALY gained), whereas the ICER of moving from six-monthly to three-monthly monitoring was not cost effective (USD6437.79 per QALY gained). The ICER for four-monthly vs six-monthly monitoring was extended dominated. The sensitivity analysis showed that the ICERs were most sensitive to health service utilization rates. While the factors influencing glycaemic control are multifactorial, six-monthly monitoring is potentially cost-effective while more frequent monitoring could further improve patient HrQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article examined the cost-effectiveness of zanubrutinib and ibrutinib for managing relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia from the viewpoint of payers in China and the US. Methods: Markov models were employed to conduct comparisons. Baseline characteristics and clinical data were extracted from the ALPINE study. The cost-effectiveness outcome indicators encompassed cost, quality-adjusted life years, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Results: The Markov model analysis revealed that the zanubrutinib group incurred an incremental cost per patient of $-24,586.53 compared to the ibrutinib group. The zanubrutinib group exhibited an incremental utility per capita of 0.28 quality-adjusted life years, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $-88,068.16 per quality-adjusted life year, which is lower than the payment threshold in China. The willingness-to-pay value in China for 2022 was three times the country's gross domestic product per capita. In the US, patients in the zanubrutinib group experienced per capita incremental costs of $-79,421.56, per capita incremental utility of 0.28 quality-adjusted life years, and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $-284,485.45 per quality-adjusted life year. Conclusion: For Chinese payers, zanubrutinib exhibited superior cost-effectiveness compared to ibrutinib. Zanubrutinib proved to be a more affordable option for US payers when considering the payment threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of serplulimab plus chemotherapy compared chemotherapy alone as first-line strategy for patients with ES-SCLC in China. Methods: A decision-analytic model that based on the Chinese health-care system perspective was conducted to evaluate the economic benefits for the two competing first-line treatment. The clinical survival and safety data were obtained from the ASTRUM-005 trial, cost and utility values were gathered from the local charges and previously published study. Both cost and utility values were discounted at an annual rate of 5%. Sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were performed to examine the robustness of the model results. Results: Serplulimab plus chemotherapy could bring additional 0.25 QALYs with the marginal cost of $37,569.32, resulting in an ICER of $147,908.74 per additional QALY gained. Sensitivity analyses confirmed that model results were robust. Subgroup analyses revealed that adding serplulimab to first-line chemotherapy were unlikely to be the cost-effective option for all subgroup patients. Conclusions: Serplulimab plus chemotherapy was unlikely to be the cost-effective first-line strategy compared with chemotherapy alone for patients with ES-SCLC in China. Reduced the price of serplulimab could increase its cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Despite growing interest, the cost-effectiveness of eHealth interventions for supporting quality of life of people with dementia and their caregivers remains unclear. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the FindMyApps intervention, compared to digital care-as-usual. FindMyApps aims to help people with dementia and their caregivers find and learn to use tablet apps that may support social participation and self-management of people with dementia and sense of competence of caregivers. Method: A randomised controlled trial (Netherlands Trial Register NL8157) was conducted, including people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia and their informal caregivers (FindMyApps n = 76, digital care-as-usual n = 74). Outcomes for people with MCI/dementia were Quality-Adjusted Life-Years (QALYs), calculated from EQ-5D-5L data and the Dutch tariff for utility scores, social participation (Maastricht Social Participation Profile) and quality of life (Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit), and for caregivers, QALYs and sense of competence (Short Sense of Competence Questionnaire). Societal costs were calculated using data collected with the RUD-lite instrument and the Dutch costing guideline. Multiple imputation was employed to fill in missing cost and effect data. Bootstrapped multilevel models were used to estimate incremental total societal costs and incremental effects between groups which were then used to calculate Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs). Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were estimated. Results: In the FindMyApps group, caregiver SSCQ scores were significantly higher compared to care-as-usual, n = 150, mean difference = 0.75, 95% CI [0.14, 1.38]. Other outcomes did not significantly differ between groups. Total societal costs for people with dementia were not significantly different, n = 150, mean difference = €-774, 95%CI [–2.643,.,079]. Total societal costs for caregivers were significantly lower in the FindMyApps group compared to care-as-usual, n = 150, mean difference = € −392, 95% CI [−1.254, −26], largely due to lower supportive care costs, mean difference = €−252, 95% CI [−1.009, 42]. For all outcomes, the probability that FindMyApps was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of €0 per point of improvement was 0.72 for people with dementia and 0.93 for caregivers. Conclusion: FindMyApps is a cost-effective intervention for supporting caregivers' sense of competence. Further implementation of FindMyApps is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Describing the characteristics and sources of health state utility values and reporting practice in the literature of cost-utility analyses facilitates an understanding of the level of the transparency, validity, and generalizability of cost-utility analyses. Improving the quality of reporting will support investigators in describing the incremental value of emerging glaucoma interventions. Objective: To describe the state of practice among published glaucoma cost-utility analysis studies, focusing on valuation of health and the quality of reporting. Evidence review: We searched several databases including Medline, CINHAL, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Biosis previews, the Health Economic Evaluations Database, and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED). We included full-text, English, published cost-utility analyses of glaucoma interventions with quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as the primary outcome measure to calculate incremental cost-utility ratios. Excluded studies were non-English language, reviews, editorials, protocols, or other types of economic studies (cost–benefit, cost-minimization, cost-effectiveness). Study characteristics, operational definitions of glaucoma health states and health state utilities were extracted. The original source of the health utility was reviewed to determine the scale of measurement and the source of preference weighting. Items from the Systematic Review of Utilities for Cost-Effectiveness (SpRUCE checklist) were used to assess the reporting and quality of health utilities in glaucoma CUA. Findings: 43 CUAs were included, with 11 unique sources of health utilities. A wide range of health utilities for the same Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson glaucoma health states were reported; ocular hypertension (0.84–0.95), mild (0.68–0.94), moderate (0.57–0.92), advanced (0.58–0.88), severe/blind (0.46–0.76), and bilateral blindness (0.26–0.5). Most studies reported the basis for using health utilities (34, 79%) and any assumptions or adjustments applied to the health utilities (22, 51%). Few studies reported a framework for assessing the relevance of health utilities to a decision context (8, 19%). Even fewer (3, 7%) applied a systematic search strategy to identify health utilities and used a structured assessment of quality for inclusion. Overall, reporting has not improved over time. Conclusions and relevance: This review describes that few CUAs describe important rationale for using health state utility values. Including additional details on the search, appraisal, selection, and inclusion process of health utility values improves transparency, generalizability and supports the assessment of the validity of study conclusions. Future investigations should aim to use health utilities on the same scale of measurement across health states and consider the source and relevance to the decision context/purpose of conducting that cost-utility study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) prohibits the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from using standard quality-adjusted life-years or other value assessment methods that discriminate against the aged, terminally ill, or disabled when setting maximum fair prices for prescription drugs. This policy has reignited interest in methods for assessing value without discrimination. Equal value of life-years gained (EVL), healthy years in total (HYT), and Generalized Risk-Adjusted Cost-Effectiveness (GRACE) have emerged as proposals. Neither EVL nor HYT rests on well-articulated microeconomic foundations. We show that they produce decisions that are inconsistent over time in a variety of ways, including: (1) failure to support additivity and indirect comparison in cases where the standard-of-care therapy changes over time; (2) strictly negative value of survival gains that accrue from a new, better standard-of-care, particularly for the disabled themselves; (3) unbounded average value of survival gains; and (4) non-convex survival preferences. We propose an alternative method that relies on GRACE and its microeconomic foundations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Design, setting and participants Measurements Findings Conclusions To assess the cost‐effectiveness of the Cessation of Smoking Trial in Emergency Department (COSTED) intervention compared with signposting to local stop smoking service (SSS) from the National Health Service (NHS) and personal social services (PSS) perspective.This was a two‐group, multi‐centre, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial set in six Emergency Departments (EDs) in urban and rural areas in the United Kingdom. Adult (≥ 18 years) daily smokers (at least one cigarette or equivalent per day) but not daily e‐cigarette users, with carbon monoxide reading ≥ 8 parts per million, attending the ED (n = 972) were included. The intervention consisted of provision of an e‐cigarette starter kit plus brief smoking cessation advice and referral to a local SSS. Control was an information card on how to access local SSS.Intervention costs included costs of training and delivery. Control costs included costs of printing information cards. Costs of smoking cessation and health‐care services were estimated based on quantities reported by participants and unit costs extracted from secondary sources. The effects were measured by quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) derived from EQ‐5D‐5L. Other outcomes were smoking cessation measures. The primary outcome was incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER), which was calculated by dividing the difference in costs by the difference in QALYs between groups.The mean intervention costs were £48 [standard error (SE) = £0] per participant and the mean control costs were £0.2 (SE = £0) per participant. Using regression estimates, total costs were £31 [95% confidence interval (CI) = –£341 to £283] higher and 6‐month QALYs were 0.004 (95% CI = –0.004 to 0.014) higher in the intervention group than in the control group. The ICER was calculated at £7750 (probability of cost‐effective at range £20 000–30 000: 72.2–76.5%).The UK Cessation of Smoking Trial in Emergency Department (COSTED) intervention (provision of an e‐cigarette starter kit plus brief smoking cessation advice) was cost‐effective compared with signposting to local stop smoking services under the current recommendations of the maximum acceptable thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of coral restoration practices within reef management strategies is accelerating globally to support reef resilience and recovery. However, full costs underpinning restoration project feasibility have historically been underreported yet are critical to informing restoration cost-benefit decision-making. Such knowledge is especially lacking for Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR), where a coral restoration program led by reef tourism operators, Coral Nurture Program (CNP), was initiated in 2018 (northern GBR) and continues to scale. Here we describe the early outcomes and costs of implementing similar tourism-led asexual coral propagation and outplanting practices in a new region, the Whitsundays (central GBR) through the CNP. Specifically, we detail the local operational and environmental context of CNP Whitsundays, describe the costs of implementation and continuation of restoration activities, as well as evaluate survivorship of coral outplants across three restoration sites for nine months after project establishment (August 2022 to June 2023). Baseline benthic surveys revealed relatively low hard coral cover at restoration sites (ranging from 3.22-8.67%), which significantly differed in benthic composition from coral collection sites (ranging 16.67-38.06%), supporting strong motivation by tourism operators to undertake restoration activities. Mean coral survivorship of coral outplants in fate-tracked plots differed between the three restoration sites after 267 days (ranging 23.33-47.58%), with declines largely driven by coral detachment. Early-stage cost-effectiveness (costs relative to outplant survival) associated with implementation of restoration activity varied widely from US$33.04-178.55 per surviving coral (n = 4,425 outplants) depending on whether 'in-kind' costs, restoration activity (outplanting only vs. total costs encompassing planning through to monitoring), site-based survivorship, or a combination of these factors, were considered. As coral reef restoration projects continue to be established globally, our results highlight the need for ongoing, long-term monitoring that can inform adaptive practice, and fully transparent costreporting to understand and improve feasibility for any given project. We further highlight the inherent context-dependency of restoration costs, and the importance of considering local social-environmental contexts and their associated cost-benefits in economic rationale for reef restoration projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the United States (US), hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening is not covered by payers in settings outside of primary care. A non-traditional, emergency department (ED)-based HCV screening program can be cost-effective and identify infection in vulnerable populations with a high HCV risk. This study examined the long-term cost-effectiveness of routine HCV screening and linkage-to-care for high-risk patients in the ED from the payer's perspective. Methods: The University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System (UIH) implemented Project HEAL (HIV & HCV Screening, Education, Awareness, Linkage-to-Care). Under this initiative, patients who presented to the ED received opt-out HCV screening if they were at high risk for HCV infection (birth cohort between 1945 and 1964, persons who inject drugs, and HIV infection) with subsequent linkage-to-care if infected. Using the summary data from Project HEAL, a hybrid decision-analytic Markov model was developed based on the HCV screening procedure in the ED and the natural history of HCV. A 30-year time horizon and 1-year cycle length were used. All patients who received the ED-based HCV screening were referred for treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regardless of their fibrosis stage. Results: When unscreened/untreated patients received DAA treatment at F1, F2, F3, and compensated cirrhosis stages, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) ranged from $6,084 to $77,063 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. When unscreened/untreated patients received DAA treatment at the decompensated cirrhosis stage, no HCV screening was dominated. Conclusion: ED-based HCV screening and linkage-to-care was cost-effective at the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $100,000/QALY in all scenarios. A reduction in infected persons in the community may provide additional benefits not evaluated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The treatment landscape for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (RR‐FL) is marked by a pivotal debate between chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs). While both CAR‐T therapy and BsAbs target similar immunobiology and molecular markers, their efficacy comparisons are hindered by the lack of direct clinical trial comparisons. Key trials, such as the ZUMA‐5 study, underscore axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi‐cel)'s efficacy in treating RR‐FL, achieving a 79% complete response rate with a median duration of response exceeding 3 years. Similarly, lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso‐cel) in the TRANSCEND FL study reports a 94% complete response rate, emphasizing robust outcomes in heavily pretreated patients. Among BsAbs, mosunetuzumab showed promise in the GO29781 trial, with a 62% overall response rate in heavily pretreated RR‐FL patients. Thus, CAR‐T therapy offers potential curative benefits with a single infusion. However, its efficacy is tempered by significant adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity, and cytopenias, requiring specialized management and patient monitoring. In contrast, BsAbs provide a more tolerable treatment option counterbalancing by lower response rates and frequent dosing requirements. Personalized treatment strategies are crucial because of these distinct efficacy and safety profiles. When considering cost‐effectiveness, both therapies need to be evaluated in the context of their clinical outcomes and quality of life improvements. Cost‐effectiveness considerations are essential; while CAR‐T therapies incur higher initial costs, their potential for long‐term remission may mitigate expenses associated with repeated treatments or hospitalizations. Future research into resistance mechanisms and optimal therapeutic sequencing will further refine RR‐FL management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls are the most common cause of injury in older people, with consequences for the individual and society. With an increasing population of older people, falls and related costs are expected to increase. It is crucial to identify scalable and cost-effective interventions and subsequently reduce fall-related costs. The aim was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Safe Step digital fall preventive exercise intervention over a period of 12 years and, in addition, to evaluate the impact of increased recruitment cost and decreased intervention effect. The intervention was evaluated in an observational study in a municipality context targeting community-dwelling older people of age 70 +. A Markov model with five states was used to model the cost-effectiveness of the Safe Step intervention and evaluate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and fall-related costs from a societal perspective. By using data from a meta-analysis as basis for the estimated intervention effect, the Safe Step intervention was compared with a no-intervention alternative. The results showed that the Safe Step intervention dominated no intervention. In the sensitivity analysis with the most conservative estimate of intervention effect, the ICER was €7 616 per QALY gained. Hence, Safe Step showed to be a cost-saving fall preventive intervention in older people at risk of falling and potentially cost-effective even with a low estimated intervention effect. Future studies on efficacy of fall preventive digital interventions will contribute in precising effect estimates and enhance the validity of these cost-effectiveness results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population screening for breast cancer (BC) is currently offered in the UK for women aged 50 to 71 with the aim of reducing mortality. There is additional screening within the national programme for women identified as having a very high risk of BC. There is growing interest in further risk stratification in breast screening, which would require a whole population risk assessment and the subsequent offer of screening tailored to the individual's risk. Some women would be offered more intensive screening than others or no screening. This might provide a better balance of screening benefits and harms for each individual than the current population age-based programme alone. The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) is considering using decision-analytic and other models to evaluate different risk stratification screening strategies and identify remaining gaps in evidence. This paper reports the proceedings of a UK NSC workshop where experts in the field discussed both risk prediction models, as well as decision-analytic models providing a benefit-harm analysis/economic evaluation of risk-stratified screening programmes (see Table 1). The aim of the meeting was to present and discuss the current work of experts, including some data which had not been published at the time of the meeting, to inform the UK NSC. The workshop was not intended to present a balanced evaluation of how to deliver screening in future. Areas for further work identified included methods for comparing models to assess accuracy, the optimum risk assessment tools, the digital screening infrastructure, acceptability of stratification, choice of screening test and reducing inequalities. A move to risk stratification of the whole programme would require a careful phased introduction with continuing assessment of real-world evidence during deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of the following retrospective review was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of the use of molecular testing of indeterminate thyroid nodules compared to current management practices in Nova Scotia, Canada. Methods: All cases of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2018 were reviewed. All interventions related to an indeterminate thyroid nodule were recorded. Patients were excluded if less than 18 years old if no further information regarding medical management was electronically available beyond the diagnosis of an indeterminate thyroid nodule, history of radiation, or previous thyroid surgery prior to diagnosis of an indeterminate thyroid nodule in the remaining lobe. Microcosting was performed to determine the cost of all relevant interventions including repeat fine needle aspiration biopsy, ultrasound, thyroid surgery(s), and molecular testing. Institution-specific transition state probabilities were calculated and used to build a cost-effectiveness analysis model. Model output was an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, defined as the ratio of cost difference to effectiveness difference between routine molecular testing and the current management strategy, yielding cost per surgery avoided. Results: The mean effectiveness of the current management of indeterminate thyroid nodules in Nova Scotia based on the American Thyroid Association guidelines is 64% at a mean cost of $6431, while the simulated mean effectiveness of routine molecular testing is 89% at a mean cost of $8414. Differences in management strategies generated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $7876 per surgery avoided. Conclusion: Routine molecular testing is the more effective strategy for the appropriate management of indeterminate thyroid nodules; however, it comes at a higher mean cost compared to the current management strategy. As the cost of molecular testing continues to decrease, and the cost of OR resources continues to rise, molecular testing is likely to become the optimal strategy in Nova Scotia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young adult suicidality is worldwide a prevalent mental health problem and the number one cause of death, with devastating consequences for individuals and their families, and substantial economic costs. However, psychological and pharmacological treatments currently recommended in guidelines for treatment of high-risk youth for fatal suicide have limited effect. In line with the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation to involve the family in treatment of these youth, attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) was developed, a 16-week attachment and emotion-focused treatment, implemented in mental health care settings across various European countries in the past years, and becoming increasingly popular among therapists. However, the (cost-)effectiveness of ABFT has not been studied in emerging adults. In the proposed pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT), we aim to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of ABFT compared to treatment as usual (TAU) on suicidality, as delivered in daily practice. Methods: This pragmatic multicenter study in the Netherlands and Belgium includes 13 participating sites. Participants are suicidal young adults (≥ 31 SIQ-JR score) between 16 and 30 years old who seek mental health treatment (n = 142) and their caregivers. The primary outcome is suicidality (SIQ-JR), with assessments at baseline, post-intervention (5 months after baseline), 3, 6, and 12 months after intervention. We predict that, compared to TAU, ABFT will lead to a stronger reduction in suicidality and will be more cost-effective, over the course of all time points. We also expect stronger decreases in depressive symptoms, given that suicidality is very common in individuals with depressive disorder, as well as more improvement in family functioning, autonomy, entrapment, and young adult attachment, in the ABFT condition. Discussion: This study can contribute to improving the care for suicidal youngsters with high mortality risk. Treatment of suicidal emerging adults is understudied. The results will inform clinical guidelines and policy makers and improve treatment of suicidal emerging adults. Trial registration: This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05965622, first posted on July 28, 2023). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The efficacy and safety of enfortumab vedotin combined with pembrolizumab (EV-PEMB) was investigated as a first-line treatment for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) in a phase III clinical trial (EV-302). The trial findings indicated significant prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to chemotherapy with a favorable safety profile. However, EV-PEMB is costly and it is unknown whether it is cost-effective compared to chemotherapy. This study aimed to conduct a costeffectiveness analysis of EV-PEMB versus chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced UC from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. Methods: A Markov model with three distinct health states was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of EV-PEMB as a first-line treatment for advanced UC versus chemotherapy based on the EV-302 trial. Drug costs were obtained from national tender prices. Other expenses and utility values were sourced from the literature or expert advice. The findings of the study included total costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). We conducted a one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis to ensure the model's robustness. Results: The EV-PEMB regimen demonstrated a gain of 3.22 QALYs at $375,420.24, compared to the chemotherapy regimen with 1.70 QALYs at $23,369.67. ICER for EV-PEMB compared to chemotherapy was at $232,256.16 per QALY gained. In China, at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $38,133 per QALY, EV-PEMB has a 0% probability of being cost-effective as a firstline treatment for advanced UC compared to chemotherapy. Conclusion: From the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, EV-PEMB is unlikely to be a cost-effective first-line treatment option for advanced UC compared to chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a prevalent condition with high mortality and poor outcomes even in settings where extensive emergency care resources are available. Interventions to address OHCA have had limited success, with survival rates below 10% in national samples of high-income countries. In resource-limited settings, where scarcity requires careful priority setting, more data is needed to determine the optimal allocation of resources. Objective: To establish the cost-effectiveness of OHCA care and assess the affordability of interventions across income settings. Methods: The authors conducted a systematic review of economic evaluations on interventions to address OHCA. Six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Global Health, Cochrane, Global Index Medicus, and Tuft's Cost-Effectiveness Registry) were searched in September 2023. Included studies were (1) economic evaluations (beyond a simple costing exercise); and (2) assessed an intervention in the chain of survival for OHCA. Article quality was assessed using the CHEERs checklist and data summarised. Findings were reported by major themes identified by the reviewers. Based upon the results of the cost-effectiveness analyses we then conduct an analysis for the progressive realization of the OHCA chain of survival from the perspective of decision-makers facing resource constraints. Results: Four hundred and sixty-eight unique articles were screened, and 46 articles were included for final data abstraction. Studies predominantly used a healthcare sector perspective, modeled for all patients experiencing non-traumatic cardiac OHCA, were based in the US, and presented results in US Dollars. No studies reported results or used model inputs from low-income settings. Progressive realization of the chain of survival could likely begin with investments in termination of resuscitation protocols, professional prehospital defibrillator use, and CPR training followed by the distribution of AEDs in high-density public locations. Finally, other interventions such as indiscriminate defibrillator placement or adrenaline use, would be the lowest priority for early investment. Conclusion: Our review found no high-quality evidence on the cost-effectiveness of treating OHCA in low-resource settings. Existing evidence can be utilized to develop a roadmap for the development of a cost-effective approach to OHCA care, however further economic evaluations using context-specific data are crucial to accurately inform prioritization of scarce resources within emergency care in these settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Methods Results Conclusions The first step towards developing a screening strategy for Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the identification of individuals in the community. Currently available tools include endoscopy, less‐invasive non‐endoscopic devices, and non‐invasive risk stratification models. We evaluated the cost of potential strategies for identification of BE as a first step towards screening.Two hypothetical cohorts of the general population aged ≥ 50 years with BE prevalence rates of 1.9% and 6.8% were modeled. Four potential screening tools were evaluated: (i) risk stratification based on non‐weighted clinical factors according to US/European guidelines, (ii) weighted risk stratification using algorithmic models, (iii) less‐invasive devices such as Cytosponge + trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), and (iv) endoscopy. Using a decision‐analytic model, the cost per BE case identified and the cost‐effectiveness were compared for six potential BE screening strategies based on combinations of the four screening tools; (i) + (iv), (ii) + (iv), (iii) + (iv), (i) + (iii) + (iv), (ii) + (iii) + (iv), and only (iv).The cost per BE case identified was lowest for the weighted risk stratification followed by Cytosponge‐TFF3 then endoscopy strategy at both 1.9% and 6.8% BE prevalences (US$9282 and US$3406, respectively) although it was sensitive to the cost of less‐invasive devices. This strategy was also most cost‐effective for a BE prevalence of 1.9%. At BE prevalence of 6.8%, the Cytosponge‐TFF3 followed by endoscopy strategy was most cost‐effective.Incorporating weighted risk stratification and less‐invasive devices such as Cytosponge‐TFF3 into BE screening strategies has a potential to cost‐effectively identify BE in the community although device cost and the community prevalence of BE will impact the optimal strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Materials and Methods Results Conclusions To examine the cost‐effectiveness of adding finerenone to standard of care (SoC) for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)‐related chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States.Based on the clinical data analysed by FIDELITY, we referenced the validated FINE‐CKD model (Markov model) to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of SoC versus SoC + finerenone from the perspective of US payers. The model was cycled for 35 years in 4‐month cycles, with cost and utility values derived from the published literature. The primary outcomes were incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the base‐case results.The treatment strategy of finerenone plus SoC led to gains of 6.95 QALYs and had a lifetime cost of $491 745.31. Compared to SoC, that strategy yielded 0.48 more QALYs at an added cost of $65 305.72. The ICER for finerenone was $135 257.06 per QALY, which is below the willingness‐to‐pay threshold of United States ($150 000/QALY). The results were sensitive to the hazard ratios associated with the efficacy of finerenone and its cost. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed that the probability that finerenone plus SoC would be cost‐effective was 57.6%.For patients with T2DM‐related CKD, adding finerenone to SoC may be a cost‐effective option in the United States. Reasonable price reductions for finerenone could potentially benefit more patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although vaccination is considered the most effective weapon against influenza, coverage rates, national vaccination policies, and funding vary largely around the globe. Despite their huge potential for achieving herd immunity, child-focused national vaccination strategies that favor pain-free nasal vaccines are uncommon. CENTRAL, Embase, and MEDLINE were last searched on November 13, 2023. Active-controlled randomized controlled trials comparing the live-attenuated intranasal vaccine with the inactivated intramuscular influenza vaccine in children were included. Event rates of laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection, all-cause mortality, hospitalization, serious adverse events, adverse events, and financial outcomes were extracted based on the PRISMA 2020 Guideline. PROSPERO: CRD42021285412. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the random-effects model when at least three comparable outcomes were available. We found no significant difference between quadrivalent live-attenuated intranasal and trivalent inactivated intramuscular (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 0.49–4.45) or between trivalent live-attenuated intranasal and inactivated intramuscular vaccines (OR = 0.77, CI = 0.44–1.34) regarding their efficacy. However, the subgroup analysis of large, multi-center trials indicated that the trivalent live attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine was superior to the trivalent inactivated intramuscular influenza vaccine (12,154 people, OR = 0.50, CI = 0.28–0.88). Only 23 "vaccine-related serious adverse events" were recorded among 17 833 individuals, with no significant difference between methods. The widespread initiation of pediatric national flu vaccination programs prioritizing the live-attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine would be beneficial. Multi-continent, high-quality studies that include children younger than two years old and those living in subtropical and tropical regions are needed to further enhance our understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (CAVTE) is a preventable, life-threatening complication with a considerable morbidity and mortality. Primary venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is currently recommended; however, the health and economic benefits have not been evaluated and compared in China. This study aimed to assess and compare the cost-effectiveness of anticoagulants in primary CAVTE prevention among cancer patients in China. Methods: A Markov model with a 5-year horizon was established to evaluate the costs and effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and no prevention in primary prophylaxis of CAVTE in China. Key clinical outcomes were obtained from the available clinical trials, comparing DOACs (rivaroxaban and apixaban) with LMWHs or with no thromboprophylaxis. Utility and the cost inputs were all obtained from the published literature or local data with public sources. The total costs, qualityadjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated as themain endpoints of themodal for each strategy. The assessment of uncertainty was performed involving deterministic sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA). Impact of time horizon, generic drug price, and individual DOACs were assessed in scenario and subgroup analyses. Results: Primary prophylaxis usingDOACswere projected to yield 1.866QALYs at a cost of $3,287.893, resulting in the ICERs of $12,895.851 (DOACs vs. nothromboprophylaxis) and $43,613.184/QALYs (LMWHs vs. DOACs). Sensitivity analysis revealed that ICER was sensitive to the VTE and bleeding risk, drug cost of anticoagulants, self-payment ratio, and overall death rate of cancer. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that DOACs and LMWHs had a 48% and 45% probability of being cost-effective at a 5-year time horizon, respectively. When the time horizon extended to 10 years, DOACs achieved a cost-effective probability of 43%. Among individual DOACs, apixaban was found to be the preferred strategy in VTE prevention due to its incremental health gain with an acceptable cost increase. Conclusion: Primary thromboprophylaxis with DOACs was cost-effective in cancer patients at awilling-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $37,125.24/QALY in China. Cancer death rate, risk of VTE andmajor bleeding, and the drug cost assumed greater relevance and importance in the decision-making process for primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]