Cost-Effectiveness of Irinotecan with 5-Fluorouracil for Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Cunningham D, Falk S, Jackson D
Primary Institution: Royal Marsden NHS Trust
Hypothesis
The combination of irinotecan with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid is more cost-effective than 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid alone for treating metastatic colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
Irinotecan combined with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid is cost-effective and offers significant survival benefits compared to 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid alone.
Supporting Evidence
- Irinotecan plus 5-FU/FA improved response rates compared to 5-FU/FA alone (41% vs 23%).
- Median overall survival was longer with irinotecan plus 5-FU/FA (16.8 months) compared to 5-FU/FA alone (14.0 months).
- The incremental cost per life-year gained was £14,794.
Takeaway
Using irinotecan with other drugs helps people with advanced colon cancer live longer and costs less in the long run.
Methodology
The study compared clinical benefits and costs of irinotecan plus 5-FU/FA versus 5-FU/FA alone using prospective and retrospective data.
Limitations
Indirect costs were not included in the analysis.
Participant Demographics
Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, including those who were chemotherapy-naïve.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website