Cost-effectiveness analysis of electrochemotherapy with the Cliniporatortrade mark vs other methods for the control and treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors.

INTRODUCTION

Tumors of any histological origin can give rise to cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases during follow-up. This study aims to evaluate the costs and benefits of electrochemotherapy (ECT) with the Cliniporatortrade mark vs other currently used methods in the control and treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous advanced neoplasms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cost-effectiveness analysis was carried out on ECT using the Cliniporator vs other techniques (radiotherapy, hyperthermia associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, interferon-alpha, and isolated limb perfusion) for the control and treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous neoplasms. The direct health costs were attributed a value according to the Italian National Healthcare System. Resource consumption and clinical outcomes were derived from cost survey data collection and literature review.

RESULTS

ECT is cost-effective with an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of euro1,571.53 to achieve a further additional response. Radiotherapy and interferon-alpha are the least effective strategies. A combination of hyperthermia, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and interferon-alpha treatment are dominated by ECT (more costly and less effective). Isolated limb perfusion is the most effective treatment, but is very costly (euro18,530.47) because of the use of antiblastic drugs (TNFalpha), with an ICER of euro92,717.29.

CONCLUSIONS

After sensitivity analysis, the study results confirm the favorable cost-effectiveness ratio of ECT with the Cliniporator and justify its wider use.