Observation versus initial treatment for men with localized, low-risk prostate cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Observation is underutilized among men with localized, low-risk prostate cancer.

Objective

To assess the costs and benefits of observation versus initial treatment.

Design

Decision analysis simulating treatment or observation.

Data sources

Medicare schedules, published literature.

Target population

Men aged 65 and 75 years who had newly diagnosed low-risk prostate cancer (prostate-specific antigen level <10 µg/L, stage ≤T2a, Gleason score ≤3 + 3).

Time horizon

Lifetime.

Perspective

Societal.

Intervention

Treatment (brachytherapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, or radical prostatectomy) or observation (active surveillance [AS] or watchful waiting [WW]).

Outcome measures

Quality-adjusted life expectancy and co

SUBMITTER: Hayes JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4487888 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature