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

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Proton beam therapy (PBT) is associated with less toxicity relative to conventional photon radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer (HNC). Upfront delivery costs are greater, but PBT can provide superior long-term value by minimizing treatment-related complications. Cost-effectiveness models (CEMs) estimate the relative value of novel technologies (such as PBT) as compared with the established standard of care. However, the uncertainties of CEMs can limit interpretation and applicability. This review serves to (1) assess the methodology and quality of pertinent CEMs in the existing literature, (2) evaluate their suitability for guiding clinical and economic strategies, and (3) discuss areas for improvement among future analyses.

Materials and methods

PubMed was queried

SUBMITTER: Huang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8270103 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature