Cost-effectiveness of selective internal radiation therapy using yttrium-90 resin microspheres in treating patients with inoperable colorectal liver metastases in the UK

Abstract

Objective:Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) using SIR-Spheres® 90Y-labeled resin microspheres has been shown to be a well-tolerated, effective treatment in patients with inoperable liver-dominant chemotherapy–refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of 90Y-resin microspheres compared to best supportive care (BSC) from a UK perspective.Methods:Survival data from a comparative retrospective cohort study was analyzed and used in a state-transition cost-effectiveness model, using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained as the measure of effectiveness. The model incorporated costs for the SIRT procedure, monitoring, further treatment, adverse events, and death. Utility values, reflecting patient quality-of-life, were taken from a published source.Results:SIRT using 90Y-resin microspheres compared to BSC improved overall survival by a mean of 1.12 life years and resulted in a cost per QALY gained of £28,216. In sensitivity analysis, this varied between £25,015–£28,817.Conclusion:In an area of large unmet need, treatment with 90Y-resin microspheres offers a clinically effective and cost-effective treatment option.