Economic evaluation of linear accelerator radiation therapy for patients with malignant tumors at hospitals in China

Abstract

Objective To make a cost-effectiveness analysis for stereotactic radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy using linear accelerators against malignant tumors, then to provide references for choosing a more cost-effective radiotherapy for the patient. Methods Basic information of patients subject to radiotherapy(gender, age, date of admission, days of hospital stay), hospitalization cost, admission diagnosis, clinical outcomes among others of 320 patients with malignant tumors(lung tumor, head and neck tumor, bone metastases, liver tumor)were collected from Hubei, Guangxi and Fujian provinces.The cost of hospitalized radiotherapy and treatment effect of these patients were compared to identify the more cost effective of the two methods. Results The effective rates of stereotactic radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy were 99.1%(108/109) and 97.2%(205/211) respectively, and the difference was not significant(P>0.05). The average hospitalization cost of treatment of the two groups was 37 545.56 yuan and 48 159.05 yuan respectively; the cost-effectiveness ratio was 37 886.54 and 49 546.35 respectively. Conclusions The short-term effects of stereotactic and intensity-modulated radiotherapy are similar, but the cost of intensity-modulated radiotherapy is higher.The minimum cost analysis shows that stereotactic radiotherapy is more cost effective. Key words: Radiotherapy planning, computer-assisted; Stereotactic orientation; Intensity adjustment; Effect; Cost effectiveness