Abstract
6079 Background: The TAX 324 phase III trial showed that induction chemotherapy with TPF followed by chemoradiotherapy improves survival and time to progression in patients with locally advanced SCCHN compared with PF [Posner MR, et al. ASCO 2006]. A Markov state-transition model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of TPF. Methods: The Markov model includes four health states (based on WHO criteria for measuring objective response): stable, responsive, progressive disease, and death. TAX 324 efficacy data were used to derive transition probabilities between health states. Adverse event rates were also derived from TAX 324. Data for resource utilization and costs from a UK perspective were derived from the literature and clinician inputs from an advisory board. The global score of the Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (QLQ-C30) was mapped to the EQ-5D in order to derive utilities and quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Results: A patient in the TPF arm survived longer versus PF (5.4 vs. 2.7 years). Comparison of TPF vs. PF resulted in an incremental gain of 2.7 life years and 2.1 QALYs. The incremental discounted costs/QALY gained for TPF vs. PF was £1,988/QALY, which is below the £20,000 cost-effectiveness threshold suggested by NICE as a guide to the acceptability of a technology. At this threshold, there is a 96.1% probability that TPF is cost-effective compared with PF. Conclusion: Docetaxel, when given as induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (TPF), leads to a substantial increase in life expectancy, and is cost-effective compared with PF for locally advanced SCCHN. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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