Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Cost effectiveness of combination therapy for hepatitis C: a decision analytic model
1University of Exeter, Exeter, UK. ken@kkcats.demon.co.uk
Objective:
To estimate the cost utility of treatment with combination therapy (ribavirin and interferon alpha) for hepatitis C compared with no treatment or monotherapy (interferon alpha) based on UK costs and clinical management.
Design:
Decision analysis model using a Markov approach to simulate disease progression.
Setting:
UK secondary care.
Participants:
Hypothetical cohort of patients with hepatitis C.
Main Outcome Measures:
Cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained.
Results:
Discounted cost per QALY for combination therapy over no treatment was 3791 pounds. Cost per QALY varied between 1646 pounds and 9170 pounds according to subgroup, with the lowest ratios being for genotype 2 or 3, women, those aged less than 40 years, and those with moderate hepatitis. The discounted cost per QALY of the combination over monotherapy was 3485 pounds. Similar findings were shown for subgroups as for the comparison with no treatment. One way sensitivity analysis showed that while drug costs were more important in the analysis than assumptions about disease progression or costs of treating hepatitis C disease, the results were robust to large changes in underlying assumptions.
Conclusions:
Combination therapy for hepatitis C is a cost effective treatment option and is superior to monotherapy. Considerable uncertainties remain over the appropriate management strategies in the populations excluded from randomised controlled trials and in whom treatment is currently being considered in the UK.
More Related Videos
12:24A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
11:34A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target
Published on: May 10, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetic Models: Comparison and Selection Criterion
Physiological models take a detailed approach by considering specific molecular processes. They can predict drug distribution, metabolism, and elimination changes, providing a comprehensive understanding of how drugs interact with the body.
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
Pharmacodynamic Models: Additive and Proportional Drug Effect Model
Impact of Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Models: Regulatory Decisions
Hepatitis