Economic evaluation of prostate cancer screening with prostate-specific antigen

Economic issues cannot be ignored in conducting prostate cancer screening using prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Through an electronic search, we reviewed five descriptive cost studies and nine cost-effectiveness/cost-utility analyses concerning PSA screening. Most of the existing evidence was based on mathematical model analysis and the results are enormously disparate. The cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained was estimated to be $US 63.37 to $68.32, and $8400 to $23 100, respectively, or was dominated by no screening. Economic studies evaluating PSA screening are still far from sufficient. Urologists, epidemiologists and health economists must jointly conduct further studies on not only mortality but also quality of life assessment and economic evaluation, using randomized clinical trials, for a strict evaluation of the actual efficacy of PSA screening. At present, patients should be thoroughly informed of the limitations of PSA screening and, in consultation with urological specialists, make the personal decision of whether to receive it.