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Genetic testing in the European Union: does economic evaluation matter?
Fernando Antoñanzas1, R Rodríguez-Ibeas, M F Hutter
1Department of Economics, University of La Rioja, La Cigüeña 60, 26004, Logroño, Spain. fernando.antonanzas@unirioja.es
Summary
Economic evaluations of genetic technologies in the EU are limited but show efficiency for specific genetic diseases. Further research is needed to support broader decision-making across European Union (EU) member states.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Genetics
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Economic evaluations of genetic technologies are crucial for informing healthcare decisions.
- The European Union (EU) faces challenges in integrating novel genetic tests into healthcare systems.
- Understanding the current landscape of economic evaluations is vital for future policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review published economic evaluation studies of genetic technologies in the EU.
- To identify key diseases addressed and methodologies employed in these studies.
- To assess the efficiency of genetic technologies and their potential for decision-making.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, Euronheed, etc.) until March 2010.
- Search terms included "screening or diagnosis," "genetic," "cost or economic," and "country EU27."
- Studies were included if they analyzed genetic technology, involved human DNA testing, were economic evaluations or cost studies, and related to EU Member States.
Main Results:
- Out of 3,559 initial papers, 92 met the inclusion criteria for economic analysis of genetic diseases.
- Most studied diseases included cystic fibrosis, breast/ovarian cancer, and hereditary hemochromatosis.
- Cost-effectiveness analysis was the predominant study type, with many genetic technologies deemed efficient for specific groups.
Conclusions:
- The number of economic evaluation studies on genetic technologies in the EU remains low for widespread decision support.
- Fragmented decision-making bodies across EU member states hinder the consistent application of economic evaluation findings.
- There is a need for greater integration of economic evidence into policy decisions regarding genetic testing.
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