The cost-effectiveness of external beam radiation therapy in bone metastases

Bone is the third common organ affected by metastases, and about 70% of patients with breast cancer or prostate cancer will develop bone metastases. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a mainstay of treatment for patients with bone metastases. However, the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of EBRT in patients with bone metastases have not been adequately understood. The current work aims at reviewing recent cost-effectiveness literature of EBRT on patients with bone metastases.

Studies have consistently shown that EBRT is associated with significant pain relief, and existing cost-effectiveness studies have suggested that single fraction radiation therapy is more cost effective than multiple fraction radiation therapy in pain palliation. However, due to the high dependence of the data among these studies and the absence of significant amount of information, the current findings may require supports from further research in validating the results.

This work sheds the light on future economic models in applying individual preference to survey questionnaires, such as, contingent valuation/conjoint choice, to carefully measure utility improvements from a treatment. In addition, research with focus on patient-centered outcome is encouraged to help clinician better understand patients' perceived outcomes of EBRT.