Cost-effectiveness of a melanoma screening programme using whole disease modelling

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Economics
• Public Health

Background:

• Melanoma poses a significant public health challenge.
• The advent of targeted drugs and immunotherapy necessitates re-evaluation of screening program impacts.
• Assessing cost-effectiveness is crucial for healthcare resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and life expectancy impact of a melanoma screening program versus usual care.
• To analyze the economic implications in the context of advanced cancer therapies.
• To inform healthcare policy regarding melanoma detection strategies.

Main Methods:

• A Whole Disease Model utilizing a 25-year Markov simulation.
• Analysis from the perspective of the Veneto regional healthcare system (Italian National Health Service).
• Inclusion of direct costs and consideration of up-to-date drug therapies; sensitivity analyses performed.

Main Results:

• The melanoma screening intervention demonstrated dominance over usual care within the 25-year timeframe.
• Probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings.
• Key factors influencing cost-effectiveness included detection rates and population adherence to screening.

Conclusions:

• Melanoma screening is a dominant strategy compared to usual care.
• The findings support the implementation of regional or national melanoma screening programs within healthcare systems.
• Consideration of screening programs is recommended for improved patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.