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Cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab as an adjuvant treatment of renal cell carcinoma post-nephrectomy in Switzerland

  • 0Department of Public Health, Health Economics Facility, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Journal of Medical Economics +

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October 16, 2024

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October 16, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Pembrolizumab is a cost-effective adjuvant treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients post-nephrectomy in Switzerland. This immunotherapy offers improved survival outcomes compared to observation, justifying its use in clinical decision-making.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Health Economics
  • Pharmacoeconomics

Background

  • Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a significant health concern, with adjuvant treatment options crucial for improving patient outcomes post-nephrectomy.
  • Pembrolizumab has shown efficacy in prolonging disease-free and overall survival in high-risk RCC patients.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adjuvant pembrolizumab compared to observation for post-nephrectomy RCC patients in Switzerland.
  • To inform healthcare policy decisions regarding resource allocation for advanced RCC treatment.

Main Methods

  • A Markov model adapted for the Swiss healthcare system was utilized.
  • Survival data from the KEYNOTE-564 trial (June 2021 data cut-off) informed transition probabilities.
  • Cost-effectiveness was assessed using quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and life-years (LYs) over a lifetime horizon, discounted at 3.0%.

Main Results

  • Pembrolizumab demonstrated an incremental cost of CHF 59,089, yielding 0.90 QALYs and 1.07 LYs compared to observation.
  • The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was CHF 65,299 per QALY.
  • Pembrolizumab showed a 69.9% probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of CHF 100,000/QALY.

Conclusions

  • Adjuvant pembrolizumab is a cost-effective treatment option for post-nephrectomy RCC patients in Switzerland at the specified willingness-to-pay threshold.
  • Healthcare policymakers should consider pembrolizumab for resource allocation in adjuvant RCC treatment.
  • The study provides valuable pharmacoeconomic data for decision-making in renal cell carcinoma management.

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