Measuring the population impact of introducing stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer in Canada

Abstract

Background: The Cancer Risk Management Model (CRMM) was used to estimate the health and economic impact of introducing stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Canada.

Methods: The CRMM uses Monte Carlo microsimulation representative of all Canadians. Lung cancer outputs were previously validated internally (Statistics Canada) and externally (Canadian Cancer Registry). We updated costs using the Ontario schedule of fees and benefits or the consumer price index to calculate 2013 Canadian dollars, discounted at a 3% rate. The reference model assumed that for stage I NSCLC, 75% of patients undergo surgery (lobectomy, sublobar resection, or pneumonectomy), 12.5% undergo radiotherapy (RT), and 12.5% undergo best supportive care (BSC). SABR was introduced in 2008 as an alternative to sublobar resection, RT, and BSC at rates reflective of the literature. Incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated; a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 (all amounts are in Canadian dollars) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) was used from the health care payer perspective.

Results: The total cost for 25,085 new cases of lung cancer in 2013 was calculated to be $608,002,599. Mean upfront costs for the 4,318 stage I cases were $7,646.98 for RT, $8,815.55 for SABR, $12,161.17 for sublobar resection, $16,266.12 for lobectomy, $22,940.59 for pneumonectomy, and $14,582.87 for BSC. SABR dominated (higher QALY, lower cost) RT, sublobar resection, and BSC. RT had lower initial costs than SABR that were offset by subsequent costs associated with recurrence. Lobectomy was cost effective when compared with SABR, with an ICER of $55,909.06.

Conclusion: The use of SABR for NSCLC in Canada is projected to result in significant cost savings and survival gains.

Keywords: Cost-effectiveness; Health policy; Microsimulation model; Non-small cell lung cancer; Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy.

Figure 1.

Schema of the lung cancer module of the Cancer Risk Management Model version 2.0. Abbreviations: **, Some may get second line chemo and palliative radio at recurrence; Chemo, chemotherapy; MD, medical doctor; NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer; PCI, prophylactic cranial irradiation; Radio, radiotherapy; SCLC, small cell lung cancer; SCO, supportive care only.