The use of a Markov process to simulate and assess follow-up policies for patients with malignant disease: surveillance for stage I nonseminomatous tumors of the testis.
Using a Markov process to simulate and assess surveillance policies for stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors, the authors analyzed costs and effectiveness for the various policies that have been used clinically. They found no real differences in effectiveness, defined as probability of surviving two years, between the policies. There were significant differences in costs. The model is used to suggest schedules that might be more cost-effective than those currently employed. The model suggests that computed tomographic scanning of the abdomen may not be essential to the effectiveness of surveillance protocols.
Munro
A J
AJ
Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Warde
P R
PR
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008390:Markov Chains; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D016134:Organizational Policy; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents