Economic analysis of lung volume reduction surgery as part of the National Emphysema Treatment Trial. NETT Research Group.
BACKGROUND
In today's cost-conscious health care environment, obtaining timely and accurate economic information regarding new medical technologies has become extremely important. The National Emphysema Treatment Trial, a multicenter, randomized controlled trial of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) plus medical therapy, versus medical therapy for patients with severe emphysema, includes a parallel cost-effectiveness analysis.


METHODS
The analysis is designed to determine the cost-effectiveness of LVRS versus medical therapy for those who are eligible for the procedure. After describing theoretical foundations of cost-effectiveness analysis as they apply to this study, we describe the economic and quality of life data that are being collected alongside the clinical trial, methods of analysis, and approach to presenting the results.


RESULTS
The cost-effectiveness of LVRS relative to medical therapy will be presented as costs per quality-adjusted life years gained.


CONCLUSIONS
This analysis will provide timely economic data that can be considered alongside the clinical results of the National Emphysema Treatment Trial. As one of the largest clinical trials to include a parallel, prospective cost-effectiveness analyses, this study will also provide valuable practical information about conducting an economic analysis alongside a multicenter clinical trial.
Ramsey
S D
SD
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. sramsey@fhcrc.org
Sullivan
S D
SD
Kaplan
R M
RM
Wood
D E
DE
Chiang
Y P
YP
Wagner
J L
JL
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004646:Emphysema / Q000601:surgery*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000191:economics*; D013997:Time Factors