Cost-effectiveness of positron emission tomography in breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we used quantitative decision tree modeling to assess the cost-effectiveness of a positron emission tomography (PET)-based management scenario for breast cancer in Canada.


METHODS
Two patient management scenarios were compared (with and without PET). A metaanalysis of studies for the accuracy of PET in staging breast cancer was conducted. Life expectancies were calculated. Management costs were determined from previous cost-effective analyses, management costs from our institutions, and recently published Canadian cost estimates of various procedures.


RESULTS
A cost savings of $695 per person is expected for the PET strategy, with an increase in life expectancy (7.4 days), when compared with the non-PET strategy. This cost savings remained in favor of the PET strategy when subjected to a sensitivity analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a PET management strategy for the staging of breast cancer is expected to remain economically viable in Canada under various economic conditions.
Sloka
J Scott
JS
Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B 4S1, Canada. p97jss@mun.ca
Hollett
Peter D
PD
Mathews
Maria
M
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000191:economics*