[Analysis of cost effectiveness of photodynamic therapy with Foscan (Foscan-PDT) in comparison with palliative chemotherapy in patients with advanced head-neck tumors in Germany].
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this manuscript is to give a cost-effectiveness analysis of the photodynamic therapy by means of Foscan (Foscan-PDT) in Germany. The basis for this paper is provided by a study performed in Great Britain which analyses the costs of Foscan-PDT compared to the costs of palliative chemotherapy and to the option of no treatment in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.


METHODS
In order to calculate the cost-effectiveness, an already published model developed on the base of English data was fed with German cost-data. For consideration of the different characteristics of cost-parameters as well as to minimize the over- or underestimation of the costs, sensitivity analyses were performed.


RESULTS
The Foscan-PDT revealed the highest health-related effectiveness compared to all other above-mentioned options -- 129 additional days of life in comparison to no treatment or 48 days in comparison to four cycles of palliative chemotherapy. The costs per therapy of Foscan-PDT ( 8,761 euros) were lower than those of four cycles of palliative chemotherapy (11,600 euros).


CONCLUSIONS
Foscan-PDT is a cost-effective treatment option for patients suffering from advanced head and neck cancer. For patients who up to now had only very limited treatment possibilities at their disposition, Foscan-PDT offers a chance for reduction of the tumor, remission, and a prolonged expectancy of life.
Kübler
A
A
Klinik und Poliklinik für Zahnärztliche Chirurgie und für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie der Universität zu Köln. a.kuebler@uni-koeln.de
Niziol
C
C
Sidhu
M
M
Dünne
A
A
Werner
J A
JA
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005858:Germany; D006295:Health Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006414:Hematoporphyrin Photoradiation / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000191:economics*; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000191:economics; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D015996:Survival Rate; D014600:Utilization Review