title: Quality-adjusted life years in cancer: pros, cons, and alternatives.
abstract: High and rising cancer treatment costs have forced a discussion about the use of cost-effectiveness analyses and other approaches to assess the value of cancer care. Oncologists have traditionally resisted using economic considerations in day-to-day medical considerations, though unavoidably their decisions have important resource implications, and increasingly economic realities are impacting their actions. In this paper, we summarise the use of the quality-adjusted life years to assess the value of cancer care and suggest potential ways to improve upon value measurement in cancer coverage and reimbursement decisions.
authors.affiliation: Boston Health Economics, Inc., Waltham, MA 02451, USA.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Woodward
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Menzin
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Neumann
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D040841:Resource Allocation