Economic evaluations of follow-up strategies for cancer survivors: a systematic review and quality appraisal of the literature. (2nd November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meregaglia, Michela; Cairns, John
• Is Part Of: Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research. Volume 15:Number 6(2015)
• Page Start: 913
• Page End: 929
• Publication Date: 2015-11-02
• Subjects: cancer -- Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards -- cost-effectiveness -- economic evaluation -- follow-up -- quality -- review; Pharmacology -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 338.47615105
• DOI: 10.1586/14737167.2015.1087316
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7167

Abstract

Abstract : The aim of this study was to review and critically assess the health economics literature on post-treatment follow-up for adult cancer survivors. A systematic search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist was adopted to assess the quality of the included studies. Thirty-nine articles met the eligibility criteria. Around two thirds of the studies addressed the most common cancers (i.e., breast, colorectal, cervical and lung); 21 were based on a single clinical study, while the rest were modeling papers. All types of economic evaluations were represented other than cost-benefit analysis. The overall quality was generally high with an average proportion of 74% of checklist criteria fulfilled. The cost-effectiveness results supported the current trend towards less intensive, primary care-based and risk-adapted follow-up schemes.