Cost–effectiveness analysis comparing degarelix with leuprolide in hormonal therapy for patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hatoum, Hind T; Crawford, E David; Nielsen, Sandy Kildegaard; Lin, Swu-Jane; Marshall, Dennis C
• Is Part Of: Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research. Volume 13:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 261
• Page End: 270
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: ADT -- cost–effectiveness -- degarelix -- Markov simulation models -- prostate cancer -- QALY; Pharmacology -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 338.47615105
• DOI: 10.1586/erp.13.13
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7167

Abstract

Degarelix, approved in the USA in 2008, is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, representing one of the latest additions to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT is used as first-line therapy for locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer with the aim to reduce testosterone to castrate levels. Like other gonadotropin-releasing hormone-antagonists, degarelix treatment results in rapid decrease in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone levels without the associated risk of flare. Using one registration trial for degarelix with leuprolide as the active control, a cost–effectiveness analysis with a Markov model and a 20-year time horizon found the incremental cost–effectiveness ratio for degarelix to be US$245/quality-adjusted life years. Degarelix provides a cost-effective treatment for ADT among patients with locally advanced prostate cancer.