A literature review of cost–effectiveness analyses of prostate-specific antigen test in prostate cancer screening. (June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garg, Vishvas; Gu, Ning Yan; Borrego, Matthew E; Raisch, Dennis W
• Is Part Of: Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research. Volume 13:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 327
• Page End: 342
• Publication Date: 2013-06
• Subjects: cost–effectiveness analysis -- digital rectal examination -- health insurance coverage -- prostate cancer -- prostate cancer screening -- prostate-specific antigen test -- systematic review -- transrectal ultrasound -- USPSTF guidelines; Pharmacology -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 338.47615105
• DOI: 10.1586/erp.13.26
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7167

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in American men, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is its common screening procedure. In May 2012, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended against PSA-based screening. These recommendations contradict the current recommendations of other organizations such as the American Urological Association. The authors conducted a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane to examine the published literature reporting the cost–effectiveness of PSA-based screening. The authors found ten studies each for US and non-US jurisdiction population. All reviewed studies concluded PSA-based screening to be cost effective in younger men (≤60 years of age) and at higher PSA levels (≥3 ng/ml). Further cost–effectiveness analyses reflecting latest clinical practice and current perspectives regarding adverse outcomes of potentially unnecessary treatment are required, especially from the US government perspective.