Cost-effectiveness analysis of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in the post-androgen deprivation therapy setting followed by enzalutamide in the post-chemotherapy setting versus the opposite treatment sequence in metastatic castration resistant pro

Abstract

Objective: Abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide are important options in the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. The objective of this study is to compare the cost-effectiveness of the use of abiraterone plus prednisone post-ADT, followed by docetaxel and enzalutamide post-chemotherapy (Abi+Doce+Enza) with the opposite treatment sequence (Enza+Doce+Abi) under the perspective of the Brazilian private healthcare system. Methods: A Markov model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of both sequences in a lifetime time horizon. Transition probabilities and efficacy data were drawn from clinical studies. Cost parameters included drug acquisition and administration, disease monitoring and adverse events were considered. Effectiveness was measured as life years gained, derived from clinical trials. Results were presented as total costs and life years gained in each sequence. Results: Post-ADT state represented the majority of the tre[1]atment costs, and adverse events had little impact in total costs. The sequence Enza+Doce+Abi was dominated by Abi+Doce+Enza. The sequence Abi+Doce+Enza generated a reduction of 7,3% in total treatment costs compared to Enza+Doce+Abi (R$ 262,801 vs R$ 274,165). Effectiveness was slightly higher, with an estimated 3.367 life-years gained in the Abi+Doce+Enza sequence compared with 3.282 life-years gained in the Enza+Doce+Abi sequence. Conclusion: The use of abiraterone plus prednisone post-ADT and enzalutamide in post-chemo had lower treatment costs and higher effectiveness when compared to the opposite sequence in the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, under the Brazilian Private Health System perspective.