Cost-effectiveness of pertuzumab and trastuzumab as a first-line treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in China

Background: This study sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel (PTD) regimen and a trastuzumab and docetaxel (TD) regimen in the first-line treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in the context of the Chinese health system. Methods: A 3 health-state Markov model was established to simulate the disease process of patients. Transition probability and adverse reactions data were derived from the CLEOPATRA trial. The utility value of the disease status was derived from the relevant literature, and the costs were based on the China Drug Database and other local charges. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the uncertainty of the results caused by parameter variability. Results: Compared to the TD regimen, the PTD regimen afforded an additional 0.64 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) at an incremental cost of 44,828 USD. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was 69,702 USD/QALY. The results of the sensitivity analysis suggest that the results are reliable. Conclusions: The PTD regimen can prolong the life of patients and improve their quality of life with HER2-positive MBC, but the medical costs also increase accordingly. Based on the current payment threshold in China, the PTD regimen has no economic advantage over the TD regimen in the first-line treatment of HER2-positive MBC patients.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of PTD and TD regimens in the treatment of HER2-positive MBC patients within the Chinese health system. Results showed that while the PTD regimen offered advantages in life extension and quality of life improvement compared to the TD regimen, the increased costs did not meet the current economic threshold in China.