TACE combined with apatinib versus TACE alone for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in China: a cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis.
Yanxiao Zhang, Xiaoge Wang, Zimeng Huang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This study evaluated the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) combined with apatinib versus TACE alone for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in China. Conducted as a multicenter randomized controlled trial with 196 patients, the combination therapy significantly improved median progression-free survival (6.1 vs 3.4 months) and overall survival (28.9 vs 24.0 months).
Key findings
- Median progression-free survival was 6.1 months for the combination therapy versus 3.4 months for TACE alone.
- Overall survival was 28.9 months for the combination group compared to 24.0 months for TACE alone.
- The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the combination therapy was US$42,864/QALY at the 2021 price.
- Cumulative incremental expenditure over 5 years was approximately US$365 million at a 50% penetration rate.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the potential for improved survival outcomes in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma when combining TACE with apatinib. However, the cost-effectiveness of this regimen is influenced by drug pricing and budgetary considerations.