A cost-effectiveness analysis of Gd-EOB-DTPA contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging versus ultrasound in hepatocellular carcinoma screening / 临床肝胆病杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the cost-effectiveness ratio of Gd-EOB-DTPA contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EMRI) versus ultrasound in liver cancer screening for the high-risk population. MethodsThe TreeAge Pro 2011 software was used to establish a decision-tree model. A mathematical model was used to simulate the costs and benefits of EMRI or ultrasound screening every 6 months in patients with liver cirrhosis, and the cost-effectiveness ratios under different screening models were calculated. ResultsThe EMRI group had a mean cost of liver cancer screening of 2050.2 RMB each person each time and mean benefits of 0.11 YLG, while the ultrasound group had a mean cost of 262.6 RMB and mean benefits of 0.02 YLG. When the incidence rate of liver cancer was 17.8%, the EMRI group had a similar cost-effectiveness ratio as the ultrasound group, and the cost of 1 YLG was 11445 RMB; EMRI tended to have a lower cost and a better effect in screening with the increase in the incidence rate of liver cancer. The cost-effectiveness ratio of EMRI gradually decreased with the reduction in its price, and its effect in screening gradually increased with the reduction in price. ConclusionThe cost-effectiveness of liver cancer screening is closely related to the incidence rate of liver cancer and the price of screening. EMRI has a good cost-effectiveness ratio in screening when the risk of liver cancer is higher than 17.8%.