Penpulimab, a novel PD-1 inhibitor developed in China, has shown significant cost-effectiveness when combined with standard chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC), based on recent Phase III trial findings.
Study Design and Methodology
The research utilized a three-state Markov model to assess the economic viability of Penpulimab combined with carboplatin-paclitaxel (PEN-CP) against chemotherapy alone (CP) as a first-line treatment for metastatic sqNSCLC. Clinical efficacy data were drawn from the AK105-302 trial, while cost inputs were based on national tender prices and published literature for additional expenses and health utilities.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
The primary outcomes measured included total healthcare costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Sensitivity analyses, both one-way and probabilistic, were conducted to verify the robustness of the results.
- The cost of Penpulimab plays a crucial role in determining overall cost-effectiveness.
- Progression-free survival (PFS) stage utility values significantly impact the model outcomes.
- Optimal supportive care costs are key factors influencing the economic evaluation.
The analysis revealed that PEN-CP yielded an ICER of $14,918.81 per QALY, which is well below the Chinese willingness-to-pay threshold of $38,060.00 per QALY. This indicates that the combination therapy is a cost-effective option for patients with metastatic sqNSCLC.
The integration of Penpulimab with standard chemotherapy presents a financially viable first-line treatment for metastatic sqNSCLC within the Chinese healthcare framework. While the therapy offers enhanced progression-free and overall survival rates, its affordability remains a subject for further consideration. Policymakers and healthcare providers should weigh the clinical benefits against the economic implications to optimize treatment strategies for advanced lung cancer patients.
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