A Literature Survey on Cost-Effectiveness of Proton Beam Therapy in the Management of Breast Cancer Patients

CONTEXT: Proton therapy has currently used to treat brain, spinal and prostate cancers, as well as Breast cancer. Proponents have cited the modality’s ability to spare healthy tissue, but critics have claimed the benefit gained from its use has not validated its cost in comparison with photon therapy. The aim of this study was evaluation of proton therapy cost effectiveness versus photon therapy, in the Breast Cancer management through a literature survey. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Standard search strategies covering the querying of available online databases (MEDLINE®, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane) have been applied. Database searches have conducted in an iterative manner during June–September 2015 to retrieve articles related to our policy. No specific key words have required as inclusion criteria; a relatively small number of studies exist on this topic, so a “bottom-up” search strategy has required. RESULTS: Three studies have modeled the costs and cost-effectiveness of PBT in breast cancer. The ICER has lied below the threshold for women at high risk of cardiac disease and so it could be judged cost-effective whereas it was above this threshold for other patients. The cost per QALY has gained would, however, be considerably lower if a population with high-risk of developing cardiac disease has treated. CONCLUSIONS: It has concluded that proton therapy for breast cancer could be cost-effective if appropriate risk groups have chosen as targets for the therapy. Also the number of patient whose radiation therapy has considered in their treatment schedule, was other important factor which could affect the decision on PBT cost effectiveness.