Cost-Saving Multi-Gene Assay For Stage II Colon Cancer

Published Nov 17, 2012
Menlo Park, CA, USA - Cancer experts have acknowledged a significant need for improved risk stratification in patients with stage II colon cancer. An independent research study conducted by collaborators at Cedar Associates, Stanford University, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University, Columbia University, Duke University and the Duke Cancer Institute, evaluated the economic impact of a multi-gene recurrence score (RS) (Oncotype DX®, Genomic Health, Inc., Redwood City, CA) for stage II colon cancer patients. They found that, compared with guideline-recommended clinicopathological factors using a mathematical model, the RS was cost-saving from a societal perspective. Treatment guided by the multi-gene recurrence score is projected to reduce adjuvant chemotherapy use by 17% and direct medical costs by $2,971 per patient on average, while increasing quality-adjusted life expectancy by 0.035 years per patient on average. “This analysis demonstrates that the use of the RS can potentially save costs to society while improving results for patients with stage II colon cancer.” said John Hornberger, MD, MS, of Cedar Associates and Adjunct Clinical Professor of Stanford University School of Medicine. This study, “A multi-gene prognostic assay for selection of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with T3, stage II colon cancer: impact on quality-adjusted life expectancy and costs,” is published in Value in Health, the official journal of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) without review or approval by sponsor Genomic Health in accordance with an independent research contract. For more information: www.ispor.org, www.cedarecon.com.

Value in Health (ISSN 1098-3015) publishes papers, concepts, and ideas that advance the field of pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research as well as policy papers to help health care leaders make evidence-based decisions. The journal is published bi-monthly and has over 8,000 subscribers (clinicians, decision-makers, and researchers worldwide).

International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) is a nonprofit, international, educational and scientific organization that strives to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of health care resource use to improve health.

For more information: www.ispor.org

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