Is centralization of ovarian cancer care warranted?: A cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of tertiary referral care for ovarian cancer patients in the Netherlands. Methods We collected clinical and registry data on 1077 newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients treated from 1996–2003 in a random sample of Dutch hospitals. Decision modelling was used to compare the cost-effectiveness of treatment in general hospitals, semi-specialized hospitals, and tertiary care centers. The actual direct medical costs of ovarian cancer treatment were evaluated. Long-term outcomes in terms of costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental costs per QALY gained were estimated. To assess uncertainty, multivariable sensitivity analyses and scenario analyses were performed. Results Treatment of ovarian cancer patients in semi-specialized hospitals costs on average €882 more than in general hospitals (95% confidence interval –720 to 2462) and yields 0.12 additional QALYs (95% CI 0.02 to 0.22), resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €7135. Patients treated in tertiary care centers incurred again higher costs (€10,591, 95% CI 8757 to 12,480) and also higher QALYs (0.10, 95% CI 0 to 0.21), resulting in an ICER of €102,642 compared to semi-specialized hospitals. If the optimal debulking rate in tertiary care centers would increase to 70%, costs could drop below €30,000 per QALY. Conclusion Current treatment of ovarian cancer patients in semi-specialized hospital settings is a cost-effective strategy, while treatment in tertiary care centers becomes only cost-effective when better surgical results would be achieved.