Cost-effectiveness analysis of bevacizumab versus pemetrexed for advanced non-squamous NSCLC in Italy.

INTRODUCTION: The new targeted agent bevacizumab in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine (BCG), and a third-generation chemotherapy pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin (PC), are approved as first-line treatment for patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS: An indirect comparison between BCG and PC showed that the bevacizumab triplet achieved a favourable hazard ratio in terms of progression-free survival among patients with advanced NSCLC. This analysis aimed to compare the detailed costs and benefits of these treatments for advanced non-squamous NSCLC in Italy.

RESULTS: The monthly cost of single-agent bevacizumab, including administration and supportive care costs, and costs for adverse events as a single agent was 4,007 euro/patient less than pemetrexed over the patient's lifetime. BCG also achieved a mean gain of 0.12 life-years compared with PC over this period. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of BCG relative to PC was calculated to be 34,919 euro per additional life-year gained suggesting that BCG is cost-effective compared with PC as first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC in Italy.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, bevacizumab-based therapy can be considered as a cost-effective option when compared to chemotherapy treatments such as pemetrexed for the treatment for advanced non-squamous NSCLC.