Clinical and economic studies on pharmacotherapy of malignant neoplasms: the modeling approach

The aim is to develop a generalized algorithm and methodology for conducting clinical and economic studies (CeS) on medications used in treatment of malignant neoplasms (MnP). Materials and methods . We conducted a literature search and then reviewed the recent reports on similar CeS. In so doing, we paid special attention to the model type, the modeling methodology, information on the effectiveness and cost, the cost elements, performance criteria, the assessment of the CeS final results, as well as the possibility of applying these results to the national healthcare system. We used the methods of generalization, systematization, as well as visual-graphical and mathematical modeling. Results . A general algorithm for conducting a pharmacoeconomic study has been proposed; this includes an effectiveness analysis, a cost analysis and a comparison of costs and effectiveness (cost-effectiveness). The effectiveness analysis includes selection, digitization, and approximation of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) curves followed by their extrapolation. The choice of extrapolation method is discussed. The cost analysis includes calculating the cost of medications in question, the costs associated with the indicated therapy and with adverse events (Ae), as well the costs associated with disease progression (for certain drugs). The possibility of analyzing indirect and non-medical costs is also discussed. A dynamic version of the Markov model pertaining to the first order course of a disease is proposed; this includes the status before progression (first-line therapy), after progression (second-line therapy) and death. Considering the succession of treatments and the availability of additional data, a similar second-order model (and subsequent orders) can be applied to incorporate additional patient’s condition after the first progression to the second progression (second-line therapy) and after the second progression (third-line therapy). Conclusion . A generalized algorithm has been developed and proposed for carrying out CeS of medications used in MnP.