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Cost-effectiveness of a low-dose computed tomography screening programme for lung cancer in New Zealand

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Summary:

Biennial low-dose computed tomography screening of adult smokers was found to be cost-effective for Māori, who have a disproportionately high lung cancer disease burden. The cost-effectiveness of low-dose computed tomography screening of adults aged 55–74 years, who had a smoking history of ≥30 pack years or had quit within the last 15 years if a former smoker, was estimated using a macrosimulation stage shift model and incidence rates of lung cancer in New Zealand. The estimated gain in QALYs was 0.067 per participant at a cost of NZ$4211. The model estimated an ICER of NZ$65,000 per QALY gained for the overall cohort and NZ$39,000 per QALY gained for Māori. The acceptable threshold based on gross domestic product per capita per QALY gained was NZ$45,000 so lung cancer screening was concluded as unlikely to be cost-effective for the overall cohort and likely to be cost-effective for the Māori cohort.

Comment:
Despite lung cancer being one of the most common cancers for Māori and knowing that early intervention (such as surgery) can save lives, it has always concerned me that we haven’t invested more in a screening programme. Hopefully these results will boost much needed work in this area.
Reference: Lung Cancer. 2020;144:99-106.
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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