WP 2.3: Economic evaluation of transoral robotic surgery versus radio therapy for early oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

In many countries, first line treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is radiation therapy (RT). However, minimal invasive surgery by transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is emerging as a surgical alternative, especially in early stages of the disease. There is a lack of data on cost-effectiveness and the cost-utility of modern interventions for OPSCC and a paucity in studies comparing the treatment effects of TORS and RT in a societal perspective. We will perform an economic evaluation alongside a nationwide multicenter randomized phase II trial comparing TORS to RT in the treatment of early stage OPSCC.

The economic evaluation will include both a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis. Cost-effectiveness is calculated as the ratio of the costs of the intervention to the effect of the intervention. The cost-utility analysis is evaluated as quality adjusted life years which represents the product of time and health effects. All relevant costs will be measured, valued and analyzed i.e., cost of the interventions, costs of other health care utilization, and costs of productivity loss. A micro-costing approach is used to calculate costs of interventions. Our project will provide reliable data on cost-effectiveness and the cost-utility of modern interventions for OPSCC, a disease which is in a significant increase in the western world. Such information may be of great value to institutions, senior health care providers and the authorities and aid in decision making and prioritizing health services.

Awarded to: Thomas Kjærgaard – CFA2

Awarded grant to support TAP personnel.