Cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening with computed tomography colonography according to a polyp size threshold for polypectomy

Objective Computed tomography colonography (CTC) has an acceptable accuracy in detecting colonic lesions, especially for polyps at least 6 mm. The aim of this analysis is to determine the cost-effectiveness of population-based screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) using CTC with a polyp size threshold. Methods The cost-effectiveness ratios of CTC performed at 50, 60 and 70 years old, without (PL strategy) or with (TS strategy) polyp size threshold were compared using a Markov process. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were calculated per life-years gained (LYG) for a time horizon of 30 years. Results The ICER of PL and TS strategies were 12 042 and 2765 &U20AC;/LYG associated to CRC prevention rates of 37.9 and 36.5%. The ICER of PL and TS strategies dropped to 9687 and 1857 &U20AC;/LYG when advanced adenoma (AA) prevalence increased from 6.9 to 8.6% for male participants and 3.8–4.9% for female participants or to 9482 and 2067 &U20AC;/LYG when adenoma and AA annual recurrence rates dropped to 3.2 and 0.25%. The ICER for PL and TS strategies decreased to 7947 and 954 &U20AC;/LYG or when only two CTC were performed at 50 and 60-years-old. Conversely, the ICER did not significantly change when varying population participation rate or accuracy of CTC. Conclusion CTC with a 6 mm threshold for polypectomy is associated to a substantial cost reduction without significant loss of efficacy. Cost-effectiveness depends more on the AA prevalence or transition rate to CRC than on CTC accuracy or screening compliance.

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