Cost-utility analysis of goserelin in the treatment of patients with leiomyoma: a perspective from the Unified Health System

Abstract

Objectives: Goserelin is indicated for women with leiomyoma to reduce the risk associated with clinical complications. This study conducted a cost-utility analysis comparing the use and non-use of goserelin in patients with leiomyoma from the perspective of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Methods: A decision tree model was structured to reproduce the clinical and economic impact of using goserelin before myomectomy, compared to not using it in eligible patients. Direct medical costs and clinical events such as in-hospital complications and length of stay were considered. The incremental cost-utility ratio is represented by the incremental cost of goserelin per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Results: In a scenario where access to goserelin is 51% of patients, the incremental cost was R$ 629.08. Patients in the goserelin group showed an increase of 0.0261 in QALY. The incremental cost-utility ratio was R$ 24,019.26 per QALY, below the threshold adopted by the Ministry of Health. When the percentage of patients receiving goserelin was increased to 80% before surgery, there was an increase in QALY to 0.5013, reducing complication costs and the incremental cost-utility ratio to R$ 10,581.07 per QALY. In the scenario where 100% of patients use goserelin, QALY increased to 0.8290, reducing complication costs and the incremental cost-utility ratio to R$ 10,288.28 per QALY. Conclusions: The use of goserelin has a favorable cost utility, considering the parameters used in this economic modeling. When access to goserelin is higher, there is a significant decrease in the cost per QALY.