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Management of patients with acoustic neuromas: A Markov decision analysis
Author(s) -
Morrison Daniel
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.20819
Subject(s) - radiosurgery , medicine , life expectancy , microsurgery , acoustic neuroma , audiology , benchmark (surveying) , surgery , radiation therapy , population , environmental health , geodesy , geography
Objectives/Hypothesis: The management of patients with small (<1.5 cm) acoustic neuromas is controversial. Immediate treatment via microsurgical resection or radiosurgery is often advocated. A period of observation is sometimes advised followed by microsurgery or radiosurgery for tumors that demonstrate growth during the observation period. The purpose of this study is to calculate quality‐adjusted life expectancy for the most commonly applied management strategies in hypothetical cohorts of patients of various ages. Study Design: Markov decision analysis; societal perspective. Methods: Assumptions used in creating this model and event probabilities were obtained from a thorough literature review. Key parameters were identified and defined by the best available evidence. The main outcome measure is the benefit derived from each management strategy in quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Sensitivity analysis was used to define benchmark performance information for these parameters. Results: The benefit of a period of observation followed by radiosurgery, if needed, for significant tumor growth is greater then all other strategies for all age groups and both sexes. When compared to observation followed by microsurgery, the additional benefit is small. QALY totals for the two immediate treatment groups were significantly lower than that for the observation groups. Conclusions: For patients of all ages, a period of observation during which tumor growth and hearing thresholds are closely monitored is the superior strategy. For tumors that grow substantially or when hearing deteriorates, definitive management via radiosurgery is recommended. Laryngoscope, 2010