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Estimation of an optimal chemotherapy utilization rate for malignant pleural mesothelioma: An evidence‐based benchmark for cancer care
Author(s) -
Kao Steven ChuanHao,
Zandwijk Nico,
Clarke Stephen,
Vardy Janette,
Lumba Sumit,
Tognela Annette,
Ng Weng
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
asia‐pacific journal of clinical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.73
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1743-7563
pISSN - 1743-7555
DOI - 10.1111/ajco.12306
Subject(s) - benchmark (surveying) , estimation , mesothelioma , medicine , chemotherapy , oncology , lung cancer , intensive care medicine , statistics , pathology , mathematics , geography , economics , management , geodesy
Aims Chemotherapy with cisplatin and pemetrexed has been shown to provide a survival benefit and improvement in quality of life in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma ( MPM ). The reported chemotherapy utilization rates range from 18% to 61%. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of MPM patients that should receive chemotherapy based on best available evidence. Methods An optimal chemotherapy utilization model for MPM was constructed using indications for chemotherapy identified from evidence‐based MPM treatment guidelines. Epidemiological data on the proportion of patients and their tumor‐related attributes were combined with the chemotherapy indications to estimate the optimal chemotherapy utilization rate using decision analysis software ( T ree A ge P ro 2007). Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the impact of major variations in the epidemiological data on the optimal chemotherapy utilization rate. The optimal rate was compared with the actual rate reported in the literature. Results Chemotherapy is recommended at least once during the disease trajectory in 65% of MPM patients. Sensitivity analyses indicate an optimal utilization rate ranging from 50% to 65%. This optimal rate is relatively comparable to the rates mentioned in contemporary reports from C anada (61% between 2003 and 2005) and A ustralia (54% between 2007 and 2009) and high when compared with data from the N etherlands (36% during 2005–2006). Conclusion An evidence‐based model provided an optimal chemotherapy utilization rate of 65% for patients with MPM . Chemotherapy for MPM may be underutilized and barriers are likely multifactorial.