Cost-effectiveness of liver transplantation versus last-resort systemic therapy for colorectal liver metastases

Br J Surg. 2022 May 16;109(6):483-485. doi: 10.1093/bjs/znac022.

Abstract

This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of liver transplantation in patients with colorectal liver metastases confined to the liver with progressive disease, compared with alternative treatment options: TAS-102, regorafenib, or best supportive care. Using a mathematical simulation model, people’s life expectancy and healthcare costs over 25 years were estimated. Transplanted patients lived for 4.28 years, more than 3 years longer than those who received alternative treatment options. Despite this, the high cost of liver transplantation meant that this treatment was cost-effective only at high willingness-to-pay thresholds.

MeSH terms

  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Hepatectomy
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms* / secondary
  • Liver Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation*