Cost-Efficacy of Monitoring for Adriamycin-Induced Cardiomyopathy by Equilibrium Radionuclide Angiocardiography in a Low-Risk 35-year old Female Treated for Stage IIB Breast Cancer: A Decision- Analysis

Abstract

Doxorubicin is a member of the anthracycline antibiotic class of chemotherapeutic agents and is among the most effective chemotherapies in the treatment of breast cancer1. However, the efficacy of the drug is limited by its ability to cause a heart failure. In younger women with high – risk breast cancers, doxorubicin improves their chances of survival from the breast cancer, but the risk of heart failure, should they survive, will shorten their lives substantially and reduce their quality of life. Periodic monitoring of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during treatment with doxorubicin has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality from doxorubicin – induced heart failure19 and for the past 20 years, the Schwartz guidelines have provided an algorithm for the frequency of LVEF monitoring19. According to this guideline, women in their 30’s who are otherwise healthy do not receive LVEF monitoring until they have received a threshold dose of 250-300mg/m2. We have conducted a decision – analysis cost – effectiveness study of heart failure prevention by LVEF monitoring with equilibrium radionuclide angiography (ERNA) either in adherence to the Schwartz guidelines or before each dose of doxorubicin (serial monitoring). Our findings show that, both in terms of quality of life and cost outcomes, ERNA monitoring of LVEF according to the Schwartz guidelines is the dominant strategy. Monte Carlo analysis of 5000 patients showed that the Schwartz guidelines have an average cost- effectiveness of $110/QALY, versus $390/QALY for serial monitoring. Sensitivity analysis of uncertain variables invariably showed that Schwartz guidelines are dominant.