Andrew Eckel is a programmer at the MGH Institute for Technology Assessment, where he writes and maintains population models for multiple cancer sites, as well as database scripts for cost-of-care studies. He received his Master’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2014. Outside of the ITA, he makes music and writes image processing software for visual art.
Selected Publications
Peters, Mary Linton B; Eckel, Andrew; Seguin, Claudia L; Davidi, Barak; Howard, David H; Knudsen, Amy B; Pandharipande, Pari V
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Screening for Pancreatic Cancer Among High-Risk Populations Journal Article
In: JCO Oncol Pract, vol. 20, iss. 2, pp. 278-290, 2024, ISSN: 2688-1535.
@article{pmid38086003,
title = {Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Screening for Pancreatic Cancer Among High-Risk Populations},
author = {Mary Linton B Peters and Andrew Eckel and Claudia L Seguin and Barak Davidi and David H Howard and Amy B Knudsen and Pari V Pandharipande},
doi = {10.1200/OP.23.00495},
issn = {2688-1535},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-02-01},
urldate = {2024-02-01},
journal = {JCO Oncol Pract},
volume = {20},
issue = {2},
pages = {278-290},
abstract = {PURPOSE: We evaluated the potential cost-effectiveness of combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) screening for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) among populations at high risk for the disease.nnMETHODS: We used a microsimulation model of the natural history of PDAC to estimate the lifetime health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of PDAC screening among populations with specific genetic risk factors for PDAC, including and , , , Lynch syndrome, , , and . For each high-risk population, we simulated 29 screening strategies, defined by starting age and frequency. Screening included MRI with follow-up EUS in a subset of patients. Costs of tests were based on Medicare reimbursement for MRI, EUS, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and pancreatectomy. Cancer-related cost by stage of disease and phase of treatment was based on the literature. For each high-risk population, we performed an incremental cost-effectiveness analysis, assuming a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $100,000 US dollars (USD) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained.nnRESULTS: For men with relative risk (RR) 12.33 () and RR 28 (), annual screening was cost-effective, starting at age 55 and 40 years, respectively. For women, screening was only cost-effective for those with RR 28 (), with annual screening starting at age 45 years.nnCONCLUSION: Combined MRI/EUS screening may be a cost-effective approach for the highest-risk populations (among mutations considered, those with RR \>12). However, for those with moderate risk (RR, 5-12), screening would only be cost-effective at higher WTP thresholds (eg, $200K USD/QALY) or with once-only screening.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
PURPOSE: We evaluated the potential cost-effectiveness of combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) screening for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) among populations at high risk for the disease.nnMETHODS: We used a microsimulation model of the natural history of PDAC to estimate the lifetime health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of PDAC screening among populations with specific genetic risk factors for PDAC, including and , , , Lynch syndrome, , , and . For each high-risk population, we simulated 29 screening strategies, defined by starting age and frequency. Screening included MRI with follow-up EUS in a subset of patients. Costs of tests were based on Medicare reimbursement for MRI, EUS, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and pancreatectomy. Cancer-related cost by stage of disease and phase of treatment was based on the literature. For each high-risk population, we performed an incremental cost-effectiveness analysis, assuming a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $100,000 US dollars (USD) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained.nnRESULTS: For men with relative risk (RR) 12.33 () and RR 28 (), annual screening was cost-effective, starting at age 55 and 40 years, respectively. For women, screening was only cost-effective for those with RR 28 (), with annual screening starting at age 45 years.nnCONCLUSION: Combined MRI/EUS screening may be a cost-effective approach for the highest-risk populations (among mutations considered, those with RR >12). However, for those with moderate risk (RR, 5-12), screening would only be cost-effective at higher WTP thresholds (eg, $200K USD/QALY) or with once-only screening.
Seguin, Claudia L; Davidi, Barak; Peters, Mary Linton B; Eckel, Andrew; Harisinghani, Mukesh G; Goiffon, Reece J; Knudsen, Amy B; Pandharipande, Pari V
Ultrasound Surveillance of Small, Incidentally Detected Gallbladder Polyps: Projected Benefits by Sex, Age, and Comorbidity Level Journal Article
In: J Am Coll Radiol, vol. 20, no. 10, pp. 1031-1041, 2023, ISSN: 1558-349X.
@article{pmid37406750c,
title = {Ultrasound Surveillance of Small, Incidentally Detected Gallbladder Polyps: Projected Benefits by Sex, Age, and Comorbidity Level},
author = {Claudia L Seguin and Barak Davidi and Mary Linton B Peters and Andrew Eckel and Mukesh G Harisinghani and Reece J Goiffon and Amy B Knudsen and Pari V Pandharipande},
doi = {10.1016/j.jacr.2023.05.015},
issn = {1558-349X},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-10-01},
urldate = {2023-10-01},
journal = {J Am Coll Radiol},
volume = {20},
number = {10},
pages = {1031-1041},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Incidentally detected gallbladder polyps are commonly encountered when performing upper abdominal ultrasound. Our purpose was to estimate the life expectancy (LE) benefit of ultrasound-based gallbladder surveillance in patients with small (6-7 to \<10 mm), incidentally detected gallbladder polyps, accounting for patient sex, age, and comorbidity level.nnMETHODS: We developed a decision-analytic Markov model to evaluate hypothetical cohorts of women and men with small gallbladder polyps, with varying age (66-80 years) and comorbidity level (none, mild, moderate, severe). Drawing from current evidence, in the base case, we assumed no increased risk of gallbladder cancer in patients with small gallbladder polyps. To estimate maximal possible LE gains from surveillance, we assumed perfect cancer control consequent to 5 years of surveillance. We varied key assumptions including cancer risk and test performance characteristics in sensitivity analysis.nnRESULTS: Projected LE gains from surveillance were \<3 days across most cohorts and scenarios evaluated. For 66- and 80-year-olds with no comorbidities, LE gains were 1.46 and 1.45 days, respectively, for women, and 0.67 and 0.75 days for men. With 10 years of surveillance, LE gains increased to 2.94 days for 66-year-old women with no comorbidities (men: 1.35 days). If we assumed a 10% increase in gallbladder cancer risk among individuals with polyps, LE gains increased slightly to 1.60 days for 66-year-old women with no comorbidities (men: 0.74 days). Results were sensitive to test performance and surgical mortality.nnDISCUSSION: Even under unrealistic, optimistic assumptions of cancer control, ultrasound surveillance of incidentally detected small gallbladder polyps provided limited benefit.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
OBJECTIVE: Incidentally detected gallbladder polyps are commonly encountered when performing upper abdominal ultrasound. Our purpose was to estimate the life expectancy (LE) benefit of ultrasound-based gallbladder surveillance in patients with small (6-7 to <10 mm), incidentally detected gallbladder polyps, accounting for patient sex, age, and comorbidity level.nnMETHODS: We developed a decision-analytic Markov model to evaluate hypothetical cohorts of women and men with small gallbladder polyps, with varying age (66-80 years) and comorbidity level (none, mild, moderate, severe). Drawing from current evidence, in the base case, we assumed no increased risk of gallbladder cancer in patients with small gallbladder polyps. To estimate maximal possible LE gains from surveillance, we assumed perfect cancer control consequent to 5 years of surveillance. We varied key assumptions including cancer risk and test performance characteristics in sensitivity analysis.nnRESULTS: Projected LE gains from surveillance were <3 days across most cohorts and scenarios evaluated. For 66- and 80-year-olds with no comorbidities, LE gains were 1.46 and 1.45 days, respectively, for women, and 0.67 and 0.75 days for men. With 10 years of surveillance, LE gains increased to 2.94 days for 66-year-old women with no comorbidities (men: 1.35 days). If we assumed a 10% increase in gallbladder cancer risk among individuals with polyps, LE gains increased slightly to 1.60 days for 66-year-old women with no comorbidities (men: 0.74 days). Results were sensitive to test performance and surgical mortality.nnDISCUSSION: Even under unrealistic, optimistic assumptions of cancer control, ultrasound surveillance of incidentally detected small gallbladder polyps provided limited benefit.
Seguin, Claudia L; Davidi, Barak; Peters, Mary Linton B; Eckel, Andrew; Harisinghani, Mukesh G; Goiffon, Reece J; Knudsen, Amy B; Pandharipande, Pari V
Ultrasound Surveillance of Small Incidentally Detected Gallbladder Polyps: Projected Benefits by Sex, Age, and Comorbidity Level Journal Article
In: J Am Coll Radiol, vol. S1546-1440, iss. 23, pp. 00475-1, 2023, ISSN: 1558-349X.
@article{pmid37406750,
title = {Ultrasound Surveillance of Small Incidentally Detected Gallbladder Polyps: Projected Benefits by Sex, Age, and Comorbidity Level},
author = {Claudia L Seguin and Barak Davidi and Mary Linton B Peters and Andrew Eckel and Mukesh G Harisinghani and Reece J Goiffon and Amy B Knudsen and Pari V Pandharipande},
doi = {10.1016/j.jacr.2023.05.015},
issn = {1558-349X},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-07-01},
urldate = {2023-07-01},
journal = {J Am Coll Radiol},
volume = {S1546-1440},
issue = {23},
pages = {00475-1},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Incidentally detected gallbladder polyps are commonly encountered when performing upper abdominal ultrasound. Our purpose was to estimate the life expectancy (LE) benefit of ultrasound-based gallbladder surveillance in patients with small (6-7 to \<10 mm), incidentally detected gallbladder polyps, accounting for patient sex, age, and comorbidity level.nnMETHODS: We developed a decision-analytic Markov model to evaluate hypothetical cohorts of women and men with small gallbladder polyps, with varying age (66-80 years) and comorbidity level (none, mild, moderate, severe). Drawing from current evidence, in the base case, we assumed no increased risk of gallbladder cancer in patients with small gallbladder polyps. To estimate maximal possible LE gains from surveillance, we assumed perfect cancer control consequent to five years of surveillance. We varied key assumptions including cancer risk and test performance characteristics in sensitivity analysis.nnRESULTS: Projected LE gains from surveillance were \< 3 days across most cohorts and scenarios evaluated. For 66- and 80-year-olds with no comorbidities, LE gains were 1.46 and 1.45 days, respectively, for women, and 0.67 and 0.75 days for men. With ten years of surveillance, LE gains increased to 2.94 days for 66-year-old women with no comorbidities (men: 1.35 days). If we assumed a 10% increase in gallbladder cancer risk among individuals with polyps, LE gains increased slightly to 1.60 days for 66-year-old women with no comorbidities (men: 0.74 days). Results were sensitive to test performance and surgical mortality.nnDISCUSSION: Even under unrealistic, optimistic assumptions of cancer control, ultrasound surveillance of incidentally detected small gallbladder polyps provided limited benefit.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
OBJECTIVE: Incidentally detected gallbladder polyps are commonly encountered when performing upper abdominal ultrasound. Our purpose was to estimate the life expectancy (LE) benefit of ultrasound-based gallbladder surveillance in patients with small (6-7 to <10 mm), incidentally detected gallbladder polyps, accounting for patient sex, age, and comorbidity level.nnMETHODS: We developed a decision-analytic Markov model to evaluate hypothetical cohorts of women and men with small gallbladder polyps, with varying age (66-80 years) and comorbidity level (none, mild, moderate, severe). Drawing from current evidence, in the base case, we assumed no increased risk of gallbladder cancer in patients with small gallbladder polyps. To estimate maximal possible LE gains from surveillance, we assumed perfect cancer control consequent to five years of surveillance. We varied key assumptions including cancer risk and test performance characteristics in sensitivity analysis.nnRESULTS: Projected LE gains from surveillance were < 3 days across most cohorts and scenarios evaluated. For 66- and 80-year-olds with no comorbidities, LE gains were 1.46 and 1.45 days, respectively, for women, and 0.67 and 0.75 days for men. With ten years of surveillance, LE gains increased to 2.94 days for 66-year-old women with no comorbidities (men: 1.35 days). If we assumed a 10% increase in gallbladder cancer risk among individuals with polyps, LE gains increased slightly to 1.60 days for 66-year-old women with no comorbidities (men: 0.74 days). Results were sensitive to test performance and surgical mortality.nnDISCUSSION: Even under unrealistic, optimistic assumptions of cancer control, ultrasound surveillance of incidentally detected small gallbladder polyps provided limited benefit.
Peters, Mary Linton B.; Eckel, Andrew; Lietz, Anna; Seguin, Claudia; Mueller, Peter; Hur, Chin; Pandharipande, Pari V.
In: Pancreatology, vol. 22, iss. 6, pp. 760-769, 2022, ISSN: 1424-3903.
@article{PETERS2022,
title = {Genetic testing to guide screening for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Results of a microsimulation model},
author = {Mary Linton B. Peters and Andrew Eckel and Anna Lietz and Claudia Seguin and Peter Mueller and Chin Hur and Pari V. Pandharipande},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1424390322001703},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pan.2022.05.003},
issn = {1424-3903},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-09-22},
urldate = {2022-05-31},
journal = {Pancreatology},
volume = {22},
issue = {6},
pages = {760-769},
abstract = {Background
First-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have elevated PDAC risk, partially due to germline genetic variants. We evaluated the potential effectiveness of genetic testing to target MRI-based screening among FDRs.
Methods
We used a microsimulation model of PDAC, calibrated to Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, to estimate the potential life expectancy (LE) gain of screening for each of the following groups of FDRs: indviduals who test positive for each of eight variants associated with elevated PDAC risk (e.g., BRCA2, CDKN2A); individuals who test negative; and individuals who do not test. Screening was assumed to take place if LE gains were achievable. We simulated multiple screening approaches, defined by starting age and frequency. Sensitivity analysis evaluated changes in results given varying model assumptions.
Results
For women, 92% of mutation carriers had projected LE gains from screening for PDAC, if screening strategies (start age, frequency) were optimized. Among carriers, LE gains ranged from 0.1 days (ATM + women screened once at age 70) to 510 days (STK11+ women screened annually from age 40). For men, LE gains were projected for all mutation carriers, ranging from 0.2 days (BRCA1+ men screened once at age 70) to 620 days (STK11+ men screened annually from age 40). For men and women who did not undergo genetic testing, or for whom testing showed no variant, screening yielded small LE benefit (0\textendash2.1 days).
Conclusions
Genetic testing of FDRs can inform targeted PDAC screening by identifying which FDRs may benefit.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background
First-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have elevated PDAC risk, partially due to germline genetic variants. We evaluated the potential effectiveness of genetic testing to target MRI-based screening among FDRs.
Methods
We used a microsimulation model of PDAC, calibrated to Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, to estimate the potential life expectancy (LE) gain of screening for each of the following groups of FDRs: indviduals who test positive for each of eight variants associated with elevated PDAC risk (e.g., BRCA2, CDKN2A); individuals who test negative; and individuals who do not test. Screening was assumed to take place if LE gains were achievable. We simulated multiple screening approaches, defined by starting age and frequency. Sensitivity analysis evaluated changes in results given varying model assumptions.
Results
For women, 92% of mutation carriers had projected LE gains from screening for PDAC, if screening strategies (start age, frequency) were optimized. Among carriers, LE gains ranged from 0.1 days (ATM + women screened once at age 70) to 510 days (STK11+ women screened annually from age 40). For men, LE gains were projected for all mutation carriers, ranging from 0.2 days (BRCA1+ men screened once at age 70) to 620 days (STK11+ men screened annually from age 40). For men and women who did not undergo genetic testing, or for whom testing showed no variant, screening yielded small LE benefit (0–2.1 days).
Conclusions
Genetic testing of FDRs can inform targeted PDAC screening by identifying which FDRs may benefit.
First-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have elevated PDAC risk, partially due to germline genetic variants. We evaluated the potential effectiveness of genetic testing to target MRI-based screening among FDRs.
Methods
We used a microsimulation model of PDAC, calibrated to Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, to estimate the potential life expectancy (LE) gain of screening for each of the following groups of FDRs: indviduals who test positive for each of eight variants associated with elevated PDAC risk (e.g., BRCA2, CDKN2A); individuals who test negative; and individuals who do not test. Screening was assumed to take place if LE gains were achievable. We simulated multiple screening approaches, defined by starting age and frequency. Sensitivity analysis evaluated changes in results given varying model assumptions.
Results
For women, 92% of mutation carriers had projected LE gains from screening for PDAC, if screening strategies (start age, frequency) were optimized. Among carriers, LE gains ranged from 0.1 days (ATM + women screened once at age 70) to 510 days (STK11+ women screened annually from age 40). For men, LE gains were projected for all mutation carriers, ranging from 0.2 days (BRCA1+ men screened once at age 70) to 620 days (STK11+ men screened annually from age 40). For men and women who did not undergo genetic testing, or for whom testing showed no variant, screening yielded small LE benefit (0–2.1 days).
Conclusions
Genetic testing of FDRs can inform targeted PDAC screening by identifying which FDRs may benefit.
Hammer, Mark M; Eckel, Andrew; Palazzo, Lauren; Kong, Chung Yin
Cost-Effectiveness of Treatment Thresholds for Subsolid Pulmonary Nodules in CT Lung Cancer Screening. Journal Article
In: Radiology, pp. 204418, 2021, ISSN: 1527-1315, ().
@article{Hammer2021,
title = {Cost-Effectiveness of Treatment Thresholds for Subsolid Pulmonary Nodules in CT Lung Cancer Screening.},
author = {Mark M Hammer and Andrew Eckel and Lauren Palazzo and Chung Yin Kong},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34128723/},
doi = {10.1148/radiol.2021204418},
issn = {1527-1315},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-06-01},
journal = {Radiology},
pages = {204418},
abstract = {Background Guidelines such as the Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) are available for determining when subsolid nodules should be treated within lung cancer screening programs, but they are based on expert opinion. Purpose To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of varying treatment thresholds for subsolid nodules within a lung cancer screening setting by using a simulation model. Materials and Methods A previously developed model simulated 10 million current and former smokers undergoing CT lung cancer screening who were assumed to have a ground-glass nodule (GGN) at baseline. Nodules were allowed to grow and to develop solid components over time according to a monthly cycle and lifetime horizon. Management strategies generated by varying treatment thresholds, including the solid component size and use of the Brock risk calculator, were tested. For each strategy, average U.S. costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained per patient were computed, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of those on the efficient frontier were calculated. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses of results were performed by varying several relevant parameters, such as treatment costs or malignancy growth rates. Results Variants of the Lung-RADS guidelines that did not treat pure GGNs were cost-effective. Strategies based on the Brock risk calculator did not reach the efficient frontier. The strategy with the highest QALYs under a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000 per QALY included no treatment of GGNs and a threshold of 4-mm solid component size for treatment of subsolid nodules. This strategy yielded an ICER of $52 993 per QALY (95% CI: 44 407, 64 372). Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed this was the optimal strategy under a range of parameter variations. Conclusion Treatment of pure ground-glass nodules was not cost-effective. Strategies that use modifications of the Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System guidelines were cost-effective for treating part-solid nodules; an optimal threshold of 4 mm for the solid component yielded the most quality-adjusted life years. © RSNA, 2021},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background Guidelines such as the Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) are available for determining when subsolid nodules should be treated within lung cancer screening programs, but they are based on expert opinion. Purpose To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of varying treatment thresholds for subsolid nodules within a lung cancer screening setting by using a simulation model. Materials and Methods A previously developed model simulated 10 million current and former smokers undergoing CT lung cancer screening who were assumed to have a ground-glass nodule (GGN) at baseline. Nodules were allowed to grow and to develop solid components over time according to a monthly cycle and lifetime horizon. Management strategies generated by varying treatment thresholds, including the solid component size and use of the Brock risk calculator, were tested. For each strategy, average U.S. costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained per patient were computed, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of those on the efficient frontier were calculated. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses of results were performed by varying several relevant parameters, such as treatment costs or malignancy growth rates. Results Variants of the Lung-RADS guidelines that did not treat pure GGNs were cost-effective. Strategies based on the Brock risk calculator did not reach the efficient frontier. The strategy with the highest QALYs under a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000 per QALY included no treatment of GGNs and a threshold of 4-mm solid component size for treatment of subsolid nodules. This strategy yielded an ICER of $52 993 per QALY (95% CI: 44 407, 64 372). Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed this was the optimal strategy under a range of parameter variations. Conclusion Treatment of pure ground-glass nodules was not cost-effective. Strategies that use modifications of the Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System guidelines were cost-effective for treating part-solid nodules; an optimal threshold of 4 mm for the solid component yielded the most quality-adjusted life years. © RSNA, 2021
Hammer, Mark Morris; Palazzo, Lauren; Paquette, Adelle; Eckel, Andrew; Jacobson, Francine L.; Barbosa, Eduardo M.; Kong, Chung Yin
Cost-effectiveness of follow-up for subsolid pulmonary nodules in high-risk patients. Journal Article
In: Journal of thoracic oncology : official publication of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, vol. 15, no. 8, pp. 1298-1305, 2020, ISSN: 1556-1380, ().
@article{Kong2020,
title = {Cost-effectiveness of follow-up for subsolid pulmonary nodules in high-risk patients.},
author = {Mark Morris Hammer and Lauren Palazzo and Adelle Paquette and Andrew Eckel and Francine L. Jacobson and Eduardo M. Barbosa and Chung Yin Kong},
url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32171847},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtho.2020.03.001},
issn = {1556-1380},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-08-01},
journal = {Journal of thoracic oncology : official publication of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {1298-1305},
abstract = {To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a number of follow-up guidelines and variants for subsolid pulmonary nodules. We used a simulation model informed by data from the literature and the National Lung Screening Trial to simulate patients with a ground glass nodule detected at baseline CT undergoing follow-up. Nodules were allowed to grow and develop solid components over time. We tested guidelines generated by varying follow-up recommendations for low-risk nodules, i.e. pure ground glass nodules or those stable over time. For each guideline, we computed average U.S. costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained per patient and identified the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of those on the efficient frontier. In addition, we compared the costs and effects of the most recently released version of Lung-RADS, v1.1, with the previous version, v1.0. Finally, we performed sensitivity analyses of our results by varying several relevant parameters. Relative to no follow-up, the follow-up guideline system that was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay of $100,000/QALY and had the greatest QALY assigned low-risk nodules a 2-year follow-up interval and stopped follow-up after 2 years for ground glass nodules and after 5 years for part-solid nodules; this strategy yielded an ICER of $99,970. Lung-RADS v.1.1 was found to be less costly but no less effective than Lung-RADS v1.0. These findings were essentially stable under a range of sensitivity analyses. Ceasing follow-up for low-risk subsolid nodules after 2-5 years of stability is more cost-effective than perpetual follow-up. Lung-RADS v1.1 was cheaper but similarly effective to v1.0.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a number of follow-up guidelines and variants for subsolid pulmonary nodules. We used a simulation model informed by data from the literature and the National Lung Screening Trial to simulate patients with a ground glass nodule detected at baseline CT undergoing follow-up. Nodules were allowed to grow and develop solid components over time. We tested guidelines generated by varying follow-up recommendations for low-risk nodules, i.e. pure ground glass nodules or those stable over time. For each guideline, we computed average U.S. costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained per patient and identified the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of those on the efficient frontier. In addition, we compared the costs and effects of the most recently released version of Lung-RADS, v1.1, with the previous version, v1.0. Finally, we performed sensitivity analyses of our results by varying several relevant parameters. Relative to no follow-up, the follow-up guideline system that was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay of $100,000/QALY and had the greatest QALY assigned low-risk nodules a 2-year follow-up interval and stopped follow-up after 2 years for ground glass nodules and after 5 years for part-solid nodules; this strategy yielded an ICER of $99,970. Lung-RADS v.1.1 was found to be less costly but no less effective than Lung-RADS v1.0. These findings were essentially stable under a range of sensitivity analyses. Ceasing follow-up for low-risk subsolid nodules after 2-5 years of stability is more cost-effective than perpetual follow-up. Lung-RADS v1.1 was cheaper but similarly effective to v1.0.
Tramontano, Angela; Chen, Yufan; Watson, Tina; Eckel, Andrew; Hur, Chin; Kong, Chung Yin
Racial/ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer treatment utilization and phase-specific costs, 2000-2014. Journal Article
In: PloS one, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. e0231599, 2020, ISSN: 1932-6203, ().
@article{Tramontano2020,
title = {Racial/ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer treatment utilization and phase-specific costs, 2000-2014.},
author = {Angela Tramontano and Yufan Chen and Tina Watson and Andrew Eckel and Chin Hur and Chung Yin Kong},
url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32287320},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0231599},
issn = {1932-6203},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-04-01},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {e0231599},
abstract = {Our study analyzed disparities in utilization and phase-specific costs of care among older colorectal cancer patients in the United States. We also estimated the phase-specific costs by cancer type, stage at diagnosis, and treatment modality. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database to identify patients aged 66 or older diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer between 2000-2013, with follow-up to death or December 31, 2014. We divided the patient's experience into separate phases of care: staging or surgery, initial, continuing, and terminal. We calculated total, cancer-attributable, and patient-liability costs. We fit logistic regression models to determine predictors of treatment receipt and fit linear regression models to determine relative costs. All costs are reported in 2019 US dollars. Our cohort included 90,023 colon cancer patients and 25,581 rectal cancer patients. After controlling for patient and clinical characteristics, Non-Hispanic Blacks were less likely to receive treatment but were more likely to have higher cancer-attributable costs within different phases of care. Overall, in both the colon and rectal cancer cohorts, mean monthly cost estimates were highest in the terminal phase, next highest in the staging phase, decreased in the initial phase, and were lowest in the continuing phase. Racial/ethnic disparities in treatment utilization and costs persist among colorectal cancer patients. Additionally, colorectal cancer costs are substantial and vary widely among stages and treatment modalities. This study provides information regarding cost and treatment disparities that can be used to guide clinical interventions and future resource allocation to reduce colorectal cancer burden.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Our study analyzed disparities in utilization and phase-specific costs of care among older colorectal cancer patients in the United States. We also estimated the phase-specific costs by cancer type, stage at diagnosis, and treatment modality. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database to identify patients aged 66 or older diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer between 2000-2013, with follow-up to death or December 31, 2014. We divided the patient's experience into separate phases of care: staging or surgery, initial, continuing, and terminal. We calculated total, cancer-attributable, and patient-liability costs. We fit logistic regression models to determine predictors of treatment receipt and fit linear regression models to determine relative costs. All costs are reported in 2019 US dollars. Our cohort included 90,023 colon cancer patients and 25,581 rectal cancer patients. After controlling for patient and clinical characteristics, Non-Hispanic Blacks were less likely to receive treatment but were more likely to have higher cancer-attributable costs within different phases of care. Overall, in both the colon and rectal cancer cohorts, mean monthly cost estimates were highest in the terminal phase, next highest in the staging phase, decreased in the initial phase, and were lowest in the continuing phase. Racial/ethnic disparities in treatment utilization and costs persist among colorectal cancer patients. Additionally, colorectal cancer costs are substantial and vary widely among stages and treatment modalities. This study provides information regarding cost and treatment disparities that can be used to guide clinical interventions and future resource allocation to reduce colorectal cancer burden.
Tramontano, Angela; Chen, Yufan; Watson, Tina; Eckel, Andrew; Sheehan, Deirdre; Peters, Mary Linton B.; Pandharipande, Pari; Hur, Chin; Kong, Chung Yin
Pancreatic cancer treatment costs, including patient liability, by phase of care and treatment modality, 2000-2013. Journal Article
In: Medicine, vol. 98, no. 49, pp. e18082, 2019, ISSN: 1536-5964, ().
@article{Tramontano2019a,
title = {Pancreatic cancer treatment costs, including patient liability, by phase of care and treatment modality, 2000-2013.},
author = {Angela Tramontano and Yufan Chen and Tina Watson and Andrew Eckel and Deirdre Sheehan and Mary Linton B. Peters and Pari Pandharipande and Chin Hur and Chung Yin Kong},
url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31804317},
doi = {10.1097/MD.0000000000018082},
issn = {1536-5964},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-12-01},
journal = {Medicine},
volume = {98},
number = {49},
pages = {e18082},
abstract = {Our study provides phase-specific cost estimates for pancreatic cancer based on stage and treatment. We compare treatment costs between the different phases and within the stage and treatment modality subgroups. Our cohort included 20,917 pancreatic cancer patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database diagnosed between 2000 and 2011. We allocated costs into four phases of care-staging (or surgery), initial, continuing, and terminal- and calculated the total, cancer-attributable, and patient-liability costs in 2018 US dollars. We fit linear regression models using log transformation to determine whether costs were predicted by age and calendar year. Monthly cost estimates were high during the staging and surgery phases, decreased over the initial and continuing phases, and increased during the three-month terminal phase. Overall, the linear regression models showed that cancer-attributable costs either remained stable or increased by year, and either were unaffected by age or decreased with older age; continuing phase costs for stage II patients increased with age. Our estimates demonstrate that pancreatic cancer costs can vary widely by stage and treatment received. These cost estimates can serve as an important baseline foundation to guide resource allocation for cancer care and research in the future.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Our study provides phase-specific cost estimates for pancreatic cancer based on stage and treatment. We compare treatment costs between the different phases and within the stage and treatment modality subgroups. Our cohort included 20,917 pancreatic cancer patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database diagnosed between 2000 and 2011. We allocated costs into four phases of care-staging (or surgery), initial, continuing, and terminal- and calculated the total, cancer-attributable, and patient-liability costs in 2018 US dollars. We fit linear regression models using log transformation to determine whether costs were predicted by age and calendar year. Monthly cost estimates were high during the staging and surgery phases, decreased over the initial and continuing phases, and increased during the three-month terminal phase. Overall, the linear regression models showed that cancer-attributable costs either remained stable or increased by year, and either were unaffected by age or decreased with older age; continuing phase costs for stage II patients increased with age. Our estimates demonstrate that pancreatic cancer costs can vary widely by stage and treatment received. These cost estimates can serve as an important baseline foundation to guide resource allocation for cancer care and research in the future.
Chen, Yufan; Criss, Steven; Watson, Tina; Eckel, Andrew; Palazzo, Lauren; Tramontano, Angela; Wang, Ying; Mercaldo, Nathaniel; Kong, Chung Yin
Cost and Utilization of Lung Cancer End-of-Life Care Among Racial-Ethnic Minority Groups in the United States. Journal Article
In: The oncologist, 2019, ISSN: 1549-490X, ().
@article{ChenY2019a,
title = {Cost and Utilization of Lung Cancer End-of-Life Care Among Racial-Ethnic Minority Groups in the United States.},
author = {Yufan Chen and Steven Criss and Tina Watson and Andrew Eckel and Lauren Palazzo and Angela Tramontano and Ying Wang and Nathaniel Mercaldo and Chung Yin Kong},
url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31501272},
doi = {10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0303},
issn = {1549-490X},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-09-01},
journal = {The oncologist},
abstract = {The end-of-life period is a crucial time in lung cancer care. To have a better understanding of the racial-ethnic disparities in health care expenditures, access, and quality, we evaluated these disparities specifically in the end-of-life period for patients with lung cancer in the U.S. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database to analyze characteristics of lung cancer care among those diagnosed between the years 2000 and 2011. Linear and logistic regression models were constructed to measure racial-ethnic disparities in end-of-life care cost and utilization among non-Hispanic (NH) Asian, NH black, Hispanic, and NH white patients while controlling for other risk factors such as age, sex, and SEER geographic region. Total costs and hospital utilization were, on average, greater among racial-ethnic minorities compared with NH white patients in the last month of life. Among patients with NSCLC, the relative total costs were 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-1.33) for NH black patients, 1.36 (95% CI, 1.25-1.49) for NH Asian patients, and 1.21 (95% CI, 1.07-1.38) for Hispanic patients. Additionally, the odds of being admitted to a hospital for NH black, NH Asian, and Hispanic patients were 1.22 (95% CI, 1.15-1.30), 1.47 (95% CI, 1.32-1.63), and 1.18 (95% CI, 1.01-1.38) times that of NH white patients, respectively. Similar results were found for patients with SCLC. Minority patients with lung cancer have significantly higher end-of-life medical expenditures than NH white patients, which may be explained by a greater intensity of care in the end-of-life period. This study investigated racial-ethnic disparities in the cost and utilization of medical care among lung cancer patients during the end-of-life period. Compared with non-Hispanic white patients, racial-ethnic minority patients were more likely to receive intensive care in their final month of life and had statistically significantly higher end-of-life care costs. The findings of this study may lead to a better understanding of the racial-ethnic disparities in end-of-life care, which can better inform future end-of-life interventions and help health care providers develop less intensive and more equitable care, such as culturally competent advanced care planning programs, for all patients.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The end-of-life period is a crucial time in lung cancer care. To have a better understanding of the racial-ethnic disparities in health care expenditures, access, and quality, we evaluated these disparities specifically in the end-of-life period for patients with lung cancer in the U.S. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database to analyze characteristics of lung cancer care among those diagnosed between the years 2000 and 2011. Linear and logistic regression models were constructed to measure racial-ethnic disparities in end-of-life care cost and utilization among non-Hispanic (NH) Asian, NH black, Hispanic, and NH white patients while controlling for other risk factors such as age, sex, and SEER geographic region. Total costs and hospital utilization were, on average, greater among racial-ethnic minorities compared with NH white patients in the last month of life. Among patients with NSCLC, the relative total costs were 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-1.33) for NH black patients, 1.36 (95% CI, 1.25-1.49) for NH Asian patients, and 1.21 (95% CI, 1.07-1.38) for Hispanic patients. Additionally, the odds of being admitted to a hospital for NH black, NH Asian, and Hispanic patients were 1.22 (95% CI, 1.15-1.30), 1.47 (95% CI, 1.32-1.63), and 1.18 (95% CI, 1.01-1.38) times that of NH white patients, respectively. Similar results were found for patients with SCLC. Minority patients with lung cancer have significantly higher end-of-life medical expenditures than NH white patients, which may be explained by a greater intensity of care in the end-of-life period. This study investigated racial-ethnic disparities in the cost and utilization of medical care among lung cancer patients during the end-of-life period. Compared with non-Hispanic white patients, racial-ethnic minority patients were more likely to receive intensive care in their final month of life and had statistically significantly higher end-of-life care costs. The findings of this study may lead to a better understanding of the racial-ethnic disparities in end-of-life care, which can better inform future end-of-life interventions and help health care providers develop less intensive and more equitable care, such as culturally competent advanced care planning programs, for all patients.
Tramontano, Angela; Chen, Yufan; Watson, Tina; Eckel, Andrew; Hur, Chin; Kong, Chung Yin
Esophageal cancer treatment costs by phase of care and treatment modality, 2000-2013. Journal Article
In: Cancer medicine, 2019, ISSN: 2045-7634, ().
@article{Tramontano2019,
title = {Esophageal cancer treatment costs by phase of care and treatment modality, 2000-2013.},
author = {Angela Tramontano and Yufan Chen and Tina Watson and Andrew Eckel and Chin Hur and Chung Yin Kong},
url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31347306},
doi = {10.1002/cam4.2451},
issn = {2045-7634},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-07-01},
urldate = {2019-07-01},
journal = {Cancer medicine},
abstract = {Detailed cost estimates are not widely available for esophageal cancer. Our study estimates phase-specific costs for esophageal cancer by age, year, histology, stage, and treatment for older patients in the United States and compares these costs within stage and treatment modalities. We identified 8061 esophageal cancer patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database for years 1998-2013. Total, cancer-attributable, and patient-liability costs were calculated based on separate phases of care-staging (or surgery), initial, continuing, and terminal. We estimated costs by treatment modality within stage and phase for esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma separately. We fit linear regression models using log transformation to determine cost by age and calendar year. All costs are reported in 2018 US dollars. Overall, mean (95% CI) monthly total cost estimates were high during the staging ($8953 [$8385-$9485]) and initial phases ($7731 [$7492-$7970]), decreased over the continuing phase ($2984 [$2814-$3154]), and increased substantially during the 6-month terminal phase ($18 150 [$17 211-$19 089]). This pattern of high staging and initial phase costs, decreasing continuing phase costs, and increasing terminal phase costs was seen in all stages. The highest staging costs were in stages III ($9249, $8025-$10 474) and II ($9171, $7642-$10 699). The highest initial phase cost was in stage IV, $9263 ($8758-49 768), the lowest continuing phase cost was in stage I, $2338 ($2160-$2517), and the highest terminal phase costs were in stages II ($20 533, $17 772-$23 293) and III ($20 599, $18 268-$22 929). The linear regression models showed that cancer-attributable costs remained stable over the study period and were unaffected by age for most histology, stage, and treatment modality subgroups. Our estimates demonstrate that esophageal cancer costs can vary widely by histology, stage, and treatment. These cost estimates can be used to guide future resource allocation for esophageal cancer care and research.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Detailed cost estimates are not widely available for esophageal cancer. Our study estimates phase-specific costs for esophageal cancer by age, year, histology, stage, and treatment for older patients in the United States and compares these costs within stage and treatment modalities. We identified 8061 esophageal cancer patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database for years 1998-2013. Total, cancer-attributable, and patient-liability costs were calculated based on separate phases of care-staging (or surgery), initial, continuing, and terminal. We estimated costs by treatment modality within stage and phase for esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma separately. We fit linear regression models using log transformation to determine cost by age and calendar year. All costs are reported in 2018 US dollars. Overall, mean (95% CI) monthly total cost estimates were high during the staging ($8953 [$8385-$9485]) and initial phases ($7731 [$7492-$7970]), decreased over the continuing phase ($2984 [$2814-$3154]), and increased substantially during the 6-month terminal phase ($18 150 [$17 211-$19 089]). This pattern of high staging and initial phase costs, decreasing continuing phase costs, and increasing terminal phase costs was seen in all stages. The highest staging costs were in stages III ($9249, $8025-$10 474) and II ($9171, $7642-$10 699). The highest initial phase cost was in stage IV, $9263 ($8758-49 768), the lowest continuing phase cost was in stage I, $2338 ($2160-$2517), and the highest terminal phase costs were in stages II ($20 533, $17 772-$23 293) and III ($20 599, $18 268-$22 929). The linear regression models showed that cancer-attributable costs remained stable over the study period and were unaffected by age for most histology, stage, and treatment modality subgroups. Our estimates demonstrate that esophageal cancer costs can vary widely by histology, stage, and treatment. These cost estimates can be used to guide future resource allocation for esophageal cancer care and research.