Cost-effectiveness analysis of two therapeutic schemes in the treatment of acromegaly: a retrospective study of 168 cases

Purpose This study aimed to estimate the cost effectiveness of two therapeutic schemes, including preoperative medical therapy and surgery as primary therapy. Methods A total of 168 acromegaly cases were retrospectively investigated for a comparative evaluation of surgery and preoperative medical therapy. A Markov model was developed to simulate treatment cost-effectiveness and progression of acromegaly. Results Overall effectiveness of preoperative medical therapy was significantly higher than surgery in acromegalic patients with macroadenoma. In addition, life expectancy, and cost per life-year gained were slightly higher in the preoperative medical therapy group than in the initial surgery group when patients received surgery as a secondary treatment. Interestingly, preoperative medical therapy achieved a significant increase in life expectancy and reduced cost for patients who received long-term medical therapy as secondary treatment. Conclusions In acromegalic patients with macroadenoma, the cost-effectiveness analysis revealed more satisfactory outcomes in preoperative therapy, compared with primary surgery.