Lenvatinib versus sorafenib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a cost–effectiveness analysis

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To investigate the cost-effectiveness of lenvatinib and sorafenib in the treatment of patients with nonresected hepatocellular carcinoma in China. <b>Materials & methods:</b> Markov model was used to simulate the direct medical cost and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical data were derived from the Phase 3 randomized clinical trial in a Chinese population. <b>Results:</b> Sorafenib treatment resulted in 1.794 QALYs at a cost of $43,780.73. Lenvatinib treatment resulted in 2.916 QALYs for patients weighing <60 and ≥60 kg at a cost of $57,049.43 and $75,900.36, The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio to the sorafenib treatment group was $11,825.94/QALY and $28,627.12/QALY, respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> According to WHO's triple GDP per capita, the use of lenvatinib by providing drugs is a cost-effective strategy.