Frontline BRAF testing–guided treatment for advanced melanoma in the era of immunotherapies: A cost-utility analysis based on long-term survival data
Source: MDLinx, July 2020
Since the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and BRAF and MEK inhibitors have improved advanced melanoma recovery, researchers conducted the study for comparing the cost-utility of these novel agents and their combinations with or without BRAF gene testing guidance for treating newly diagnosed advanced melanoma with unknown BRAF status. In newly diagnosed advanced melanoma with unknown BRAF pathogenic variant status, a decision-analytic model was adopted to project the outcomes of 8 strategies comprising various ICIs and BRAF and MEK inhibitors. Among the 8 competing strategies, nivolumab plus ipilimumab without patient selection based on BRAF pathogenic variant testing produced the most important health outcome, and the cheapest alternative was the nivolumab strategy.
