Cost-effectiveness of stereotactic laser ablation (SLA) for brain tumors

Background Stereotactic laser ablation(SLA) or laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has been increasingly adopted as a treatment for primary and metastatic brain cancers. Here, we examined the published economic assessments of SLA, and review the current state of knowledge. Methods The PubMed database was queried for articles investigating the cost-effectiveness of LITT. 3068 articles were screened. Two studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Results Cost-effectiveness analysis(CEA) favored SLA(n = 8) relative to craniotomy (n = 92) for brain metastases (Mean difference [MD]=-US$6522; 95% confidence interval (CI) -$11,911 to -$1133;p = 0.02). SLA (n = 19) was found to be cost equivalent to craniotomy (n = 248) (MD=-US$1669; 95%(CI) -$8192 to $4854,p = 0.62) for primary brain tumors in general. CEA favored SLA for a subset of primary brain cancers. SLA was found to be cost-effective for difficult to access high-grade gliomas(HGG). When compared to 'other' existing treatments, the cost per life-years gained (LYG) through SLA was similar to$29,340, a threshold below that set for new technology adaptation in the U.S. Factors contributing to these cost-effectiveness were: (1) SLA of HGGs was associated with three-months prolongation in survival; (2) SLA of brain metastasis was associated with (i) shorter average length of stay (SLA: 2.3 days; craniotomy: 4.7 days), (ii) decreased discharge to inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF), skilled nursing facility (SNF), or home healthcare (SLA: 14.8%; craniotomy: 52%), (iii) lowered 30-day readmission (SLA: 0%; craniotomy: 14.1%). Conclusion There is limited data on the cost-effectiveness of SLA. In the available literature, SLA compared favorably to craniotomy in terms of cost-effectiveness as a treatment for primary and metastatic brain cancers.