Inventory of economic evaluation of head and neck oncology from the German perspective

New treatment strategies for head and neck neoplasms include induction chemotherapy and biomarker treatment. Moreover, different therapeutic modalities, especially robotic surgery, induction chemotherapy, biotherapy and altered fractionation schedules of chemo-(radio)therapy are newly combined to optimize treatment benefit and minimize treatment-associated morbidity. Often, overall survival does not change significantly between the competing treatment schedules. Therefore, the evaluation of the patient's treatment-related quality of life (QoL) and organ function becomes more and more important. Finally, the sponsor's financial resources are restricted, which makes it necessary to evaluate therapies for pricing and effectiveness. In head and neck cancer in Europe, analyses of the current situation are lacking. Selective literature research for publications on economic cost-effectiveness analyses was performed. An overview of the current situation with a special focus on Europe is provided. Cost-effectiveness values and QoL assessments should be respected in former prospective study construction to gain systematic information on this topic.