Cost analysis of PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT in cancer patients: “Single step” examination vs stand-alone modalities

Objectives To compare the economic impact of PET/CT and ceCT performed in a single step vs. stand-alone modalities in cancer patients.

Methods 145 cancer patients referred to both PET/CT and ceCT, to either stage (n=46) or re-stage (n=99) the disease, were included in the study. 72/145 performed the two studies in a single step (innovative method) and 73/145 in two different days (traditional method). The economic analysis was performed by evaluating: a) Institutional costs, data obtained by Hospital administration (technology, materials and medical staff costs); and b) patients costs, data obtained by a specific survey provided to patients (patient travel, food and accommodation costs, work-hours lost of productivity for patient and caregivers).

Results Economic data analysis showed that the average costs for innovative method were lower than those of traditional method, both for Institution (88 Euro less per test) and for patient (68 Euro less per patient). The lost of productivity for patient and caregivers resulted slightly lower for the innovative method than the traditional method (1 work-hour less per person).

Conclusions PET/CT and ceCT performed in one single step is more cost-effective than stand-alone modalities, by reducing both Institutional and patients costs. These advantages are mainly due to lower Institutional cost (single procedure) and to lower cost related to travel and housing