Issues in evaluating treatment for HCV

• Trials of interferon and ribavarin (CMB): effective 43% cases

• High cost intervention (approx £9000)

• Without treatment

  • 30% of cases progress to cirrhosis within 20 years
  • Incidence of liver cancer (HCC) from cirrhosis of 1-4% per year

• Question: Is treatment relatively cost-effective?

• Need a model to estimate lifetime costs and effects

• NICE says:

  • YES for moderate and cirrhosis: cost per QALY approx £7,500
  • UNKNOWN for mild cases

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version