Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with apatinib significantly enhances survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (UHCC) compared to TACE alone.
- Median progression-free survival was 6.1 months vs. 3.4 months (HR 0.45) and overall survival was 28.9 months vs. 24.0 months (HR 0.55).
- At current drug prices, the cost-effectiveness ratio is $42,864/QALY, above the willingness-to-pay threshold, but drops to $30,650/QALY by 2025.
Successful central procurement could make this regimen not only clinically beneficial but also economically viable for broader use.
Clinical Trial, Phase III by Zhang Y, Wang X (…) Sun G et 2 al. in BMJ Open
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