ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the
cost effectiveness of the diagnostic program for the
germline mutation in BRCA1/2
genes and of preventative
strategies for the
relatives of
patients diagnosed with
ovarian cancer associated with this
mutation .
METHODS: The study analyzed the
cost effectiveness by developing an
analysis of the Markov
decision process from the perspective of the
National Health System . The
strategies compared reflect upon the
adoption of
genetic testing and preventative
strategies for
relatives or the usual care currently proposed. The incremental
cost -
effectiveness ratio was expressed in terms of
cost per case avoided. The
sensitivity analysis was performed in a univariate and deterministic manner.
RESULTS: The study showed increments for
effectiveness and for
costs when performing
genetic testing and adopting prophylactic
measures for
family members . The incremental
cost -
effectiveness ratio was estimated at R$908.58 per case of
cancer avoided, a figure considered lower than the study's
cost -
effectiveness threshold (R$7,543.50).
CONCLUSIONS: The program analyzed should be considered a
cost -effective strategy for the national situation. Studies in various other countries have reached
similar conclusions. One possible ramification of this
research might the need to perform a budgetary-impact
analysis of making the program one of the country's
health policies .