1.
Lenvatinib versus sorafenib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a cost-effectiveness analysis.
Cai, H, Zhang, L, Li, N, Zheng, B, Liu, M
Journal of comparative effectiveness research. 2020;(8):553-562
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the cost-effectiveness of lenvatinib and sorafenib in the treatment of patients with nonresected hepatocellular carcinoma in China. Materials & methods: Markov model was used to simulate the direct medical cost and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical data were derived from the Phase 3 randomized clinical trial in a Chinese population. Results: Sorafenib treatment resulted in 1.794 QALYs at a cost of $43,780.73. Lenvatinib treatment resulted in 2.916 QALYs for patients weighing <60 and ≥60 kg at a cost of $57,049.43 and $75,900.36, The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio to the sorafenib treatment group was $11,825.94/QALY and $28,627.12/QALY, respectively. Conclusion: According to WHO's triple GDP per capita, the use of lenvatinib by providing drugs is a cost-effective strategy.
2.
A randomized, controlled clinical trial on meropenem versus imipenem/cilastatin for the treatment of bacterial infections.
Hou, F, Li, J, Wu, G, Zheng, B, Chen, Y, Gu, J, Wang, H, Huo, L, Xue, X, Jia, C, et al
Chinese medical journal. 2002;(12):1849-54
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of meropenem in Chinese patients, we conducted a study for the treatment of patients with lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections and other infections. METHODS A total of 182 hospitalized patients were enrolled in the study. 90 patients received 500 mg meropenem every 12 hours (or 1 g every 12 hours if necessary) and 92 patients received imipenem/cilastatin 500 mg/500 mg every 12 hours (or 1 g every 12 hours if necessary) by intravenous infusion. The duration of treatment was 7 - 14 days for both groups. RESULTS Seventy of 90 cases receiving meropenem and 70 of 92 cases receiving imipenem/cilastatin were assessable for clinical efficacy. The overall efficacy rates were 90% for the meropenem group and 87% for the imipenem/cilastatin group, and the bacterial eradication rates were 86% in both groups. 93 (76%) of 123 strains isolated from patients produced beta-lactamases. Adverse drug reactions were evaluated in 72 cases in the meropenem group and 70 cases in the imipenem/cilastatin group. The adverse drug reaction rates were 9.7% and 8.6%, respectively. The results showed that there were no statistical differences between these two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Meropenem is effective and safe for the treatment of bacterial infections caused mainly by beta-lactamase-producing strains.