Cost-effectiveness of encorafenib with binimetinib in unresectable or metastatic BRAF-mutant melanoma

Eur J Health Econ. 2024 Jun;25(4):641-653. doi: 10.1007/s10198-023-01614-6. Epub 2023 Jul 11.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of encorafenib with binimetinib (EncoBini) as compared to other targeted double combination therapies, namely dabrafenib with trametinib (DabraTrame) and vemurafenib with cobimetinib (VemuCobi), for the treatment of BRAF V600-mutant unresectable or metastatic melanoma (MM) from the French payer perspective.

Methods: A partitioned survival model was developed considering a lifetime horizon. The model structure simulated the clinical pathway of patients with BRAF V600-mutant MM. Clinical effectiveness and safety inputs were sourced from the COLUMBUS trial, a network meta-analysis and published literature. Costs, resource use, and the quality of life inputs were obtained from the literature and appropriate French sources.

Results: Over a lifetime horizon, EncoBini was associated, on average, with reduced costs and increased quality adjusted life years (QALYs), dominating both targeted double combination therapies. For a willingness-to-pay threshold of €90,000 per QALY, the probability of EncoBini being cost-effective against either comparator remained above 80%. The most influential model parameters were the hazard ratios for the overall survival of EncoBini vs DabraTrame and VemuCobi, the pre- and post-progression utility values, as well as treatment dosages and the relative dose intensity of all interventions.

Conclusion: EncoBini is associated with reduced costs and increased QALYs, dominating other targeted double combination therapies (DabraTrame, VemuCobi) for patients with BRAF V600-mutant MM in France. EncoBini is a highly cost-effective intervention in MM.

Keywords: BRAF; Cost-effectiveness; Economic analysis; Encorafenib; QALY; Unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / economics
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / therapeutic use
  • Benzimidazoles* / economics
  • Benzimidazoles* / therapeutic use
  • Carbamates* / economics
  • Carbamates* / therapeutic use
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis*
  • France
  • Humans
  • Melanoma* / drug therapy
  • Melanoma* / genetics
  • Melanoma* / pathology
  • Mutation
  • Oximes / administration & dosage
  • Oximes / economics
  • Oximes / therapeutic use
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf* / genetics
  • Pyridones / economics
  • Pyridones / therapeutic use
  • Quality of Life
  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Sulfonamides* / administration & dosage
  • Sulfonamides* / economics
  • Sulfonamides* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • encorafenib
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
  • Sulfonamides
  • binimetinib
  • Carbamates
  • Benzimidazoles
  • BRAF protein, human
  • Pyridones
  • Oximes