Organised Prostate Cancer Testing (OPT) in Sweden: an evaluation from a health economic perspective

Research problem and specific questionsThe Swedish confederation of regional cancer centres initiated the Organised Prostate cancer Testing (OPT) program before the latest recommendations from the European Union (EU) on prostate cancer screening.

As part of the Swedish Consortium for Research on OPT (SweCROPT), our aim is to reduce the healthcare utilisation and societal burden due to prostate cancer through organised testing.

The specific research aims are: (1) measure the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for testing participants and patients in Sweden; (2) extend a prostate cancer simulation model for the OPT strategies; (3) investigate the cost-effectiveness of a national screening program using the OPT base algorithm; and (4) assess the budget impact.Data and methodIn Study 1, we will collect HRQoL data on the diagnosis and treatment pathways through a web-based survey using a generic instrument and an anxiety-specific instrument.

In Study 2, we will extend the simulation model to reflect the OPT base algorithm, incorporate evidence for subsequent screenings and model for current opportunistic testing practice. These extensions will use data from OPT, STHLM3 trials and other registers.

Study 3 will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of current opportunistic testing and the OPT base algorithm with input data from Study 1. Costs will be estimated using the approach from our previous cost-of-illness study and additional input from OPT.

For Study 4, we will assess the short-term budget using inputs from studies 2 and 3.Societal relevance and utilisationOur research will provide evidence to Swedish clinicians and policy makers to develop and evaluate the current OPT projects at a national level to support healthcare resource allocation.

Our findings will increase public knowledge about the long-term outcomes of organised testing for the participants and are expected to be valuable for other EU countries.Plan for project realisationThe project will be conducted in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of researchers from Sweden over three years and in close collaboration with SweCROPT (I am the coordinator for the health economics working group).

The estimation of personnel, maintenance and indirect costs is based on the needs identified in the project proposal and guidelines for university employees.