Microsimulation model study of cost-effectiveness of trimodal therapy and radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer

In current clinical guidelines, trimodal therapy (TMT) is included as an alternative to radical cystectomy (RC) for definitive management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. An economic evaluation using a health transition state microsimulation model found thatTMT was associated with improved quality of life, but was not a cost-effective strategy for management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer relative to RC at 5 and 10 years given higher treatment costs. The authors conclude that policy initiatives are needed to reduce the cost of TMT.