OBJECTIVES: To enhance understanding of health technology assessment (HTA) decisions for metastatic breast cancer treatments in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark and to explore the potential for harmonizing HTA practices across these Nordic countries.

METHODS: A comparative analysis of HTA outcomes for metastatic breast cancer treatments between 2018 and 2023 was conducted in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Data on HTA outcomes, including incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), were gathered and analyzed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel®.

RESULTS: Significant differences in HTA decisions were observed among the three countries. Denmark exhibited more restrictive recommendations, with certain treatments like Trodelvy® and Talzenna® not approved, whereas Sweden and Norway had broader approval statuses for these treatments. Variability in QALYs and life years gained was noted, with Enhertu® showing the highest QALY gains across all countries. ICERs varied significantly, influenced by different extrapolation methods and time horizons.

CONCLUSIONS: This comparative analysis highlights the complexity and heterogeneity of HTA practices across the Nordic countries. Identifying and comparing HTA outcomes for metastatic breast cancer treatments provides valuable insights into the potential for harmonizing evaluation methodologies. Such harmonization could improve patient access to essential therapies across the countries and guide clinical decision-making and pharmaceutical R&D efforts.