Abstract

Objectives

Cervical cancer (ICC) is the fourth leading cause of mortality in women in Argentina and primary screening with conventional cytology (Papanicolaou smear) is the most widely used strategy despite its limitations. Strategies based on human papillomavirus (HPV) testing have the potential to improve detection and reduce mortality. The objective of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact of a strategy based on HPV testing with genotyping.

Methods

We used a decision model to compare the ICC screening strategies. The population consisted of 30- to 65-year-old females suitable for screening in Argentina. Inputs comprised epidemiologic, diagnostic performance, and costs data. The clinical impact was represented by the number of ICC detected and ICC-related mortality. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, estimated in terms of Argentinean pesos per life-year gained, and the budgetary impact were calculated at 5, 10, and 20 years. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

Primary screening with HPV testing would prevent 1853 ICC deaths and reduce mortality by 13% at year 10 compared with Papanicolaou smear. With an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of AR$329 042 in the base case, it would be cost-effective for a cost-effectiveness threshold of 1 gross domestic product per capita. It would imply an additional expense in the first 5 years and probably savings in the subsequent ones. Sensitivity analyses confirm the robustness of the findings.

Conclusions

The primary screening strategy based on HPV testing with genotyping compared with conventional cytology is most likely a cost-effective strategy in Argentina.