Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Recent advancements in targeted therapies have improved outcomes for advanced HCC, yet therapeutic options remain limited. The CARES-310 trial demonstrated that camrelizumab plus rivoceranib significantly improves survival compared to sorafenib for advanced HCC.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of camrelizumab plus rivoceranib as a first-line treatment for unresectable HCC from the Chinese health system perspective.
Design: The cost-effectiveness analysis.
Methods: A partitioned survival model was constructed to estimate clinical and economic outcomes for patients with unresectable or metastatic HCC. The model included three health states: progression-free, progression disease, and death. The hypothetical cohort consisted of patients aged ⩾18 with HCC who had not received systemic therapy, reflecting the CARES-310 trial. Clinical data were derived from the CARES-310 trial and extrapolated using standard parameter distributions. Direct medical costs and utilities were sourced from the CARES-310 trial and published literature.
Results: The 10-year cost of camrelizumab plus rivoceranib was higher than sorafenib (USD 28,148.01 vs USD 20,997.86). Camrelizumab plus rivoceranib yielded an additional 0.26 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) with an incremental cost of USD 7150.15, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of USD 27,633.75/QALY. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the base-case results.
Conclusion: Camrelizumab plus rivoceranib is likely a cost-effective first-line treatment for unresectable HCC from a Chinese health system perspective. This study highlights the need for additional real-world data to validate these findings and guide clinical decision-making for HCC.
Keywords: camrelizumab; cost-effectiveness analysis; hepatocellular carcinoma; partitioned survival model; rivoceranib.
Cost-effectiveness study of combining camrelizumab and rivoceranib for treating liver cancer Why was the study done? Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer, is a major cause of cancer deaths globally, and treatment options are often limited. New therapies, like the combination of camrelizumab and rivoceranib, may improve patient outcomes, but it is important to understand whether they are worth the cost. What did the researchers do? The research team analyzed the costs and health benefits of using camrelizumab combined with rivoceranib compared to sorafenib, the standard treatment, over a 10-year period. They aimed to find out if the new treatment offers better value for money and improves the quality of life for patients with unresectable HCC. What did the researchers find? The study found that while the total cost of camrelizumab and rivoceranib was higher than sorafenib, it provided additional years of quality-adjusted life for patients. The cost-effectiveness ratio indicated that this combination therapy is likely a good investment for the healthcare system in China. What do the findings mean? These results suggest that camrelizumab combined with rivoceranib could be an effective and financially reasonable option for treating patients with unresectable HCC. The study also emphasizes the need for further real-world data to validate these findings and inform future treatment decisions.
© The Author(s), 2025.