Cost-effectiveness of MRI strategies for early prostate cancer detection: a systematic review.

[OBJECTIVES] The objective of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different Magnetic Resonance Imaging strategies for the early detection of prostate cancer.

[METHODS] A comprehensive search was conducted up to 15 December 2024, utilizing databases such as PubMed and Scopus. The focus was on full economic evaluations, excluding non-English articles and reviews. The quality of the studies was assessed using the QHES checklist. The following data were extracted: settings, interventions, populations, types of economic evaluations, health outcomes, costs, and ICERs.

[RESULTS] Of the 110 articles that were assessed, 9 were selected for qualitative analysis, resulting in an overall high-quality score. The findings demonstrated that the range of MRI costs applied differed across countries. While the financial implications of non-screening are comparatively lower, the effectiveness of using screening strategies for early detection of cancer is superior to that of non-screening. Specifically, MRI was found to be more cost-effective than conventional methods. The utilization of MRI prior to biopsy has the potential to reduce unnecessary procedures while enhancing clinical cancer detection.

[CONCLUSION] The economic viability of integrating advanced MRI techniques into prostate cancer screening is demonstrated, leading to enhanced patient outcomes by facilitating early detection and minimizing overtreatment.

[REGISTRATION] PROSPERO (CRD42024572261).