Cost-effectiveness of reduced follow-up in malignant melanoma.

Background: Considerable variability exists in the extent and frequency of follow- up examinations for melanoma patients between different countries, generating significantly different total costs and uncertain clinical benefits.

Patients And Methods: We have analyzed the follow-up of melanoma patients under clinical and economic aspects based on the latest recommendations of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the German Dermatologic Society (DDG) in the Düsseldorf cohort of 526 patients (stage IIII) during a 5-year follow-up period. Outcome measures were frequency of metastasis detection, most effective detection method, costs per detected metastasis and cost per quality-adjusted life year.