Cost-effectiveness of Thyroglobulin as a marker of tumor recurrence in patients with total thyroidectomy at the Dr. Alejandro Dávila Bolaños Military School Hospital, 2016-2020

Abstract

Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of thyroglobulin (TG) as a tumor marker for detecting recurrences in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients and compare its performance with ultrasound (USG) and computed tomography (CT). Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted in the Oncology Department of the Dr. Alejandro Dávila Bolaños Military School Hospital from 2016 to 2020. Fifty patients with tumor recurrence were included. Costs and effectiveness of TG, USG, and CT were analyzed using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Data were collected from clinical records and processed using Excel and SPSS. Results: TG had a cost per patient of $317.14 and an effectiveness of 52%. Ultrasound proved to be the most cost-effective tool, with a cost of $204.08 per patient and an effectiveness of 100%. CT, while equally effective (100%), was significantly more expensive ($1,031.25 per patient). The combination of TG and USG improved diagnostic sensitivity, enhancing recurrence detection. ICER analysis revealed that TG is less efficient and more expensive than USG.

Conclusion: Ultrasound should be considered the first-line tool for monitoring patients with DTC recurrences due to its high effectiveness and lower cost. TG, while limited as a standalon marker, complements USG in multimodal strategies. This study underscores the importance of cost-effective diagnostic tools to optimize clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare expenses in oncology management.