Evaluating The Cost-Effectiveness Of Low-Level Laser Therapy (Lllt) In Head And Neck Cancer Patients Submitted To Concurrent Chemoradiation

6071 Background: Oralmucositis (OM) is a main factor for increasing treatment costs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients (pts) treated with chemoradiation (CRT). This study was designed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of LLLT to prevent oral mucositis in HNSCC patients submitted to CRT. Methods: From June 2007 to Dec 2010, 94 patients with HNSCC of nasopharynx, oropharynx and hypopharynx entered a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial (47 LLLT (LG) and 47 placebo (PG)). CRT consisted of conventional RT 70.2 Gy (1.8Gy/d, 5 times/wk) + concurrent cisplatin 100 mg/m2 every 3 wks. The LLLT used daily was a diode InGaAlP (660nm-100mW-4J/cm²). OM evaluation was done by WHO and OMAS scale. The resources used by patients in both groups were documented during the trial. Unit costs for procedures were obtained from a public reference list (SIGTAP / SUS) as of Jan 2012 and unit costs for drugs were based on ex-factory prices. The cost per laser session was...