Considering research waste in economic evaluations of low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer.

With the ongoing discussion around the implementation of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer, increasing numbers of model-based economic evaluations have been conducted. We systematically reviewed the published literature for economic evaluations of LDCT screening for lung cancer in people at high risk, updating this review in 2024. We identified a total of 57 economic evaluations; two-thirds of which developed de novo decision-analytic models. In our most recent update, of the 22 economic evaluations identified, only one used a model published before 2021. There may be advantages to developing new models, but the huge possibility of research waste cannot be ignored. Better quality of reporting (both in terms of clarity and completeness), improving the availability of existing models, and comparative analysis of different models can help to advance modeling methods in areas of complexity, such as screening for cancer. Ultimately, this should lead to policy decisions based on the best available evidence.