The cost–effectiveness of blue-light therapy in the treatment of mild-to-moderate psoriasis

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the cost–effectiveness of blue-light therapy versus a two-compound formulation (TCF) (Dovobet® gel [calcipotriol and betamethasone]) in mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Methods: A Markov model was applied to describe the course of disease among Dutch patients with a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score ≤ 10 over a 52-week time horizon. Patients received either 12-week blue-light therapy or two 4-week treatments with TCF. Patients, experiencing no PASI reduction after either therapy, were assumed to receive 12-week ultraviolet B phototherapy. Results: There was no significant difference in PASI reduction between two interventions (71 vs 72%). However, blue-light therapy was associated with a cost savings of EU€248. Conclusion: Treatment of mild-to-moderate chronic plaque psoriasis using blue-light therapy may be more cost-effective than TCF.