Changes over time in total Medicare costs for active surveillance versus radiotherapy in prostate cancer

Key Points

• Total Medicare costs show a significant difference between active surveillance and radiotherapy approaches.
• The study identifies a cost variation where active surveillance is generally less expensive than radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
• Cost comparison analysis was conducted over time, analyzing trends and expenditures related to treatment options.
• Findings suggest that choosing active surveillance can lead to lower financial burden on Medicare system.