Cost-Utility Analysis of 18F-FDG Imaging: A Network Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Modalities

1Chen Li-Yu, 1Huang Ya-Ting ,2Fan Yu-Ming.

1 Primo Biotechnology Co., Ltd , Taipei, Taiwan.
2Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan..
This study poster was presented at 2025 65th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine (JSNM).

Purpose: To assess the cost-utility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) imaging versus other diagnostic tools.

Procedure: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis were conducted using studies published up to Oct 25, 2022 Incremental net benefit (INB) was estimated under a standardized cost framework using QALYs, life expectancy, and diagnostic accuracy.

Result: FDG imaging showed generally positive INBs, indicating favorable cost-effectiveness compared with most alternatives. CT-guided aspiration (CTG) had slightly higher INB due to its direct histological confirmation. In SUCRA ranking, CTG (0.685) and FDG (0.679) ranked highest. Integrated modalities like PET/CT had better cost-utility than PET or CT alone.

Conclusion: FDG imaging is a cost-effective diagnostic strategy, supporting its use in clinical decision-making.