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How affordable are targeted therapies in non-small cell lung cancer?

Linda E Coate1, Natasha B Leighl

  • 1Division of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Current Treatment Options in Oncology
|January 27, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Novel targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) improve survival and quality of life but increase costs. Pharmacoeconomic analyses evaluate these new agents, including EGFR and VEGF inhibitors, to inform treatment decisions.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacoeconomics
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment is shifting towards targeted therapies.
  • These novel treatments offer improved survival and quality of life but significantly increase healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review published pharmacoeconomic analyses of novel agents used in NSCLC treatment.
  • To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these therapies and their impact on clinical decision-making.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of economic analyses for targeted therapies in NSCLC.
  • Analysis focused on agents targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and novel chemotherapy (pemetrexed).

Main Results:

  • Novel targeted therapies demonstrate improved patient outcomes, including survival duration and progression-free survival.
  • Pharmacoeconomic evaluations are crucial for assessing the value of these expensive treatments.
  • The cost-effectiveness of specific agents like EGFR and VEGF inhibitors varies.

Conclusions:

  • Pharmacoeconomic analyses are essential for balancing the benefits of novel NSCLC therapies with their associated costs.
  • These analyses guide payors and clinicians in making informed treatment decisions for non-small cell lung cancer.
  • Understanding the economic impact of targeted therapies is critical for sustainable cancer care.

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