Utilizing oncology biosimilars to minimize the economic burden associated with cancer treatment: managed care...

The high cost of therapies for treatment of cancer places a substantial burden on the United States healthcare system. In recent years, there has been increased attention to the cost-savings benefits associated with clinical uptake of biosimilars and their market availability, with several biosimilars with oncology-related indications currently available. Though the biosimilar development process has contributed to price reductions and increased patient access to care, misconceptions about biosimilar safety and efficacy as well as inconsistent prescribing patterns have emerged as main barriers to their use in clinical practice. However, this hesitation from a clinical standpoint is not necessarily matched by payers or formulary decision makers in the oncology space. Earlier detection of cancer and longer duration of therapy has spurred discussion about initiation of biosimilars for newly diagnosed patients requiring treatment, but incorporation of biosimilars into formularies and institution protocols remain a challenge. There is clear urgency within the healthcare system to initiate the inclusion of biosimilars into treatment pathways for cancer, and pharmacists who care for patients with cancer have an important role in providing consistent messaging to both healthcare professionals and patients about biosimilars.