Economics of ramucirumab for metastatic colorectal cancer.
Despite its FDA approval and incorporation into the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines, ramucirumab (RAM) is associated with a drug acquisition cost that is substantially higher than other approved options. Given its substantial cost, the presence of a viable alternative treatment option, and its minimal survival improvement, the usefulness of RAM in clinical practice has been called into question. Areas covered: In this paper, we outline the cost, benefits, and economic implications of RAM from a US perspective, as it is used in the treatment of mCRC. We also dissect its use in other tumor types and in other healthcare systems around the world, and briefly compare it with similar drugs targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. We used the search engine PubMed using the following as search terms: cost-effectiveness; ramucirumab; metastatic colon cancer; angiogenesis; and value-based medicine. Expert commentary: The use of ramucirumab in the treatment of mCRC serves as a microcosm of the worsening healthcare crisis within the US and the ongoing controversy regarding oncology drug costs, benefits, and value. Therefore, there must be a joint effort in moving towards value based pricing models.
a Division of Hematology & Oncology , Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA.
Simon B
SB
Zeichner
b Hartford Hospital Evidence-Based Practice Center , University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy & UConn , Hartford , CT , USA.
Christine G
CG
Kohn
a Division of Hematology & Oncology , Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA.|c Davidoff Cancer Center , Rabin Medical Center , Petah Tikva , Israel.
Daniel A
DA
Goldstein
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000473:pathology; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D000096662:Ramucirumab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000096662:Ramucirumab
Cost-effectiveness; angiogenesis; metastatic colon cancer; ramucirumab; value-based medicine