Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Jamestown, NY
Marina Reed , Eugene Przespolewski , Mark Doughty Walsh , Michelle Amsler , Anthony George , Kristopher Attwood , Grazyna Riebandt
Background: Use of biosimilars is an effective strategy in expanding access to care and lowering healthcare costs. Literature about the successes, challenges, and best practices of biosimilar adoption in oncology is limited. We aim to describe the current state of biosimilars in oncology practices and barriers to adoption. Methods: A 40-question survey was developed to gather information regarding biosimilar use in the following areas: formulary management, product usage, policies, technology, safety, and education. The following biosimilars were evaluated: bevacizumab (B), filgrastim (F), epoetin (E), infliximab (I), pegfilgrastim (P), rituximab (R), and trastuzumab (T). The survey was distributed to Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association members. Results: A total of 179 surveys were initiated, with a completion rate of 31%. Six surveys were removed due to duplication, resulting in 50 unique surveys with 21 responses (42%) from NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers. Inpatient formulary decisions were driven by acquisition cost followed by reimbursement. In the outpatient setting, equal consideration was given to acquisition cost and reimbursement for formulary decisions. Thirty-two percent of institutions restricted biosimilars to their FDA approved indication. Sixty-six percent of institutions had a biosimilar interchangeability policy in place. For the corresponding reference products, overall average utilization of biosimilars was B 74%, F 88%, E 82%, I 57%, P 52%, R 73%, and T 71%. More than 90% of institutions had a preferred biosimilar on formulary. Based on the results, 72% stated payors specified the selection of biosimilars, and 76% stated payor reimbursement limited ability to participate in contract pricing. Insurance reimbursement was recognized as the main barrier to adoption (Table). Medication errors related to biosimilar use were reported by 26% respondents, with the most common cause listed as communication. Thirty-six percent of institutions provided education on the general use of biosimilars and 38% had biosimilar products in treatment specific education. Conclusions: Biosimilar adoption is consistent across responding institutions, with noted utilization shift towards biosimilar products compared to reference. Decisions for biosimilar adoption are made based on cost and reimbursement. Opportunities exist in the collaboration of health systems and payors to align formularies and promote safe and cost-effective care for their members.
Insurance coverage | 82% |
Drug availability | 24% |
Computerized provider order entry | 24% |
Provider acceptance | 22% |
Lack of policies/procedures | 16% |
Monitoring/post-marketing surveillance | 14% |
Cost to patient | 12% |
Greater acceptance for supportive care versus therapeutic oncology indications | 10% |
Patient acceptance | 8% |
Other | 2% |
Disclaimer
This material on this page is ©2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology, all rights reserved. Licensing available upon request. For more information, please contact licensing@asco.org
Abstract Disclosures
2024 ASCO Annual Meeting
First Author: John Albaugh
2022 ASCO Annual Meeting
First Author: Lalan S. Wilfong
2020 ASCO Virtual Scientific Program
First Author: Jennifer Webster
2022 ASCO Quality Care Symposium
First Author: Jennifer Fernandez