Integrating biosimilars into oncology practice
<p class="p1">In recent years, biologic therapies have increasingly been used in oncology and for other medical conditions, placing a significant economic burden on the healthcare systems (Cohen, 2017; Godman et al., 2018). In light of rising healthcare costs, biosimilars, more affor...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pappin Communications
2022-01-01
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| Series: | Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal |
| Online Access: | https://canadianoncologynursingjournal.com/index.php/conj/article/view/1243 |
| Summary: | <p class="p1">In recent years, biologic therapies have increasingly been used in oncology and for other medical conditions, placing a significant economic burden on the healthcare systems (Cohen, 2017; Godman et al., 2018). In light of rising healthcare costs, biosimilars, more affordable biologics, have been introduced on the market to meet existing needs and facilitate biologic treatment access for all patients. In Canada, the combined savings from the use of etanercept, filgrastim, infliximab and insulin glargine biosimilars in 2018 totaled $94 million<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, 2018). While the use of biosimilar medicines has been successfully implemented in Europe for 15 years (Health Canada, 2019), the first oncology biosimilar, a biosimilar of bevacizumab, was approved by Health Canada in 2018 (Generics and Biosimilar Initiative, 2021). Questions remain amongst healthcare providers about the efficacy and safety of biosimilars in oncology (Rugo et al., 2018). Furthermore, variability in the regulatory framework for biosimilars across Canadian provinces might complicate their introduction to clinical practice. With the current article, we aim to provide oncology nurses with an overview of biosimilars in Canada and address common myths and misconceptions about this class of medications.</p> |
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| ISSN: | 1181-912X 2368-8076 |