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The Cost of Care in Immuno-Oncology
Comparative effectiveness research is particularly important in oncology, where the cost of treatments is high, according to Andrew L. Pecora, MD. One approach to contain costs is to provide “rational care,” he adds, which means striking a balance between treating too much and too little.
One way to be more vigilant with costs is to be more selective about ordering tests. For example, PET scans are not helpful with immuno-therapeutics because seeing tumor growth can be alarming and does not change the treatment course. It is also important not to focus too much on the cost of the drug, says Pecora. If a more expensive drug results in fewer hospitalizations, it may provide more value and result in better outcomes.
The cost of therapy can be a barrier for patients, however. Gaining more knowledge regarding biomarkers will help oncologists know which patients are most likely to benefit from a particular therapy, he states. As more is learned, it will become easier to optimize utilization. Providing appropriate healthcare through precision medicine is affordable, Pecora adds.
Varied Access: The Pharmacogenetic Testing Coverage Divide
February 18th 2025On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with the author of a study published in the February 2025 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® to uncover significant differences in coverage decisions for pharmacogenetic tests across major US health insurers.
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STEER Data Open Door to SMA Gene Therapy for Wider Age Range of Children
March 19th 2025Delivery of onasemnogene abeparvovec into the intrathecal space was safe and effective for children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) aged 2 to 17 years, who had previously been shut out of receiving gene therapy.
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