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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.
AI in Health Care: Balancing Governance, Innovation, and Trust
September 2nd 2025In this conversation with Reuben Daniel, associate vice president of artificial intelligence at UPMC Health Plan, we dive into how UPMC Health Plan builds trust with providers and members, discuss challenges of scaling AI effectively, and hear about concrete examples of AI's positive impact.
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Infertility Coverage Boosts ART Use and Pregnancy Success: Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA
August 26th 2025In this episode, Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA, discusses his study showing that infertility treatment coverage increases assisted reproductive technology (ART) use and improves pregnancy outcomes.
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Health Care Utilization and Cost of Diagnostic Testing for Respiratory Infections
September 17th 2025Syndromic reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction tests for respiratory infections were associated with lower health care resource utilization and costs, implicating potential for improved value in patient care.
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