Uptake of Trastuzumab Biosimilars for the Treatment of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: A Real-World Experience from a Cancer Center

Abstract

Background: The introduction of trastuzumab biosimilars in clinical practice plays an important role in promoting the sustainability of healthcare systems. By contrast, the switching process can be challenging to the clinics. This survey describes the switching process at a National Cancer Institute over a period of 2 years. Methods: Data regarding all trastuzumab-based regimens for breast cancer (BC) from 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020 were extracted from both adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting systems and electronic systems involved in inventory management, prescribing, dispensing, and administration. Both patients under monotherapy and combination treatment regimens were included. There were no exclusion criteria. Results and Conclusions: Overall 354 patients received at least one trastuzumab-based regimen for a total of 493 lines of treatment and 5769 administrations. Biosimilar were used in 34.3% of trastuzumab-based treatments. No differences between biosimilars and reference drug have been observed in terms of ADRs. The effective cost-saving of the first 2 years is greater than EUR 800,000 and it is estimated to increase over time.

Evidence into practice: a national cohort study of NICE-recommended oncological drug therapy utilisation among women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in England

“…A change in use to trastuzumab biosimilars for some patients may also have contributed to high use among women diagnosed in 2018 and 2019, demonstrating the continuing influence of drug development and approvals on uptake of existing approved drugs. This finding is echoed in an Italian study which reported increased use, with trastuzumab biosimilars contributing to around one-third of trastuzumab-based treatment among patients diagnosed in more recent years [27]. Additionally a review of biosimilars highlighted the value of their inclusion in trastuzumabbased treatment in increasing access to anti-HER2 therapies, particularly in relation to cost-saving [28].…”