Targeted therapies work because oncologists now can search for biomarkers in a person by biopsy, blood, or bodily fluids to get a better sense of the cancer they are seeking to treat.
For example, about one in five breast cancers involve a gene mutation that makes an excess of the HER2 protein, which promotes the growth of cancer cells. Testing for that mutation can help determine treatment options that specifically target HER2, which are very effective. We can see the effect of increased precision in the way it impacts how drugs are approved and priced. As the market for cancer is further subdivided, many of the drugs being developed are targeted toward much smaller populations.
For example, of the 14 new active substances launched in the U. In addition to Orphan designation, most of the new drugs approved in received the Breakthrough Therapy designation, which is designed to speed up the FDA approval process. This trend of expedited drug approvals can have real world consequences.
Eli Lilly decided to pull the drug after a Phase 3 clinical trial demonstrated that Lartruvo did not improve patient survival compared with controls. While the case of Lartruvo is exceptional, it does illustrate the importance of prudence as costly new drugs enter the marketplace. Perhaps a more subtle threat from the flood of new cancer treatments is that they tend to drive out perfectly good existing treatments.
With these considerations in mind, what does the future of oncology treatment hold? One certainty is that the number of available oncology treatments will continue to grow. There are currently more than oncology drugs in late stages of development. The pipeline also indicates that cancer treatment will continue to become more personalized as the use of biomarkers increases.
Moreover, immunotherapy-based treatments now comprise a significant share of the oncology pipeline. To the extent that these highly specialized drugs continue to outpace the overall cost of the already expensive specialty drug class, they will also continue to accelerate spending. Given this proliferation of new and expensive treatments for cancer, an independent, clinically based formulary design process is essential. For example, Optum Specialty Pharmacy's oncology-specific program was developed to meet the challenges of treating cancer.
This holistic care program delivers a best-in-class experience for cancer patients while delivering a reduction in total cost of care. It is critical to take oral chemotherapy drugs according to the exact schedule that the doctor recommends.
The medication may be less effective if a person misses a pill, takes pills too close together, or takes certain other drugs alongside them. Incorrect dosing can also cause severe side effects. People should obtain clear dosing instructions from their doctor, including what to do if they miss a pill or accidentally take two. Keeping a medication diary can help remind people to take their drugs. Most people who undergo chemotherapy experience side effects.
People can keep a log of all the side effects that they encounter and discuss them with a doctor. Infections and other illnesses can be more dangerous when a person is receiving chemotherapy. An infection could also be a sign of an adverse reaction. People having chemotherapy should monitor their body temperature and contact a doctor if signs of illness occur, such as fever or flu-like symptoms.
Oral chemotherapy pills may require storage at specific temperatures. In these cases, the air conditioning or heating in the home must work well enough to control the temperature. It is vital not to keep pill bottles in the bathroom. Bathrooms can be very damp, which makes the medication break down more quickly. It is also essential to keep pill bottles secure and out of the reach of children. The bottle should have clear labeling, so there is no chance of a person confusing it with another medication.
Chemotherapy is potent and will kill some healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Oral chemotherapy can be just as strong as intravenous chemotherapy. Some common side effects of oral chemotherapy drugs include:. Side effects vary between people, and interactions between chemotherapy medications and other drugs may make them worse. It is important to talk to a doctor about drugs, alcohol, and herbal supplements before beginning chemotherapy.
It can be dangerous to drink alcohol when taking some types of oral chemotherapy. Many people prefer oral chemotherapy to intravenous chemotherapy because it involves less frequent trips to the hospital or clinic.
Oral chemotherapy allows a person to undergo treatment in the comfort of their own home. Some people dislike going to the clinic for treatment because it makes them feel sick or anxious. Cancer Statistics. Cancer Disparities. Cancer Causes and Prevention. Risk Factors. Cancer Prevention Overview. Cancer Screening Overview. Screening Tests.
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