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Sarah Cannon Research Institute
Nashville, Tenn.
Editor-in-chief, The Oncology Report
Of note, the Zaltrap price is now comparable to the Avastin 5 mg/kg price (it was originally priced comparable to Avastin 10 mg/kg). The original price is essentially being labeled an error.
As Dr. Malcolm Moore stated, it is easier to take the stand when there are existing alternatives with similar efficacy and mechanism of action. In this case, a choice between two agents was made. Pushing back firmly on price with a first-in-class approval, such as ipilimumab or vemurafenib, is much more difficult.
Voice of the Physician Must Be Heard *
Dr. Hope S. Rugo
Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology);
Director, Breast Oncology Clinical Trials Program, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Hope S. Rugo
As a breast cancer oncologist, I echo the comments of Drs. Moore and Burris. First, that the drug was priced, even in today's market, at an unreasonable price given the expected benefits based on published data. Second, that the issue about what is reimbursable is very much tied to the issue of benefit and the competition.
A first-in-class drug with significant survival benefit is unlikely to meet the same degree of resistance. Lastly, it is important for the voice of the physician to be heard in the complex discussion of risk, benefit, and cost in U.S. cancer care.
* This story was updated with new information on November 13.