Uptake of Trastuzumab Biosimilars for the Treatment of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: A Real-World Experience from a Cancer Center
Michela Piezzo,
Roberta D’Aniello,
Ilaria Avallone,
Bruno Barba,
Daniela Cianniello,
Stefania Cocco,
Antonio D’Avino,
Germira Di Gioia,
Vincenzo Di Lauro,
Giuseppina Fusco,
Raffaele Piscitelli,
Claudia von Arx,
Michelino De Laurentiis,
Piera Maiolino
Affiliations
Michela Piezzo
Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Roberta D’Aniello
Pharmacy, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Ilaria Avallone
Department of Experimental Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
Bruno Barba
Pharmacy, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Daniela Cianniello
Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Stefania Cocco
Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Antonio D’Avino
Pharmacy, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Germira Di Gioia
Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Vincenzo Di Lauro
Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Giuseppina Fusco
Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Raffaele Piscitelli
Pharmacy, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Claudia von Arx
Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Michelino De Laurentiis
Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Piera Maiolino
Pharmacy, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
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.
