Biosimilars have rapidly proliferated in the cancer care landscape, leaving many providers unclear about the full impact these products will have on the care they deliver to patients. “American Society of Clinical Oncology Statement: Biosimilars in Oncology,” published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, examines a range of issues to help ASCO members better understand the impact of biosimilars on oncology care.
To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved eight biosimilars for use in the United States—two of which were approved to treat cancer, and a third approved as a supportive care agent in the cancer setting. Given the expiration of several biologic drug patents, a wave of biosimilars is expected, and cancer treatments will likely comprise a significant number of those approvals.
ASCO is committed to providing education and guidance on the use of biosimilars to treat cancer. ASCO’s statement on biosimilars, therefore, offers guidance on naming, labeling, and other regulatory considerations; safety and efficacy; interchangeability, switching, and substitution; value; and prescriber and patient education.
Visit asco.org/asco-in-action to read the statement and for breaking cancer policy updates. ■
© 2018. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved.
