Study Data from Thomas Jefferson University Update Understanding of Multiple Myeloma (Evaluating Oncology Value-Based Frameworks in the US…

Study Data from Thomas Jefferson University Update Understanding of Multiple Myeloma (Evaluating Oncology Value-Based Frameworks in the US Marketplace and Challenges in Real-World Application: A Multiple Myeloma Test Case)

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Weekly News -- Research findings on Oncology - Multiple Myeloma are discussed in a new report. According to news originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by VerticalNews correspondents, research stated, "With the continuous rise in costs for oncology drugs, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Drug Abacus (DrugAbacus), and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) have developed value-based frameworks (VBFs) to assist stakeholders in formulary and treatment decision-making processes. Since emerging VBFs have the potential to affect available treatment options for patients, it is important to understand the differences associated with these VBFs within various therapeutic areas."

Our news journalists obtained a quote from the research from Thomas Jefferson University, "To (a) compare VBFs across 3 therapeutic options for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) and (b) identify challenges and limitations associated with real-world decision making using VBFs in the U.S. marketplace. The values of regimens carfilzomib (CFZ), elotuzumab (ELO), and ixazomib (IX) were generated using the ASCO, NCCN, ICER, and DrugAbacus VBFs. These regimens, used for second-or third-line treatment of RRMM, shared a common comparator in clinical trials: lenalidomide + dexamethasone (LEN + DEX). ASCO's 2016 VBF, which incorporated clinical benefit, toxicity, and bonus points, was used to generate a net health benefit score, along with the drug wholesale acquisition cost, for each regimen compared with LEN + DEX. Results of the 2016 NCCN Evidence Blocks for multiple myeloma and the ICER 2016 report of treatment options for RRMM were extracted to generate the value of CFZ, ELO, and IX. No output was generated from DrugAbacus because of the lack of regimens included in the test case. Shortcomings associated with running the test case in RRMM for each VBF were also identified. Among the 3 therapeutic agents, CFZ, in combination with LEN + DEX, was the most valued. ASCO and ICER VBFs suggested that CFZ + LEN + DEX may be the most valued, followed by ELO + LEN + DEX and IX + LEN + DEX. NCCN suggested that LEN + DEX may be the most valued followed by CFZ + LEN + DEX, IX + LEN + DEX, and ELO + LEN + DEX. A number of shortcomings were noted across each VBF, such as complexities of drug evidence evaluation with the ASCO VBF, the inability to adjust the ICER and NCCN VBFs to specific populations, and subjectivity associated with the NCCN VBF and DrugAbacus. Although the test case provided some consensus on treatment decisions, there is much nuance and limitations with the VBFs available for RRMM."

According to the news editors, the research concluded: "Clearer objectivity and better adaptability to specific treatment decisions are warranted."

For more information on this research see: Evaluating Oncology Value-Based Frameworks in the US Marketplace and Challenges in Real-World Application: A Multiple Myeloma Test Case. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, 2018;24(1):39-46,53. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy can be contacted at: Acad Managed Care Pharmacy, 100 N Pitt St, 400, Alexandria, VA 22314-3134, USA.

The news correspondents report that additional information may be obtained from L.M. Djatche, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States. Additional authors for this research include J.A. Goble, G. Chun and S. Varga.

The direct object identifier (DOI) for that additional information is: https://doi.org/10.18553/jmcp.2018.24.1.39. This DOI is a link to an online electronic document that is either free or for purchase, and can be your direct source for a journal article and its citation.

Keywords for this news article include: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America, Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases and Conditions, Hematologic Diseases and Conditions, Vascular Diseases and Conditions, Immunoproliferative Disorders, Lymphoproliferative Disorders, Blood Protein Disorders, Hemorrhagic Disorders, Hemostatic Disorders, Health and Medicine, Drugs and Therapies, Multiple Myeloma, Paraproteinemias, Hematology, Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University.

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