The analysis in this study characterizes the relationship between real-world costs and NCCN affordability ratings (ARs) for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) treatments.Using the MarketScan and PharMetrics Plus databases, we identified patients treated between 2012 and 2017 with a aNSCLC regimen evaluated by the NCCN Evidence Blocks. We estimated adjusted mean total per-patient-per-month (PPPM) costs and drug costs for each regimen using a log-linked gamma generalized linear model.
A total of 25,162 patients with aNSCLC (mean age, 63 years [standard deviation, 10 years]; 52% male) had identifiable regimens. Mean total PPPM cost by therapeutic class ranged from $16,824 for epidermal growth factor receptors to $41,815 for immunotherapy-based treatment.In a cross-sectional survey of 200 US oncologists, the NCCN Evidence Blocks were rated as most favored and used when compared with other value frameworks. When oncologists were asked to rate the affordability of four hypothetical cancer therapies, the survey found that the affordability ratings (ARs) based on NCCN Evidence Blocks were considerably lower than the actual drug costs.
Real-world aNSCLC treatment costs are often inconsistent with the NCCN ARs. This is not a very good thing as a patient. So with this data we can say that things need further refining.
https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JOP.19.00241
