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Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports
Published in: Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports 4/2018

01-08-2018 | Health Economics (N Khera, Section Editor)

Economic Impact of Oral Therapies for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia—the Burden of Novelty

Authors: Talal Hilal, Jeffrey A. Betcher, Jose F. Leis

Published in: Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports | Issue 4/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and BCL2 inhibitors are oral targeted therapies that have changed the treatment approach to patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The aim of this review is to summarize the relevant literature on the economic impact of oral novel therapies for the treatment of CLL and discuss the underlying factors and suggested solutions for high drug prices.

Recent Findings

The cost of therapy for CLL has increased substantially since the introduction of oral therapies. This increase in cost is caused by multiple factors including cost of drug development, alternate reimbursement patterns, lack of transparency, and lack of free market competition.

Summary

Oral therapies for CLL have dramatically increased costs for both patients and payers. Some solutions to overcome this include value-based pricing, transparency, and legal action that allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices with manufacturers.
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Metadata
Title
Economic Impact of Oral Therapies for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia—the Burden of Novelty
Authors
Talal Hilal
Jeffrey A. Betcher
Jose F. Leis
Publication date
01-08-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports / Issue 4/2018
Print ISSN: 1558-8211
Electronic ISSN: 1558-822X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11899-018-0461-y

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