PSA Tests: Different Results, Same Blood

What is it about?

The article discusses the financial toxicity of newly approved second- and third-line treatments for metastatic urothelial carcinoma, a type of cancer that includes cancer of the bladder and renal upper tract. The article compares the acquisition costs of three newly approved therapies - erdafitinib, enfortumab vedotin, and sacituzumab govitecan - with the recommended standard-of-care therapy, pembrolizumab. The study finds that the three newly approved therapies have higher acquisition costs than pembrolizumab, with enfortumab vedotin and sacituzumab govitecan likely having higher total costs due to infusion center use and other ancillary costs. The article also acknowledges several limitations, including the lack of direct comparison of these therapies in completed clinical trials and the fact that the estimated costs do not account for all ancillary costs or frequent adverse events.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This research is important because it highlights the financial toxicity associated with newly approved therapies for metastatic urothelial carcinoma, including erdafitinib, enfortumab vedotin, and sacituzumab govitecan, in comparison to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommended therapy, pembrolizumab. It provides an estimation of the acquisition costs for individuals and healthcare systems in developing nations and emphasizes the need for cost-effectiveness analyses of these treatments. Key Takeaways: 1. The three newly approved therapies for platinum-refractory metastatic urothelial carcinoma (erdafitinib, enfortumab vedotin, and sacituzumab govitecan) have distinct financial differences compared to the NCCN recommended standard-of-care therapy (pembrolizumab) for platinum-refractory mUC. 2. Enfortumab vedotin and sacituzumab govitecan likely have higher total costs due to infusion center use, administration fees, and other ancillary costs. 3. Pembrolizumab has the lowest acquisition cost and may be an appropriate therapy in financially-limited settings. 4. Additional costs may arise from frequent monitoring, laboratory tests, and management of adverse events related to each treatment.