[Is Herceptin(®) (trastuzumab) by subcutaneous a mini revolution? Pharmaco-economic study]

Bull Cancer. 2015 Mar;102(3):270-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2015.01.007. Epub 2015 Feb 25.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Herceptin(®) injected by intravenous (IV) is one of the key treatment of breast cancer HER2+. The improvement of galenic form allowed a new way of administration, the sub-cutaneous way (SC), authorized by EMEA in 2013. This new way enables a 5-minute infusion, a fixed dose and a fixed volume of preparation. On 2012, saving-time and financial impacts were calculated by extrapolation of the IV way in a cancer treatment center. The study showed a preparing time-saving of 7.5min/loading dose and of 6.5min/maintenance dose, and a nurse time-saving of 4.5min/loading dose and 4.25min/maintenance dose. Moreover, it can be added a saving of consumable of 13,31€ per injection in case of monotherapy. The SC leads to a new adaptation and reorganization in the preparation of monoclonal antibodies and day hospitals.

Keywords: Herceptin; Pharmaco-economic; Pharmaco-économique; Sous-cutanée; Subcutaneous.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / economics
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / economics
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Time Factors
  • Trastuzumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Trastuzumab