Clinical and economic impact of infusion reactions in patients with colorectal cancer treated with cetuximab.

Authors

K A Foley, Thomas Jefferson University
P F Wang, Global Health Economics, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA
B L Barber, Global Health Economics, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA
S R Long, Thomson Reuters, Cambridge, MA
J E Bagalman, Thomson Reuters, Cambridge, MA
V Wagner, Global Health Economics, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA
X Song, Thomson Reuters, Cambridge, MA
Z Zhao, Global Health Economics, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2010

Comments

This article has been peer reviewed. It was published in: Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology

Volume 21, Issue 7, July 2010, Pages 1455-61.

The published version is available at DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdp535. Copyright © Oxford Journals.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Systemic agents in cancer treatment were often associated with possible infusion reactions (IRs). This study estimated the incidence of IRs requiring medical intervention and assessed the clinical and economic impacts of IRs in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) treated with cetuximab.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Details on patients with CRC receiving cetuximab in 2004-2006 were extracted from a large USA administrative claims database. IRs were identified based on the occurrence of outpatient treatment, emergency room (ER) visit, and/or hospitalization for hypersensitivity and allergic reactions. Multivariate regressions were used to examine potential risk factors and quantify the economic impact of IRs.

RESULTS: A total of 1122 CRC patients receiving cetuximab were identified. The incidence of IRs requiring medical intervention was 8.4%. Sixty-eight percent of the patients had treatment disruptions and 34% discontinued cetuximab treatment. Mean adjusted costs were $13,863 for cetuximab administrations with an IR requiring ER visit or hospitalization and $6280 for those with an IR requiring outpatient treatment, compared with $4555 for those without an IR.

CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of cetuximab-related IRs requiring medical intervention in clinical practice was found to be higher than rates reported in the product label and clinical trials. The clinical and economic impacts of these IRs are substantial.

Recommended Citation

Foley, K A; Wang, P F; Barber, B L; Long, S R; Bagalman, J E; Wagner, V; Song, X; and Zhao, Z, "Clinical and economic impact of infusion reactions in patients with colorectal cancer treated with cetuximab." (2010). College of Population Health Faculty Papers. Paper 63.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/healthpolicyfaculty/63