A rapidly expanding range of biosimilars is now available to treat a variety of cancers. Biosimilars have been demonstrated to offer the same clinical benefits as the originator brand and the adoption of biosimilar medicines can improve financial viability of the healthcare system by freeing up funding for new treatments and services.
In 2019, the biosimilar medications rituximab and trastuzumab were implemented into clinical use in Cancer Services at the Princess Alexandra Hospital to replace the originator brands. A position statement, clinical practice guidelines, clinician and patient resources were developed to support the position statement and inform the implementation that occurred across the hospital. It was estimated that large cost savings could be made by using the biosimilars compared to use of the originator. A post implementation study was performed to assess the financial benefits and the perceived clinical success of the implementation of biosimilars at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Cancer Services for the first 6 months of use.
This presentation will discuss the results of the study and the controversies and challenges faced when implementing biosimilars into clinical practice.