Cancer Drugs Move from IV to SC | Predictions for 2025
A prediction for 2025 by Marci Chodroff, M.D., vice president of Medical Affairs at Prime Therapeutics and Managed Healthcare Executive editorial advisory board member.
According to the American Cancer Society, new cancer cases were expected to exceed the 2 million mark in 2024. With the rapid rise in the incidence of cancer, it is important to consider how the delivery of oncology treatment could be improved to meet the patient where they are. In 2025, I believe we may begin to see greater patient-centric approaches to treatment.
Chodroff
One example occurred in September 2024 when the checkpoint inhibitor Tecentriq Hybreza [atezolizumab and hyaluronidase] was approved for subcutaneous (SC) administration over seven minutes. Intravenous Tecentriq is infused over 30 minutes. Switching to the SC dosage form may improve patient experience overall to provide a less invasive and more convenient method for a nurse to administer the medication in a patient’s home instead of the doctor’s office. This transition of care could reduce the out-of-pocket expenses and time related to travel. In addition, treatment in the home decreases patient exposure to communicable diseases that may further compromise their immune system. The movement to in-home administration also frees up provider infusion chairs and in-office appointments for patients who require closer monitoring.
Opdivo [nivolumab] is another checkpoint inhibitor that may soon be available, and SC Keytruda [pembrolizumab] is in phase 3 trials. Although the conversion from IV to SC is not new, the high utilization of this drug class makes this simple change impactful and will drive positive change for oncology patients.
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