Oncology Analytics received a request for Taxotere and Cytoxan for stage II breast cancer in a 45-year-old female. The treating physician also requested Procrit for anemia.  The treating physician was called and reminded that Procrit is associated with shortened overall survival and an increased risk of tumor progression in patients with breast cancer. In addition, there is a Black Box Warning stating that Procrit is not indicated for patients when the goal of treatment is cure. The request for Procrit was withdrawn.

Outcome: Oncology Analytics oversight improved this patient’s chance of cure.

Savings: Approximately $2,500 per month or $7,500 for three months of treatment

A request for Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab, Docetaxel and Carboplatin (P-TCH) was received for a woman with stage IV breast cancer with skin and liver metastases. Oncology Analytics Pharmacists found no data to support P-TCH in the metastatic setting (the landmark CLEOPATRA clinical trial evaluated the P-TCH regimen without carboplatin) and the benefit of adding carboplatin in the metastatic setting of HER2+ disease is questionable given BCIRG-007. The discussion between the Oncology Analytics Medical Director and the treating oncologist revealed that the patient had been receiving this regimen and clinically benefitting from it (P-TCH, three cycles). The treating oncologist agreed completely with Oncology Analytics’ findings but did not want to alter a regimen that was beneficial to this patient. Oncology Analytics authorized the treatment and recommended that the payer allow the physician to continue this regimen for this particular patient.

Outcome: Oncology Analytics’ patient-focused mission is clearly demonstrated here. This non-compendium regimen was approved because the patient was benefitting from the treatment, therefore, the cost of the treatment was not a subject of the discussion.