By Monique Biryiana
In a world where disparities in cancer care still exist, biosimilars provide a unique opportunity to improve patient outcomes - particularly in under-resourced settings, due to their reduced cost and similar efficacy.
It is evident that these drugs have had a positive impact on the financial sustainability of healthcare systems, which have led to increased treatment utilisation around the world.1
However, as these agents continue to emerge and develop, there is a greater need for education among healthcare professionals in regard to their appropriate and consistent use globally.
For instance, a recent survey conducted in Argentina, Brazil, Columbia and Mexico found that out of 88% of physicians who had reported using biologics, more than one-third of the of them did not consider themselves familiar with biosimilars.2
Additionally, some European countries are also struggling to identify the most suitable approach to implement these agents into routine clinical practice.
As a result, effective education among this population may help facilitate informed decision-making, increase accessibility and promote their acceptance into clinical practice.
That is why, this month, ecancer have chosen to focus on improving the awareness and understanding of the safe and effective use of biosimilar drugs in oncology by highlighting our extensive library of educational resources that are completely free to access.
Visit our e-learning modules on biosimilars here.
Watch our collection of interviews with leading experts about the use of biosimilar medicines here.
References:
1. IMS Health. The impact of biosimilar competition. 2016 Jun [accessed 15/10/2019]. http://ec.europa.eu/DocsRoom/documents/17325/attachments/1/translations/en/renditions/native.
2. Gewanter HL, Reilly MS. Prescribing practices for biosimilars: questionnaire survey findings from physicians in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Generics Biosimilars Initiat J. 2015;4(4):161–166. doi:10.5639/gabij.2015.0404.036
The World Cancer Declaration recognises that to make major reductions in premature deaths, innovative education and training opportunities for healthcare workers in all disciplines of cancer control need to improve significantly.
ecancer plays a critical part in improving access to education for medical professionals.
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