The PD-1 inhibitors Opdiva and Keytruda have been FDA approved for advanced melanoma and FDA approval is pending for squamous cell carcinoma of lung.
Are there any cancer centers now making these drugs available off-label for their advanced adenocarcinoma carcinoma patients given the publication of Landmark studies?
(mom now 79. 12/08 Stage IIIB adenocarcinoma lung. s/p 4 cycles carbo-taxol. s/p 15 months Tarceva/avastin- progression, s/p 15 month Alimta ( stopped due to renal insufficiency) but no progression off treatment x 3 years. Now with progression in chest and 4.3 cm liver metastasis)- Randomized OAK trial to docetaxel 2/24/15.).
Will probably not participate in trial since center is 1 hr from home and could get docetaxel 1 mile form home.
Reply # - February 25, 2015, 04:38 PM
Unfortunately, given that the
Unfortunately, given that the cost of these drugs is just north of $150,000/year, insurers are not covering this outside of the approved indications, and centers are not able to provide it.
-Dr. West