Biosimilars: What Patients Need to Know

When biosimilars were first introduced in the U.S. in 2015, it was expected that they would deliver equally effective treatment to patients as their reference products, at a reduced cost for cancer programs and patients. However, it can be difficult to explain to patients that biosimilars may be their best—and most cost-effective—option. On this episode of CANCER BUZZ, Miami Cancer Institute shares their unique approach to patient understanding: a biosimilars education course that explains what biosimilars are, how they are used, the testing process they go through, and how their use can affect insurance approvals and out-of-pocket expenses. Guests: Ana Chayeb, RN, Nurse Navigator, Miami Cancer Institute Peggy Bullard, RN, Rapid Treatment Nurse, Miami Cancer Institute Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA, FACHE, Assistant Vice President - System Oncology Pharmacy Services, Non-Oncology Infusion Center Pharmacy Services, Miami Cancer Institute Related Content: ACCC Biosimilars Education Center They're Here—Cancer Biosimilars Enter U.S. Market The Year of the Biosimilar Media Issue Brief: Biosimilars, American Society of Clinical Oncology "When Will Biosimilars Start Making a Serious Difference in Oncology?," Managed Healthcare Executive The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Community Cancer Centers.