Video

Anti-PD-1 Agents as Frontline Therapy

Richard W. Joseph, MD, notes that current treatment guidelines for melanoma recommend anti-PD-1 agents as front line therapy and discusses payer coverage for first-line use of these agents.

Although neither pembrolizumab nor nivolumab have FDA approval for the front line therapy indication, guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommended an anti-PD-1 agent as a preferred initial regimen, says Dr Joseph.

Unfortunately, he remarks, healthcare professionals and patients need to worry about whether front line use of these agents will be covered by payers. Currently, coverage of first-line anti-PD-1 therapy is mixed, Dr Joseph adds. While some payers cover anti-PD-1 therapy as front line treatment, others do not.

Front line use of anti-PD-1 therapy has the potential to save payers money, notes Dr Joseph, as these agents are more effective and less toxic than other options.


Newsletter

Stay ahead of policy, cost, and value—subscribe to AJMC for expert insights at the intersection of clinical care and health economics.

Related Videos
Dr Carrie Kitko
Nicolas Ferreyros, managing director, Community Oncology Alliance
Dr Ibrahim Aldoss
Rachel Rohaidy, MD
Mansi Shah, MD
1 expert is featured in this series.
Miriam Freimer, MD
Related Content
AJMC Managed Markets Network Logo
CH LogoCenter for Biosimilars Logo