The Shifting to Subcutaneous Oncology: Recent FDA Approvals

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EP: 1.The Shifting to Subcutaneous Oncology: Recent FDA Approvals

EP: 2.Subcutaneous Value: Efficiency and Access

This discussion centers on the transformation of oncology care, specifically the shift from IV to SubQ drug administration. A panel of health care professionals in oncology, including pharmacy and clinical experts, came together to explore how recent FDA approvals for SubQ versions of existing IV treatments are impacting workflows. The conversation opens by framing this shift as a significant development in oncology care delivery, with major implications for patients, providers, and health care systems.

The experts highlighted that SubQ formulations are increasingly seen as a strategic innovation by pharmaceutical companies. These new delivery methods are not only about convenience but are also aimed at reducing health care costs, improving resource allocation, and enhancing the patient experience. This change allows for faster administration, reduced chair time, and more opportunities for at-home care, potentially alleviating pressure on busy infusion centers. It also aligns with a broader movement in oncology toward more patient-centered, efficient care models.

Several specific oncology drugs were cited to illustrate this trend. SubQ delivery began gaining traction with agents such as bortezomib in the early 2000s, followed by rituximab and daratumumab. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors such as atezolizumab and nivolumab have entered the SubQ space. This progression underscores a broader shift in how cancer therapies are being delivered and prompts practices to adapt their workflows, staffing, and infrastructure to accommodate and capitalize on these advancements. The panel agrees this is not a temporary change, but a lasting evolution in cancer care.