http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2006/10/how-insurers-are-powerless-to-control.html Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:56:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2006/10/how-insurers-are-powerless-to-control.html#comment-67585 Blog, MD Mon, 02 Oct 2006 19:35:00 +0000 http://clients.emmense.com/kevinmd/2006/10/how-insurers-are-powerless-to-control-the-cost-of-a-me-too-cancer-drug.html#comment-67585 True for some, but certainly not all, cancer drugs. For example, the second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors like dasatinib and sunitinib not only help overcome resistance to Gleevec (imatinib) but also have new indications (e.g., sunitinib in GIST or RCC). In addition, because the therapeutic index of chemotherapy drugs is so narrow, having less toxic formulations (e.g., liposomal preparations) may allow for further dose escalation without compromising end-organ function. True for some, but certainly not all, cancer drugs. For example, the second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors like dasatinib and sunitinib not only help overcome resistance to Gleevec (imatinib) but also have new indications (e.g., sunitinib in GIST or RCC). In addition, because the therapeutic index of chemotherapy drugs is so narrow, having less toxic formulations (e.g., liposomal preparations) may allow for further dose escalation without compromising end-organ function.

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