Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Jun 2012
ReviewPersonalized medicine policy challenges: measuring clinical utility at point of care.
Pharmacogenomics, driven by advances in genomics, helps to explain patients' individual variability in response to therapies. Personalized medicine, the application of the increasing understanding of pharmacogenomics, and information technology are intertwined from discovery to delivery at point of care, through to tracking clinical outcomes. ⋯ Assessments need to be consistent across case studies. Standardizing specifications for case studies will better inform policy-makers performing economic evaluations on the use of personalized medicine.
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Apr 2012
Comparative StudyComparison of the EORTC QLQ-BM22 and the FACT-BP for assessment of quality of life in cancer patients with bone metastases.
Maintenance or improvement in quality of life (QoL) is the main goal of palliative treatments for bone metastases. Validated and comprehensive tools assessing QoL for specific patient subgroups are required in order to accurately assess and make informed decisions about palliative treatments. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for patients with bone metastases (QLQ-BM22) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Quality of Life Measurement in patients with bone pain (FACT-BP) are the only two palliative QoL tools available that have been validated for use specifically for bone metastases patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the development and characteristics of these two tools, as well as their current use in palliative research. ⋯ Both the QLQ-BM22 and FACT-BP are designed for assessment of QoL issues specific to cancer patients with bone metastases. Each instrument has unique strengths and weaknesses and choice between these tools is dependent on the investigator and study needs.
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Apr 2012
Projected referral to other healthcare services in an outpatient palliative radiotherapy clinic.
To investigate the projected referral to other healthcare services in an outpatient palliative radiotherapy clinic. ⋯ Cancer symptoms are complex, and a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach should be taken to provide timely management and maintain patients' quality of life.
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Dec 2011
ReviewThe impact of diabetes mellitus on healthcare costs in Italy.
Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly common chronic disease that has a great impact not only in terms of clinical effects, but also in terms of economic burden worldwide. Expenditures due to diabetes derive essentially from direct and indirect costs. Current estimates of global healthcare expenditures due to diabetes are US$376 billion and are expected to increase to US$490 billion by 2030. ⋯ Current estimates for 2010 healthcare expenditure for diabetes are US$105 billion (10% of total healthcare expenditure, US$2046 per person) for the whole European region, and US$11 billion (9% of total healthcare expenditure, US$2087 per person) for Italy. More studies are needed in order to better define the real significance of the healthcare costs of diabetes in Italy. An effective therapy with a good metabolic control can reduce the risk of complications and represents a valid strategy from an economic point of view.
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Dec 2011
ReviewAdherence to long-term adjuvant hormonal therapy for breast cancer.
Tamoxifen is an essential drug in treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and has been used successfully for the past three decades. More recently, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have also shown great promise in reducing breast cancer recurrence. ⋯ This article reviews the most recent literature reporting adherence rates for tamoxifen and AIs, as well as correlates of adherence. Factors that help to explain nonadherence are reviewed, including the side-effect profile, and approaches to intervention to enhance adherence are discussed.