The Cancer Vanguard medicines optimisation steering group has produced a position statement supporting the adoption and appropriate use of biosimilars in cancer patients.
Trusts in London and Greater Manchester are encouraged to:
- recognise the benefits to the health economy of the appropriate, managed introduction and use of biosimilar medicines in cancer
- actively support the appropriate use of licensed biosimilars in cancer patients for treatment of cancer or supportive care as indicated
- support the appropriate use of biosimilar rituximab for its licensed indications including transferring patients previously maintained on Mabthera® rituximab to biosimilar rituximab.
Local Trust Drug and Therapeutics Committees are asked to work with cancer clinicians in Trusts to agree a local plan for implementation.
The full position statement and resources to assist clinicians in biosimilar adoption are available here.