Cost-effectiveness techniques can provide valuable insight into breast cancer treatment. A recent PHAR, LLC study assessed the impact on health outcomes and healthcare expenditures of adopting a 21-gene assay for women with early-stage, minimally node-positive, estrogen receptor-positive HER2-negative breast cancer. The study found that the use of this 21-gene assay was associated with improved outcomes for these breast cancer patients, with no additional cost. To see the publication in its entirety, visit The American Journal of Managed Care website.
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PHAR Presents Posters on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Four posters presenting research conducted by PHAR, LLC in collaboration with Eisai Inc. were featured at the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer 2011 International Symposium in Athens, Greece. Investigators examined the risks of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) following the use of several chemotherapy regimens and the costs associated with CINV.
PHAR Study Examines How Obesity and Health Vary by Race and Gender
PHAR investigators used nine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures to study how HRQoL varies by body mass index category among gender and racial subgroups. The research found that a lower HRQoL score was associated with being obese or overweight rather than with having a normal body mass index. The associations were driven primarily by physical health. The degree of the associations varied by the index used. PHAR, LLC investigators collaborated with the RAND Corporation, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, UCLA School of Public Health, Kaiser Permanente Northwest Region, and Health Utilities Inc. For more detailed results, visit the Quality of Life Research website.
Impact of Adherence to Pulmozyme® Treatment on Health Status and Costs
Using a retrospective cohort analysis, PHAR, LLC investigators collaborated with researchers at the University of Michigan and Genentech, Inc. to study adherence to Pulmozyme® in patients with cystic fibrosis. The findings were presented at the 34th European Cystic Fibrosis Society Conference.
Alvimopan May Help Save Money Through Reduced Hospital Costs
Investigators at PHAR, LLC evaluated the economic impact of alvimopan in clinical practice. They found that, along with other initiatives to improve quality and reduce costs of surgical care, alvimopan may be a good choice for use in the perioperative management of patients who undergo segmental bowel resection. This research was published in the P & T journal.
Recurrence Score Factors Into Physician Treatment Decisions More Often When Breast Cancer Tumors Are Smaller
A recent PHAR, LLC study evaluated treatment recommendations for patients with lymph node-positive, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Specifically, investigators sought to determine the effect of the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) assay results on physician decision making for such patients. The findings show that the RS result was used in determining treatment more often when patients had tumors less than 5 cm and one to three positive lymph nodes than when tumors were larger and patients had four or more positive nodes. Use of the RS also resulted in an overall reduction in recommendations for chemotherapy. This research was published in the Journal of Oncology Practice.
Comparison of Lifetime Costs of Two Antiretroviral Regimens in the US
In an era of ever-increasing healthcare costs, knowledge of cost effectiveness is critical for US physicians, policymakers, and payers alike. Results from a cost-effectiveness study undertaken by investigators from PHAR, LLC and Bristol-Myers Squibb was presented at the 10th International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection. The model found that patients using atazanavir with ritonavir experience AIDS diagnoses, opportunistic infections, coronary heart disease events, and diarrhea episodes less often than patients using lopinavir in combination with ritonavir.
Studies on Impact of Skeletal-Related Events in Prostate and Breast Cancer Patients Presented at EU ISPOR 2010
Two posters detailing findings from a systematic literature review were presented at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics 14th Annual European Congress. The systematic review examined the impact of skeletal-related events on pain, quality of life, morbidity, survival, and cost in patients with prostate and breast cancer. The report was created by PHAR, LLC researchers in collaboration with researchers at Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Longer-Acting Antipsychotics Associated With Lower Risk of Hospital Admission for Patients with Schizophrenia
PHAR, LLC presented research on schizophrenia management at the American Psychiatric Association’s 2010 Institute on Psychiatric Services. PHAR investigators conducted a retrospective cohort study of antipsychotic therapies, and findings from this study confirmed that adherence to antipsychotic treatment is an important determinant of health service use in general and hospitalization in particular. Outcomes may be improved in patients by choosing medications whose effect is less likely to be reduced by imperfect adherence-specifically those with longer half-lives.
Alvimopan Contributes to Lower Hospital Costs and Length of Stay After Bowel Resection
PHAR, LLC presented findings from an economic impact study on the use of alvimopan at the American College of Surgeons 96th Annual Clinical Congress. Results suggested that, along with other initiatives to improve quality and reduce costs of surgical care, alvimopan should be considered for use in the management of patients who undergo segmental bowel resection. PHAR investigators produced the study in collaboration with researchers at GlaxoSmithKline, UCLA Center for Surgical Outcomes and Quality, University of Colorado School of Pharmacy, EnPharma Consulting, and Adolor Corporation.