Vismodegib Use in Clinical Practice: Analysis of a United States Medical Claims Database.

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Vismodegib Use in Clinical Practice: Analysis of a United States Medical Claims Database.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2018 Feb 01;17(2):143-148

Authors: Hanke CW, Mhatre SK, Oliveri D, Zivkovic M, Caro I, Bergström D, Dawson K, Sima CS

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Information is limited on the use of vismodegib for treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma beyond the setting of clinical trials.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment patterns and characteristics of patients treated with vismodegib in clinical practice.
METHODS: A longitudinal, retrospective cohort study was undertaken using data from a US commercial insurance claims (Truven Health Analytics MarketScan) database. Eligible patients were ≥18 years of age, with ≥1 claim for vismodegib from January 2012 to December 2015.
RESULTS: A total of 321 patients were included in the analysis. Approximately 20% of the patients took 1 or more treatment breaks of ≥ 30 days each before treatment discontinuation. Median duration of vismodegib treatment before the first treatment break and discontinuation was 4.0 and 5.5 months, respectively. Older age ( > 65 years) and absence of Gorlin syndrome were associated with increased risk for treatment interruption or discontinuation. Overall, 47% and 36% of patients underwent surgery or radiotherapy within the 6 months before and after vismodegib initiation, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Real-world evidence indicates that vismodegib is being used in clinical practice as part of combination treatment strategies. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(2):143-148.

PMID: 29462221 [PubMed - in process]

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