Immuntherapien beim nicht-kleinzelligen Lungenkarzinom zwischen Innovation und Wirtschaftlichkeit Status quo und Potenzialbetrachtung für Deutschland

Introduction: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have fundamentally changed treatment in recent years, but they are associated with high drug costs. Against the backdrop of economic efficiency requirements, the economic comparability of therapeutic alternatives is coming into focus. Methods: A comparison of drug acquisition costs was made using the example of pembrolizumab and cemiplimab, considering dosage regimens and current drug prices. Results: Cemiplimab has lower drug costs than pembrolizumab (approximately Eur 600 per dose or around Eur 10,000 per patient per year). Extrapolated to the target population, this results in potential savings in the millions. Discussion: Even with comparable clinical efficacy, different drug prices can have significant economic consequences. An integrated evaluation of effectiveness and cost considerations is therefore necessary to support sustainable treatment decisions in line with the principle of economic efficiency..