Intravenous and subcutaneous formulations of trastuzumab, and trastuzumab biosimilars: implications for clinical practice.

Trastuzumab is a biologic therapy indicated for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer and metastatic gastric cancer. Trastuzumab was originally approved as an intravenous (IV) formulation but has since been developed for subcutaneous (SC) administration for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Both formulations demonstrate generally comparable pharmacological and clinical profiles. Therefore, when deciding between treatment options, factors such as the route of administration, patient preference, value and cost must be considered. Studies comparing IV with SC trastuzumab indicate that each formulation offers unique advantages to patients depending on their individual needs. Concurrent with the development of SC trastuzumab, IV trastuzumab biosimilars comprise another treatment option that, in view of their reduced cost, might improve patient access and increase cost-effectiveness for healthcare providers and payers. In this review, we seek to raise awareness of the current options available for trastuzumab so that healthcare providers can optimally treat patients according to their individual situations and preferences.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis: a 1-year disease management study on symptom control and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is frequent in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). This 1-year, prospective, multicenter, observational, disease management study aimed to assess symptom improvement and quality of life in patients with CP with EPI who were receiving pancreatic enzyme replacement. METHODS: Patients with CP and chronic EPI were either assigned to cohort 1 that consisted of patients already taking pancreatin (Kreon; Abbott Arzneimittel GmbH, Hannover, Germany) or cohort 2 that consisted of patients with newly diagnosed EPI without prior pancreatic enzyme treatment. Symptoms were documented, and quality of life was assessed using the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 294 patients were evaluated (cohort 1, n = 206; cohort 2, n = 88). The proportion of patients experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms and recurrent pain after 1 year was significantly reduced in both cohorts (P < 0.001). The alleviation of symptoms was reflected in GIQLI score improvements at 1 year in both cohorts (P < 0.001), independent of CP severity and etiology. Improvements in GIQLI score were more pronounced in cohort 2 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatin demonstrated symptom relief and improvement in quality of life in patients with CP-related EPI in this disease management study.