Cost-effectivness of Immunotherapy for Metastatic Melanoma-

[…] Cost-effectivness of Opdivo/nivolumab for melanoma- […]

My sister-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer that spread to her brain and liver. After much testing, it was discovered that the primary source of the tumors is in her lungs, and remains there. She had the Gamma ray procedure early on to zap the size brain lesions, the ultimately had the most dangerous surgically removed.

She’s been undergoing chemotherapy treatments and has since been advised that it has been unsuccessful. She is now receiving Opdivo treatments every two weeks; just had the second treatment. Unfortunately, I ask her more questions than she asks her team of doctors, so I have no clue about her life expectancy with this new treatment.

What I want to know is how long these treatments will go on, and to what extent before it is knows whether it is helping?

You are so wrong in your assessment here! I have been on Opdivo now for 1 yr for Metastatic Melanoma with metastasis to my Heart, Lung, and Liver. I was originally treated with a combo of opdivo and Yervoy, for 3 months (I was on a clinical trial at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit so no cost to me). Then I went on a regimen of Opdivo (nivolumab) infusion every 2 weeks for the next 10 months (yes, at a cost of $20,000 per infusion). I did have to max out my insurance plan ($5,000) plus I pay $1,300 monthly insurance premium). As of today, I am completely clear of all the cancer – the Opdivo “melted” the tumors by harnessing my own immune system to recognize and go after the cancer. It is a true miracle. No amount of supplements, diet, etc would have given me this outcome. Before I started the treatment I was under the care of a chiropractor with a specific anti-cancer diet with supplements that was putting me in the best possible shape – So I was in good shape to begin with. Before the Opdivo, the lining around my lungs and heart were so inflamed from the tumors I had to have the fluid surgically drained, with drainage tube left in my heart and lungs as the inflammation from the Heart and Lung tumors was so aggressive – again I was on a specific anti cancer diet at the time! So….dont be so quick to take away people hope here….these drugs do work….I do believe the drug companies are gouging here with the extremely high costs….but you do what you have to do to stay alive. I would appreciate it if you would amend your article here to state, that yes, sometimes these drugs will save your life….some cancer come on very quickly, like mine did…..and despite a healthy lifestyle and anti cancer diet, you can still become very sick, and you need to act quickly to save your life….that’s what happened to me. So don’t diss the drugs…….they can be lifesavers! By the way I’m only 60 yrs old, and because of Opdivo, I am here to witness the birth of my Grandson….without the Opdivo I would not have survived the 18 months I have now lived since my diagnosis.

Thank you David for your reply. Would you mind telling me what kind of non-toxic therapies you would suggest?
Thanks again
Laura

Hello David,
My mother has gone through chemo for bladder cancer. She is 81 years old and was otherwise in great health before chemo. I am trying to look into nivolomqb as her doctors in Argentina seem to have given up. I am not sure if it is because it’s not available or they just determined she’s too old to try other options but she doesn’t want to die and we don’t want that either. My questions would be, has this been tried for this kind of cancer that’s closely related to lung cancer? Do you know if it is available abroad?
As far as quality of life, hers is not good at the moment so if we could find anything that could make it better, we certainly would. Thank you.

my husband was diagnosed with stage IV squamous cell throat cancer- received full radiation (43 treatments) and 3 rounds of cisplatin. Residual damage – ONJ- 2 carotid artery bleeds and loss of all soft palate. We found progression of the disease after 1 year and the dr is recommending Opdivo as only possibility since resection is not available and toxicity is too great. The insurance has denied the claim and the medical company is asking for medical records and financials upward to 35k?

What have been the real clinical trial results? Has Opdivo been really the cure drug or just the money drainer for those that are desperate?

Your comments are appreciated

You bring up excellent points and the cost analysis of these chemotherapy agents vs. benefit needs to be addressed by our healthcare industry. So many are criticizing the ‘affordable care act’ as not being affordable- but the problem is not socializing medicine, the problem is that these drug companies get their treatment FDA approved and laugh all the way to the bank, while all Americans have to pay that $120,000 that is paid by insurance. What is absolutely reprehensible is that Opdivo is being marketed on prime time tv- extensively! Who is paying for this? The drug company? No way- we are- all of us, as these tens of millions that are being spent on advertising are part of why these companies are charging $143,000 for a year’s treatment.
All too often we equate getting a treatment like Opdivo with having more hope for cure, when there truly is not a cure, and in fact, these therapies can detract acceptable quality of life, making valuable days significantly miserable.

I was diagnosed in Sept. 2913 with Stage IV link cancer metastasis to my brain. I was given 3 weeks to live. I have been in clinical remission since Apr. 2014. I am about to begin Optivo. I am willing to pay my limit of $6500 out of pocket to add 7-11 additional months to my life. Quality is important but time may give me availability to a cure. I’m waiting for a cure. God knows my date and time of my death. I accept His choice. I refuse to go until I’m called Home. My problem is expensive Optivo or free clinical trial.

My husband has been diagnosed with lung cancer. He is presently undergoing half doses of chemo, but his quality of life is very poor. He is suffering from disabling fatigue to the point where I do EVERYTHING for him. Very unlike his former life. If we invested our savings in trying to save his life, would he feel any better than he does now? I will do anything to keep him with me, but I don’t want to prolong his life if the quality was not good. Quite a dilemma for all of us who love him very, very much. Please respond. Thank you.

not only is the cost outrageous but what is the quality of life that is extended? if you are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ you do not fear what each and every one of will face and knowing where you will be and awaiting your loved ones makes these meds odious at best.

Your way off on the money. Even a 60/40 plan has a limit of 6,500 then you pay nothing.. Most plans are between 2,000 to 6,500 max!

David,
Your math is correct but your logic is not.
If the drug’s list price is $143,000 annually per patient, then the insurance companies normally pay something less than $143K.
With a 20% cost-share for this chemotherapy, you will have to pay about $28,600 only if the insurance company has failed to negotiate a discount on the drugs.

What is Medicare allowing for this drug?
The Medicare cost-share for patients is 20% for Part B drugs, and most cancer drugs are covered under Part B.

What are the costs for chemo vs taking a pill a day (Opdivo)? Why won’t the drug companies make it more affordable for a cancer patient so that they can have some more time on this earth with family and friends.

My mother has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. She lives in the UK. Where do I take her to receive Nivolumab? Iknow it is going to be expensive but she is my mum. The NHS does not administer the drug but I want my mum to live.
Any help would be grateful.

Kim.