Dr. Backes on Financial Toxicity Considerations in Ovarian Cancer

Floor J. Backes, MD, associate professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James, discusses the consideration of financial toxicity when choosing a PARP inhibitor for a patient with ovarian cancer.

Insurance has been better at covering PARP inhibitors for ovarian cancer treatment; however, the copay can vary greatly with each insurance, explains Backes. Some patients have a $0 copay while others may have a $900 to $1000 copay per month, which can add up quickly. There are copay assistance programs, but not all patients qualify for them, says Backes.

If a patient is going to experience financial toxicity from treatment, the added benefit of treatment needs to be considered. All the PARP inhibitors are similar in price. Therefore, patients should be involved in the decision of choosing a PARP inhibitor, concludes Backes.