Dr. O'Regan Discusses Biosimilar Education in Oncology

Ruth O’Regan, MD, division head, Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, discusses biosimilar education in oncology.

O’Regan says that the best way for the oncology field to familiarize themselves with the concept of biosimilars is talking about them at continuing medical education meetings and national conferences. This will get those in the community to know the names of these agents, as well as the work behind them. Additionally, she says that talking to pharmacists, institutions, and nurses to make sure they know about biosimilars is key.

At the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, O’Regan says that physicians look at the formulary and whether there is a cheaper option than the original drug. If one is available, she says they would definitely consider using the biosimilar. Education needs to be done at the institution level, but there also needs to be information given out at meetings, O’Regan concludes.