The Many Aspects of Off-Label Prescribing in Oncology
Pages 110-115
Anna Gu and Albert I. Wertheimer

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-2279.2013.02.02.5

Published: 30 April 2013 

Abstract: Off-label prescribing is particularly common in oncology. While it brings abundant benefits to cancer treatment, decisions on off-label prescribing should be made with caution, due to insufficient supporting data, weak safety monitoring system, and increased health care burden. Currently, reimbursement decisions for off-label oncology are based on recommendations from four drug compendia, each of which combines data from clinical trials and/or observational studies and expert opinions. Further enhancements are expected in terms of transparency and consistency of compendia’s methods of data synthesis. While the existing FDA regulations prohibit direct-to-prescriber promotion, with the exception of publication on off-label drug use, considerable leeway may be given to late-stage cancer patients. Clinical Trials for oncology off-label indication should focus on late stage cancer patients beyond first-line therapy and patient sample should have equal representations from academic and community settings. Off-label oncology clinical trials should also provide full information on conflict of interest. Given the high stakes involved in oncology treatment, future policies should strike a balance between innovation and clinical, economic, and humanistic consequences.