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Pazopanib and sunitinib for renal cell carcinoma: analysis of predicted versus actual utilisation

Drug utilisation sub-committee (DUSC)

June 2014

Full report on Pazopanib and sunitinib for renal cell carcinoma (PDF 578KB)

Full report on Pazopanib and sunitinib for renal cell carcinoma (Word 180KB)

Abstract

Purpose

Pazopanib and sunitinib are tyrosine kinase inhibitors. They inhibit factors that contribute to tumour growth in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Prior to the PBS listing of these medicines, there was some uncertainty regarding the number of patients who would receive treatment, the distribution of strengths, and the length of treatment. This analysis was undertaken to assess how the predicted use of pazopanib and sunitinib for RCC compared to actual use.

Date of listing on PBS

Sunitinib and pazopanib were PBS-listed for RCC on 1 May 2009 and 1 October 2012, respectively. The current PBS listings (restrictions and item codes) for RCC indications for sunitinib and pazopanib are available from the PBS website.

Data Source / methodology

The utilisation of pazopanib and sunitinib for RCC was determined by extracting data on the number of PBS/RPBS prescriptions and the benefits paid from the Department of Human Services (DHS) PBS prescription database for the period May 2009 to September 2013 inclusive. The analysis was based on the date the prescription was supplied to the patient.

Key Findings

  • Following the PBS listing of sunitinib, more patients started treatment for RCC than originally predicted.
  • The number of new patients who start treatment with either pazopanib or sunitinib for RCC each year is approximately 500.
  • Following the PBS listing of pazopanib, the number of prevalent patients receiving either pazopanib or sunitinib increased from approximately 600 patients in the 12-month period prior to listing to approximately 700 patients in the 12-month period after listing.
  • The number of prescriptions for sunitinib were lower than originally expected, indicating that patients treated with sunitinib received fewer prescriptions per year than originally estimated.
  • The number of prescriptions for pazopanib were more than double that expected. Pazopanib appeared to be substituting for sunitinib, with sunitinib prescriptions decreasing after the PBS listing of pazopanib.