Pharmacoeconomic and clinical outcomes in oncology using oral chemotherapy.

Oral dosage forms are the most common mode of drug delivery in most disease areas. However, cancer therapy is associated predominately with intravenous (IV) chemotherapy. Interest in oral anticancer drugs is growing because they may reduce costs and improve patient satisfaction. Continued research comparing oral with IV drug therapy will increase physician and patient confidence in oral therapy. Medicare must expand its coverage to include legitimate oral chemotherapy, and coverage rules must be clearly communicated to physicians. The adoption of appropriate oral chemotherapy reimbursement standards will probably prompt the pharmaceutical industry to continue research and development of oral dosage forms. Oral therapy can potentially reduce resource utilization and health care system costs, improve drug safety, and enhance patient satisfaction.