We continue with the next video in the series of Tu Farmacéutico Informa video advice focused on raising awareness of biosimilar biological medicines in the diseases in which these drugs are most used. @biosim-asociacionespanolad2306
Cancer or oncological disease is caused by a very high growth of abnormal cells in our body, which are called malignant or cancerous cells. It is estimated that in 2022 alone, more than 280.000 people will have been diagnosed with different types of cancer in Spain, so having the best therapeutic options for all patients who need it is a priority.
The arrival of biological drugs has been an unprecedented milestone in the treatment of cancer. Therefore, the appearance of biosimilar medications is good news, since it makes these treatments more accessible with the same health results.
There are currently numerous types of cancer in which biosimilars are used, such as:
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Fallopian tube cancer
- Peritoneal cancer
- Non-small cell lung carcinoma
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Cervical cancer
- B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Stomach cancer
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Biosimilar drugs used for cancer treatment are monoclonal antibodies such as bevacizumab, rituximab and trastuzumab.
o When administered, Bevacizumab binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). What is he doing this for? To prevent new blood vessels from forming in tumors. These blood vessels are what promote the growth of tumors.
o The job of rituximab is to bind to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells (a type of white blood cell) and some types of cancer cells. Its job is to help the immune system destroy cancer cells.
o Trastuzumab binds to a protein in the body called human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) and also helps the immune system fight tumors, preventing cancer cells from dividing and growing.
The three biosimilars are mainly administered intravenously, so you will have to go to the day hospital so that the nurse can administer it to you.
Furthermore, biosimilars are not only used to treat cancer itself, but also to:
- On the one hand, to counteract the side effects of cancerous processes, such as anemia, with the help of epoetins. Epoetins alfa and beta are forms of erythropoietin, substances that the kidneys make naturally. Its function is to stimulate erythropoiesis, that is, to encourage the patient to have more red blood cells. This medication is administered subcutaneously.
- And on the other hand, to reduce or minimize neutropenia due to chemotherapy treatments, such as filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Both favor more white blood cells in patients' blood. These drugs are administered intravenously and subcutaneously.
Remember that you can administer subcutaneous medications yourself at home. There are two types of devices, syringes and prefilled pens. Each device has specific application instructions, so it is important that either your healthcare professional teaches you how to administer it yourself or someone around you.
Furthermore, another very important aspect to take into account is that subcutaneous medications have special storage conditions, specifically they must be stored in the refrigerator (between 2ºC and 8ºC). It is important that the medication is not frozen and is preserved from light until the moment of use to keep its properties intact.
When you are going to administer it, remember that it is very important to temper the medication for the time indicated on the package insert before using it.
When you travel, you must maintain the cold chain of your medication, which is why you need to bring a portable refrigerator that maintains the temperature between 2ºC and 8ºC. This can ensure that the medication retains its properties and will produce the desired therapeutic effect in your body.
Remember, always ask your trusted pharmacist, the healthcare professional who is expert in the medication. We will inform you and resolve any questions you may have.
Cancer or oncological disease is caused by a very high growth of abnormal cells in our body, which are called malignant or cancerous cells. It is estimated that in 2022 alone, more than 280.000 people will have been diagnosed with different types of cancer in Spain, so having the best therapeutic options for all patients who need it is a priority.
The arrival of biological drugs has been an unprecedented milestone in the treatment of cancer. Therefore, the appearance of biosimilar medications is good news, since it makes these treatments more accessible with the same health results.
There are currently numerous types of cancer in which biosimilars are used, such as:
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Fallopian tube cancer
- Peritoneal cancer
- Non-small cell lung carcinoma
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Cervical cancer
- B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Stomach cancer
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Biosimilar drugs used for cancer treatment are monoclonal antibodies such as bevacizumab, rituximab and trastuzumab.
o When administered, Bevacizumab binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). What is he doing this for? To prevent new blood vessels from forming in tumors. These blood vessels are what promote the growth of tumors.
o The job of rituximab is to bind to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells (a type of white blood cell) and some types of cancer cells. Its job is to help the immune system destroy cancer cells.
o Trastuzumab binds to a protein in the body called human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) and also helps the immune system fight tumors, preventing cancer cells from dividing and growing.
The three biosimilars are mainly administered intravenously, so you will have to go to the day hospital so that the nurse can administer it to you.
Furthermore, biosimilars are not only used to treat cancer itself, but also to:
- On the one hand, to counteract the side effects of cancerous processes, such as anemia, with the help of epoetins. Epoetins alfa and beta are forms of erythropoietin, substances that the kidneys make naturally. Its function is to stimulate erythropoiesis, that is, to encourage the patient to have more red blood cells. This medication is administered subcutaneously.
- And on the other hand, to reduce or minimize neutropenia due to chemotherapy treatments, such as filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Both favor more white blood cells in patients' blood. These drugs are administered intravenously and subcutaneously.
Remember that you can administer subcutaneous medications yourself at home. There are two types of devices, syringes and prefilled pens. Each device has specific application instructions, so it is important that either your healthcare professional teaches you how to administer it yourself or someone around you.
Furthermore, another very important aspect to take into account is that subcutaneous medications have special storage conditions, specifically they must be stored in the refrigerator (between 2ºC and 8ºC). It is important that the medication is not frozen and is preserved from light until the moment of use to keep its properties intact.
When you are going to administer it, remember that it is very important to temper the medication for the time indicated on the package insert before using it.
When you travel, you must maintain the cold chain of your medication, which is why you need to bring a portable refrigerator that maintains the temperature between 2ºC and 8ºC. This can ensure that the medication retains its properties and will produce the desired therapeutic effect in your body.
Remember, always ask your trusted pharmacist, the healthcare professional who is expert in the medication. We will inform you and resolve any questions you may have.