Vietnam Gains Access to More Affordable Cancer Immunotherapy: A New Hope for Patients
Vietnam is poised to expand access to vital cancer treatment with the impending rollout of Pembroria, a biosimilar version of pembrolizumab. This development, announced by Professor Le Van Quang, Director of K Hospital and the National Cancer Institute, promises to alleviate the financial burden on patients battling various forms of cancer.
What is Pembrolizumab and Why is This Significant?
Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody and a type of immunotherapy, administered intravenously in a hospital setting. It works by helping the body’s own immune system fight cancer. Currently approved for a wide range of cancers – including melanoma, non-modest cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and several others – it represents a significant advancement in cancer care. The availability of a more affordable biosimilar like Pembroria is crucial for increasing accessibility in a country where healthcare costs can be a major barrier.
The use of pembrolizumab depends on several factors, including the patient’s health status, the type of tumor mutation, and the stage of the disease, as assessed by oncologists.
Cost Considerations and Treatment Access
Pembroria, manufactured by PK-137 in Russia, has received market authorization from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health. Although not yet covered by health insurance, its estimated price of 18 million VND per vial (approximately $700 USD as of Feb 6, 2026) is lower than other similar drugs currently available. A typical treatment cycle requires two vials, bringing the cost to around 36 million VND (approximately $1,400 USD). K Hospital emphasizes that not all patients with eligible cancers will qualify for pembrolizumab; treatment decisions are individualized based on health status, tumor characteristics, and disease stage.
The Rise of Biosimilars in Cancer Treatment
The approval of Pembroria is part of a broader global trend towards increased use of biosimilars. Biosimilars are highly similar, but not identical, copies of original biologic drugs. They offer a cost-effective alternative without compromising efficacy or safety. This is particularly important for expensive treatments like immunotherapies, which can be financially out of reach for many patients. A retrospective study of 52 Vietnamese patients receiving second-line pembrolizumab treatment between January 2017 and October 2023 showed a median overall survival of 12.0 months, highlighting the potential benefits of this type of therapy.
Future Trends in Vietnamese Cancer Care
The introduction of Pembroria signals a shift towards more accessible and affordable cancer care in Vietnam. Further developments to watch include:
- Potential for Insurance Coverage: Advocacy efforts to include biosimilars like Pembroria in the national health insurance scheme could significantly expand access.
- Local Manufacturing: Investing in domestic production of biosimilars could further reduce costs and enhance supply chain security.
- Personalized Medicine: Continued advancements in genomic testing and biomarker analysis will enable more tailored treatment approaches, maximizing the effectiveness of immunotherapies.
- Clinical Trials: Further clinical studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of administering lower doses of pembrolizumab, particularly within the Asian population.
FAQ
- What is a biosimilar?
- A biosimilar is a highly similar, but not identical, copy of an original biologic drug.
- Is Pembroria as effective as the original pembrolizumab?
- Pembroria has been shown to be as effective as the original drug, offering a more affordable alternative.
- Will Pembroria be covered by health insurance?
- Currently, it is not covered, but there is potential for future inclusion in the national health insurance scheme.
- Who is eligible for pembrolizumab treatment?
- Eligibility depends on factors like cancer type, stage, overall health, and tumor characteristics, as determined by an oncologist.
Pro Tip: If you or a loved one is considering pembrolizumab treatment, discuss all available options and potential costs with your oncologist to make an informed decision.
To learn more about cancer treatment options in Vietnam, visit the Ministry of Health website.
Do you have questions about cancer treatment or immunotherapy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
