Potential of German claims data to characterize utilization of new cancer drugs: the example of crizotinib

AIMS: Premarketing clinical trials are typically conducted under controlled conditions and in selected study populations, so real-world information on the utilization of new cancer drugs is limited. We aimed to explore the potential of German claims data in this regard, exemplified by the ALK inhibitor crizotinib, used in non-small-cell lung cancer therapy. MATERIALS & METHODS: We identified patients treated with crizotinib in the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (2004–2017; 20% of the German population) and assessed patient characteristics, treatment and survival. RESULTS: We identified 348 crizotinib-treated patients (56% female; 25% first-line users). After 2 years, overall survival was 48%, with higher survival in men than in women (58 vs 40%). Overall, 76% of patients discontinued crizotinib treatment. Of those, 41% received another ALK inhibitor afterward. CONCLUSION: The results underline the potential of German claims data for real-world monitoring of oncological drug utilization