A Recent Overview of the Growing Applications of Biosimilars in Pancreatic Cancer Management: Current Picture and Future Perspectives

With an annual growth rate in incidence of 1.1%, high lethality and difficulties in early detection, pancreatic cancer is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-linked deaths by 2030, and is a cause for alarm. Given the steadily increasing incidence and mortality associated with this type of cancer, and poor prognosis resulting in mounting pressure on healthcare systems, there is a need to explore alternate strategies that promise safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Rising rates of chemoresistance have prompted discovery in the domain of immunotherapy, with monoclonal antibodies (MABs) occupying a spot of prominence in this domain. However, a major hindrance to their usage has been the high cost of therapy. This has further led to the screening of biosimilar candidates, to drive down costs and improve patient access. Biosimilars are medications with substantial similarity to licensed biologics, established through laboratory testing focused on gauging similarity in pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles. The authors of this chapter aim to offer an overview of the growing disease burden of pancreatic cancer and its pathogenesis, currently employed diagnostic and management strategies, as well as newer avenues such as the utilization of biosimilars of some key biologics. In addition to this, an insight into recently undertaken clinical trials has been offered to the readers. Any discussion on an emerging frontier would remain incomplete without a focus on lacunae and challenges, such as cost–benefit analysis, the need for better-designed clinical protocols and collaboration among key stakeholders, to expedite market access. Finally, given the unprecedented growth in the domain of artificial intelligence and machine learning, a future perspective on these tools and their applicability in the domain of pancreatic cancer has been briefly discussed, as well as implications on expanding the usage of biosimilars.