Vol. 2 No. 2 (2022)
Reimbursement Recommendations

Nivolumab (Opdivo)

Published February 11, 2022

Key Messages

  • CADTH recommends that Opdivo be reimbursed by public drug plans for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer in patients who have residual pathologic disease following prior neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) if certain conditions are met.
  • Opdivo should only be covered to treat adult patients who have esophageal or GEJ cancer; who have been treated with chemoradiation followed by surgery to remove the cancer, but still have some cancer cells present; and who have a good performance status.
  • Opdivo should only be reimbursed if it is prescribed by a clinician who is experienced in treating cancer. Opdivo should not be used in combination with other adjuvant anti-cancer drugs. The price of Opdivo must be lowered to be cost-effective and affordable.