Vol. 2 No. 3 (2022)
Reimbursement Recommendations

Nivolumab (Opdivo)

Published March 22, 2022

Key Messages

  • CADTH recommends that Opdivo be reimbursed by public drug plans for the first-line treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative advanced or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJAC), or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) if certain conditions are met.
  • Opdivo should only be covered to treat patients who have not received previous treatment for advanced or metastatic GAC, GEJAC, or EAC, and who have good performance status. The price of Opdivo must be lowered to be cost-effective and affordable.
  • Opdivo should only be reimbursed if prescribed in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy by a clinician experienced in treating cancer.