A study that looks at whether cancer drugs whose prices have increased exponentially, have become more effective, finds that is not the case
That cancer treatment is expensive is well known. A new study however has pointed out the efficacy of cancer drugs has not improved at the same pace as their prices have zoomed.
European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), the leading professional organisation for medical oncology has thrown its weight behind these concerns expressed in a scientific paper. It has also been flagged in the international media several times.
The authors of The Journal of Oncology Practice paper used both the ESMO Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Value Framework to come to this conclusion.
Researchers examined whether the clinical benefits of novel anticancer drugs have increased over time in parallel with increasing pricing. The authors concluded that while costs of these have risen over the past decade, their clinical benefit has not improved proportionally.
The ESMO-MCBS uses a rational, structured and consistent approach to grade the magnitude of clinical benefit that can be expected from anticancer treatments.
“Access to anticancer medicines is an essential component of high quality cancer care, hence affordability is crucial …”
Prof. Elisabeth de Vries, Chair of the ESMO Cancer Medicines Committee and the ESMO-MCBS Working Group, said: “The ESMO-MCBS provides unbiased information to help guide physicians and decision makers to grade drugs newly approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) by assessing their clinical benefit. It is an important first step in the major and ongoing task of evaluating value in cancer care which is essential for the appropriate use of limited public funds in delivering cost-effective and more affordable cancer care.”
Prof. Josep Tabernero, ESMO President, said: “Access to anticancer medicines is an essential component of high quality cancer care, hence affordability is crucial in providing optimal treatment and patient care.”
There are however many additional critical factors. “Other major considerations include the availability of highly trained oncologists, up-to-the-minute diagnostics, the necessary funding and frameworks in place for research, a holistic approach to cancer care incorporating supportive and palliative care, and a multidisciplinary approach to best manage and treat our patients,” continued Tabernero.
