Posted by Michael Wonder on 26 Nov 2016
Important new cancer treatments approved by Health Canada marred by major provincial reality disconnect for patients
22 November 2016 - Health Canada recently conditionally approved an advanced new treatment option for Canadians battling metastatic melanoma.
The treatment consists of a combination of two immuno-oncology agents: Opdivo and Yervoy, the first combination in the immunotherapy space.
While many applauded the approval, numerous patients and doctors are holding their breath to see what provincial recommendations will come if approved for reimbursement by the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review.
Across Canada, cancer patients are being restricted to access to innovative new treatments due to funding recommendations made by health technology assessment agencies and provinces. Over the past year, patient access to some cancer treatments approved by Health Canada have been seriously limited as the result of these recommendations.
