Sharlene Gill, Medical Oncologist and Medical Director of Staff Wellness and Engagement at BC Cancer, shared on LinkedIn:
“Leaving ESMO26 today and reflecting on the remarkable advances presented over the last few days – novel cancer therapies w/ promising trial results, and legitimate reasons for optimism for our patients….but what happens when the treatments we’re celebrating remain out of reach for the patients we care for?
Thank you CBC TheNational and my GI colleagues for this piece aired yesterday highlighting daraxonrasib access challenges in pancreatic cancer.
As medical oncologists, we know how difficult it is to sit across from patients and families knowing that a beneficial treatment exists but isn’t accessible to them. Our industry partners make a significant investment to innovate and that investment deserves to be rewarded. But when pricing is seemingly benchmarked to what ‘the market can bear’, it begs the question Which market are we talking about when we price at $40,000 USD per month?
How do we bridge the gap between innovation and access? I think it includes a shared accountability on responsible pricing, streamlining regulatory and reimbursement pathways wherever possible, and bridging with interim access programs so patients aren’t left waiting.
As a clinical and research community, and as shared stakeholders in our healthcare system, our responsibility doesn’t end when positive trial results are presented. The true impact of innovation is ultimately what we can deliver to our patients.
Other articles featuring Sharlene Gill on OncoDaily.