COVERAGE APPROVED FOR CANCER DRUG

Released on January 30, 2008

The provincial government will provide approximately $4 million in funding to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency for the drug Avastin, for treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

"We promised to put patients first and to strengthen cancer care for Saskatchewan people," Premier Brad Wall said. "We're making good on those promises. Avastin does not cure colorectal cancer, but it can extend lives and alleviate suffering. This option is now available because of the persistence, support and courage of Saskatchewan cancer patients who raised the issue and championed the cause."

Until now, patients with advanced colorectal cancer have had to pay for Avastin themselves, at an average cost of $2,000 per dose. An estimated 80 patients per year will be clinically eligible to receive Avastin.

"Offering another option to those in the advanced stages of colorectal cancer is the right thing to do," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "We are committed to using health care dollars wisely and balancing the needs of all patients."

"We are very pleased that the government has approved funding for Avastin," Saskatchewan Cancer Agency CEO Bob Allen said. "Eligible patients will be able to receive Avastin in combination with chemotherapy at our two cancer centres, free of charge. The addition of Avastin provides the opportunity to prolong life for those patients diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer."

The funding will cover the cost of the drug and the additional nurses and pharmacists required to administer it to patients. Coverage will be retroactive to November 7, 2007. Patients will be reimbursed for the portion of the cost of Avastin not covered by a third party.

"I feel very privileged and honoured for myself and other cancer patients in Saskatchewan that the government is listening to the people on this important issue," Bengough resident Keith Whyte said. "This has been a long, hard fight and this announcement shows how willing the government is to help people when they really need it."

The projected cost of the commitment has declined from an estimated $6 million in 2006. Since then, more clinical information has become available about numbers of likely treatments and associated costs, which has reduced the estimated cost. McMorris said the government is considering options for government/patient co-payment on new, high cost drugs.

Saskatchewan also participates in the national Joint Oncology Drug Review process for assessing oncology drugs. The program is the first step toward a permanent, national oncology drug review. It will help ensure that all provinces benefit from the same evidence and decision-making principles about new cancer drugs.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in men (after prostate cancer) and women (after breast cancer) in Saskatchewan. In 2005, about 650 Saskatchewan residents were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 250 died from the disease.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: adinsmore@health.gov.sk.ca

Mary Johnson
Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
Regina
Phone: 306-791-2770