Partnership in action
June 18, 2015
Improving access to treatment
While treatment for ovarian cancer has seen limited improvement over the past decade, progress is underway. Working strategically to influence decision makers, Ovarian Cancer Canada represents the voice of the community; advocating for women who are living with the disease.
“Every day Ovarian Cancer Canada is supporting and accelerating activity throughout the system,” says Kelly Grover, VP of Programs and Partnerships. “Much of our work focuses on informing agents of change, thereby improving access to treatment and facilitating more positive outcomes.”
Expanding treatment options
Most recently, Health Canada approved use of bevacizumab (Avastin®) in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat women with platinum-sensitive forms of ovarian cancer.
Pushing for public funding, Ovarian Cancer Canada is preparing a patient submission to support the pan-Canadian Drug Oncology Review (pCODR) process, which evaluates clinical, economic and patient evidence to form recommendations and reimbursement advice for public drug plans.
To inform this submission, a related survey will be circulated through the community in the coming months. From there, results will be distilled in a report focused on the importance of making bevacizumab more affordable for eligible patients.
Previously, a submission was sent to pCODR in hopes of securing public funding for bevacizumab as front-line treatment for patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer. This contributed to pCODR’s final recommendation for funding, which is being put forward to public drug plans throughout the country.
Extending survival for ovarian cancer
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca recently submitted a proposal for Health Canada to approve use of olaparib (Lynparza™) post-treatment to delay recurrence of ovarian cancer. In support of this, Ovarian Cancer Canada put forward a letter substantiating the importance of additional treatments for ovarian cancer.
The letter also recommended compassionate use of olaparib. If granted, this would allow physicians to prescribe the drug in spite of its pending approval.
Health Canada’s decision on use of olaparib for maintenance therapy is expected by the end of the year.
Paving the way
As part of the CanCertainty Coalition; which is comprised of more than 30 Canadian patient groups, physician and healthcare charities and caregiver organizations; Ovarian Cancer Canada aims to improve the affordability and accessibility of oral take-home cancer medications.
At present, both Atlantic Canada and Ontario do not publicly fund oral drugs for cancer patients. Together with the Coalition, Ovarian Cancer Canada is working to ensure that patients in these regions have similar access to coverage, whether in hospital or at home.
Approvals on more drugs for ovarian cancer are expected in the coming months. By affecting change that brings about fair and equal access to oral drugs in every region, Ovarian Cancer Canada is setting the stage for widespread availability of new oral medications for ovarian cancer once these drugs are approved.
Speak out
To participate in ongoing surveys that support improved access to treatment, go social. Join Ovarian Cancer Canada on Facebook and Twitter for opportunities to share your insights and experience.
Not on social media? Contact your Regional Director to let us know that you are interested in speaking out against ovarian cancer.