Kenneth C. Anderson, MD
In response to the introduction of the Cancer Drug Parity Act (H.R. 1409) by Representatives Leonard Lance (R–NJ) and Brian Higgins (D–NY), American Society of Hematology (ASH) President Kenneth C. Anderson, MD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, issued the following statement:
“Oral and patient-administered chemotherapies are more convenient and often better tolerated than traditional intravenous (IV) chemotherapies. Because they offer many patients an unparalleled improvement in quality of life, these therapies are becoming standard of care for many types of cancers. More importantly, many oral anticancer medications do not have IV or injected alternatives and are the only option for some blood cancer patients. The fact that oral and patient-administered therapies are often not covered at the same patient out-of-pocket cost by insurance providers has unfairly stratified care, forcing many patients with hematologic and other cancers to choose between their financial and physical well-being. There is no reason our patients should have to make that choice.”
“The American Society of Hematology applauds the efforts of Representatives Lance and Higgins to reduce this high cost burden on patients by seeking to provide parity in coverage between oral, self-administered, and IV cancer therapies. ASH remains committed to working with leaders in Congress who support this and other legislation that removes barriers to access to care and the heavy cost burdens on patients with blood disorders.” ■
