Foundation Urges Medicare Officials to Cover Cancer Drugs

In the interests of cancer patients and oncologists nationwide, the Lorenzen Cancer Foundation (LCF) has joined the public interest law firm Washington Legal Foundation (WLF) and others today in presenting a written comments statement to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting an end to the prolonged coverage review of several important cancer treatments. The statement urged CMS officials to reinstate a clear reimbursement policy for off-label use of these drugs.

Monterey, CA February 14, 2004 -- In the interests of cancer patients and oncologists nationwide, the Lorenzen Cancer Foundation (LCF) has joined the public interest law firm Washington Legal Foundation (WLF) and others today in presenting a written comments statement to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting an end to the prolonged coverage review of several important cancer treatments. The statement urged CMS officials to reinstate a clear reimbursement policy for off-label use of these drugs.

Once the Food and Drug Administration approves a drug for marketing, physicians may prescribe the drug for purposes other than those that the FDA has given specific indication. Off-label prescribing is common in cancer treatment as drugs often work well for many types of cancer. A General Accounting Office analysis in 1991 demonstrated that over half of cancer patients received at least one off-label medicine in the course of their care.

Despite federal legislation allowing off-label use, in 2002 the CMS began to question the off-label use of a number of the newer and more expensive cancer drugs by placing them on coverage review. These actions, by creating uncertainty about reimbursement, have reduced the use of these medications even when physicians believe that they may be the best option for an individual patient.

One of CMSs coverage reviews is focused on reimbursement for the drugs ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin) and tositumomab (Bexxar) that are in use in treatment regimens for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Another review at issue is focused on the drugs oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) and irinotecan (Camptosar) that are in use in treatment regimens for colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer.
   
Todays statement urges CMS officials to terminate the reviews and to reimburse providers for off-label use of these cancer medications.

Pancreatic Cancer Facts:
          Pancreatic cancer is the most virulent of the major cancers
          Pancreatic cancer research is the least funded of the major cancers
          Pancreatic cancer causes more than 1% of all death in the U.S.
          Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality

The Lorenzen Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against pancreatic cancer. LCF is oriented to increasing awareness and education about pancreatic cancer, helping physicians and patients create optimal treatment strategies, and fostering the development of a molecular or genetic marker to aid in diagnosis. For more information visit www.pancreatica.org.

Media Contact:
Aaron Stoertz
Media Relations
Lorenzen Cancer Foundation
(831) 658-0600

Company Contact:
Ellen Pansky, esq.
Director of Public Policy
Lorenzen Cancer Foundation
(831) 658-0600

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