New NCCN Program Recognizes Organizations Supporting Coverage for Clinical Trials and Appropriate Off-Label Drug Usage

A new program developed by NCCN recognizes managed care organizations that support coverage for routine costs associated with approved clinical trials as well as the appropriate use of off-label drugs in oncology.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In an effort to formally recognize organizations that support the appropriate, effective, and efficient use of oncology agents and care of patients, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has created the NCCN Recognition Program. The new program developed by NCCN will recognize managed care organizations (MCOs) that establish and follow policies which cover both the routine costs of care for individuals enrolled in approved clinical trials, as well as the appropriate use of off-label drugs in oncology. The program also recognizes non-payor organizations such as those that provide case management, patient management, and other services that make good faith efforts to educate their clients about these issues.

NCCN strongly supports the critically important option of participation in clinical trials for patients with cancer. However, the lack of coverage of routine costs associated with trials may cause patients to forgo enrollment. In addition, the availability of a broad therapeutic arsenal of innovative drugs and biologics with indications that are supported by evidence and compendia, but that are beyond the indications listed in the FDA label, is essential for the treatment of the vast array of diseases that we call cancers,” said William T. McGivney, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. “We are pleased to acknowledge and call attention to the admirable organizations that help ensure that their beneficiaries as patients have access to the best care.”

Managed care organizations eligible for recognition will be required to attest that they adhere to policies that cover the routine costs of care for individuals enrolled in approved clinical trials, as well as policies that cover the appropriate use of off-label drugs as indicated in the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium (NCCN Compendium). Non-payor organizations will be required to attest that, while they do not establish or apply their own coverage policies, they encourage their clients to adopt these policies. Those meeting the requirements will be publicized on NCCN’s website, NCCN.org.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of 21 of the world’s leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. The primary goal of all NCCN initiatives is to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice so patients can live better lives.

The NCCN Member Institutions are: City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA; Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center | Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA; Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Durham, NC; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH; Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY; Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital/University of Tennessee Cancer Institute, Memphis, TN; Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stanford, CA; University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL; UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA; University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI; UNMC Eppley Cancer Center at The Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN.

Clinicians, visit NCCN.org. Patients and caregivers, visit NCCN.com.



CONTACT:

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Megan Martin, 215-690-0576
[email protected]

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Pennsylvania

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Practice Management  Health  Clinical Trials  Hospitals  Public Policy/Government  Healthcare Reform  Oncology  Pharmaceutical  Public Policy  Professional Services  Insurance  Research  Science  General Health  Managed Care

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