Responding to the relentless economic pressures on patients and oncologists and the ever-escalating costs of cancer care delivery, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), in collaboration with the Value in Cancer Care Task Force, is developing a working definition of “value” in oncology, as well as identifying how to incorporate the implications of that approach into clinical decision-making in patient care.
“In oncology, we face the fascinating challenge of determining the value of today’s cancer treatments,” said ASCO President Clifford A. Hudis, MD, FACP. “What is the worth, for example, of an average of three or four more weeks of time—be it freedom from progression, or life itself—relative to the cost and side effects of the treatment? What if a few benefit greatly and many not at all? The answers to these kinds of questions may vary widely among different patients, families, health-care providers, and communities, but we must confront these difficult issues with courage, compassion, and integrity.”
ASCO’s initiative is centered on 3 goals: oncologists’ skill levels and tools to deliver value-based care, patients’ access to information that will enhance their ability to select high-value therapeutic options, and cost algorithms for payers to help them define value-based therapies.
“As the organization representing the nation’s cancer doctors, we have a responsibility to speak out on behalf of our patients against the unsustainable rising cost of cancer care—and to work with government agencies, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, patient groups, and policymakers to help limit its future growth,” said Dr Hudis in response to the launch of this new initiative.
“Through fostering a dialogue within the ASCO community of what value means to patients, providers, and the overall health-care system, we as oncologists have an opportunity to help shape the larger national debate on health-care spending,” said Lowell E. Schnipper, MD, Chair of the Value in Cancer Care Task Force. “We have an obligation to our patients to lead the way in identifying solutions that promote high-value, high-quality cancer care.” ASCO Press Release; January 21, 2014
