NPC Comments on ASCO Value Framework

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on Monday released a conceptual framework--“A Framework to Assess the Value of Cancer Treatment Options”--for assessing the value of new cancer therapies based on efficacy, toxicity, quality of life and cost. The framework, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, is intended to “provide the foundation for a decision-making tool for use in the clinical setting that will eventually help individual physicians and their patients make the wisest choices among their potential treatment options,” according to ASCO.

The National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC) is continuing to review the framework. It is critical to ensure that patients and their physicians have the flexibility they need to select the best course of treatment for an individual. Above all, the resulting tool should be used to foster a conversation between patients and physicians about available treatment options, not to limit access to care.

Although NPC appreciates the collaborative approach to the framework development and the progress made to date, there is still room for improvement. Upon an initial assessment of the framework, NPC will be taking a closer look at the areas concerning drug acquisition costs, the types of evidence used for decision-making and the consideration of patient preferences, among other areas.

ASCO will be accepting public comments on the value framework through August 21, 2015.