[Taxoids in ovarian and breast carcinoma: the role of the medical profession and the government].
After registration in 1993/1995 of paclitaxel and docetaxel for the treatment of ovarian and mammary carcinomas, the costliness of these drugs caused Dutch hospitals to adopt different policies for their use. This prompted the Minister of Health to ask the professional group of oncological internists to draw up a guideline for the use of taxoids, following which the government decided to supply extra money for the hospitals to use according to this guideline. Meanwhile new, contradictory study results have become known, still unpublished and in part originating from studies not yet conclude. The pharmaceutical industry advocates terminating the current research and maintaining the existing indications. However, patients are entitled to unbiased, complete research findings. The pathway for introducing new expensive drugs should be as follows: the professionals determine the indications for the new drug, the government pays attention to the financial consequences. The pharmaceutical industries should have no voice in the relevant decision-making.
Slee
P H
PH
St. Antonius Ziekenhuis, Nieuwegein.
Eliel
M R
MR
Nortier
J W
JW
Rodenburg
C J
CJ
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics*; D000077143:Docetaxel; D016527:Drug Costs; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010819:Physician's Role; D011050:Policy Making; D011640:Public Policy; D043823:Taxoids
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D017239:Paclitaxel
Taxoïden bij ovarium- of mammacarcinoom: de rol van de beroepsgroep en de overheid.