The Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) would like to commend the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia and Saskatchewan for their actions to approve and list new essential treatments for metastatic breast cancer.
The new treatments, Perjeta, developed by Hoffman-LaRoche and approved in all three provinces, and Afinitor, created by Novartis Oncology and approved in Ontario, are indicated for different forms of metastatic breast cancer. As such, the addition of these essential treatments to the provincial formularies is a bold first-step towards ensuring that Canadians living with metastatic breast cancer have access to diverse treatment options.
“Timely and affordable access to treatments is paramount for effective patient care,” said Cathy Ammendolea, Board Chair, Canadian Breast Cancer Network. “By providing greater access to these potentially life-saving drugs, these three provinces have demonstrated great commitment towards optimizing patient outcomes.”
Providing access to new and more effective treatments gives patients a fighting chance to live much longer and spend precious time with loved ones.
CBCN urges all provinces and jurisdictions to follow the example set by these provinces and ensure that essential treatments for metastatic breast cancer are added to all provincial drug formularies.
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For more information, please contact CBCN at 613-230-3044 or nchari@cbcn.ca.
About the Canadian Breast Cancer Network
The Canadian Breast Cancer Network is the leading survivor-directed, national network of organizations and individuals concerned about breast cancer. The Canadian Breast Cancer Network exists to voice the concerns of breast cancer survivors and promote the best quality of care for all Canadians affected by breast cancer.