Lymphoma Drugs Bexxar and Zevalin, Under Prescribed
Big Pharma, I do not 100% percent hate - especially if the industry can come up with magic drug that will cure cancer. I have full respects for Doctors as well, because with their combined skill, knowledge and judgement, they can save truly save lives - that in many aspects is the only true miracle in the world.
But if I hear stories of oncologists not prescribing the right cancer drug to their patients because they won’t get a commission out of said drugs…just the thought is totally repulsive. I just wish there aren’t enough doctors like such.
However, such kinds of doctors do exist in real life.
The New York Times reported that the lymphoma drugs Bexxar® and Zevalin® are being under prescribed or under used in the past year.
According to Dr. Oliver W. Press, a professor at the University of Washington and chairman of the scientific advisory board of the Lymphoma Research Foundation:
“Both Zevalin and Bexxar are very good products. It is “astounding and disappointing” that they are used so little. The reasons that more patients don’t get these drugs reflect the market-driven forces that can distort medical decisions. A result can be high costs but not necessarily the best care.”
Furthermore, according to the said NYT report:
One reason is that cancer doctors, or oncologists, have financial incentives to use drugs other than Bexxar and Zevalin, which they are not paid to administer. In addition, using either drug usually requires oncologists to coordinate treatment with academic hospitals, whom the doctors may view as competitors.
Isn’t saving lives should be the first and foremost thing in the minds of healthcare professionals. But I guess I am just thinking idealistically.
Both lymphoma drugs in the spotlight are FDA-approved.
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POSTED IN: ~ Anti-cancer treatments ~, ~ General Comments ~
2 opinions for Lymphoma Drugs Bexxar and Zevalin, Under Prescribed
Gregory D. Pawelski
Sep 15, 2007 at 9:31 pm
“Stories of oncologists not prescribing the right cancer drug to their patients because they won’t get a commission out of said drugs?”
Selling cancer chemotherapy with concessions creates conflicts of interest for oncologists
http://www.healthyskepticism.org/news/2007/Jun.php
laurene
Jul 11, 2008 at 11:51 pm
what is the price for zevalin or bexxar?
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