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ASCO Launches 'Value' in Cancer Care Initiative
The ASCO task force has identified 3 goals for its strategic value initiative. First is that oncologists will have the skills and tools needed to evaluate the relative value of interventions, and will use these when discussing treatment options with their patients. Second is to have information readily accessible to help patients select high-value treatment that meets their individual needs. Third is to have an algorithm that can be used by those responsible for covering the costs of cancer care to define and assess the value of treatment options.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has launched a strategic initiative to define value in cancer care.
The organization is currently developing a working definition of value that is specific to oncology, and their Value in Cancer Care Task Force is working on an algorithm that will help oncologists determine the value of different cancer treatments. Within this framework, value will be defined by clinical benefit, toxicity, and cost.
The recent ASCO State of Cancer Care in America: 2014 report makes it clear that the United States cannot sustain the continually rising cost of cancer care, said Lowell Schnipper, MD, chair of Value in Cancer Care Task Force.
It is projected that the annual cost will increase to $173 billion by 2020, which is an increase of 40% from 2010, he told toMedscape Medical News. At the same time, the demand for cancer care services is growing significantly, in large part because of the aging population, and it is estimated that the number of new cancer cases in United States will increase by 45% by 2030.
Read the complete report here: http://bit.ly/1j5Vh9k
Source: Medscape
