If $100G Cancer Drugs Worry You, Join Us! 'Cancer Drug Racket' Article, 'Morning Joe' Segment Draw Attention to Debate Over Balancing Care, Cost in Oncology

With the US Food and Drug Administration busier than ever with breakthrough and priority review designations, and the rise of genetic-based treatments offering new hope for patients and families, the pressure is on oncologists to push the limits in care. But if it costs $200,000 to extend life just a few weeks, does that make sense? Are doctors having that conversation? When they do, are patients hearing it? These are the very issues that will be on the table in Baltimore Nov. 14-15 when The American Journal of Managed Care convenes experts from the front line.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2013

If $100G Cancer Drugs Worry You, Join Us!

‘Cancer Drug Racket’ Article, ‘Morning Joe’ Segment Draw Attention

to Debate Over Balancing Care, Cost in Oncology

Baltimore Meeting Nov. 14-15 to Bring Experts Together on How to Make Tough Calls

PLAINSBORO, N.J. — From the article in New York magazine that called some current therapies a “cancer drug racket,” to Dr. Zeke Emanuel’s appearance this week on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,’ there is growing awareness of the tough decisions that doctors and health plan executives must make as both the breakthroughs and costs escalate in the world of cancer care.

With the US Food and Drug Administration busier than ever with “breakthrough” and “priority review” designations, and the rise of genetic-based treatments offering new hope for patients and families, the pressure is on oncologists to push the limits in care. But, as Emanuel explained on MSNBC, if it costs $200,000 to extend life just a few weeks, does that make sense? And, he explained further, are doctors having that conversation? When they do, are patients hearing it?

These are the very issues that will be on the table in Baltimore Nov. 14-15 when The American Journal of Managed Care convenes experts from the front lines — clinical and academic leaders, developers of life-saving therapies, and those who are transforming the way healthcare does business. For more information about the conference and a proposed agenda, please visit the web site at: http://www.ajmc.com/meetings/oncologycare13.

“Patient-Centered Oncology Care: Real World Perspectives” will take place November 14-15 at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court, Baltimore. This two-day conference, which features an evening networking reception, will bring together key leaders in managed care and beyond. All will share how the goals of better care, savings and fair compensation can be achieved, even in the world of oncology.

Attend this conference if you want to know:

How cancer care delivery will change under accountable care organizations (ACOs)
How consumer voices will change the management of cancer care
How to understand the balance between cost and quality in end-of-life care
How pharmaceutical companies and insurers can work together

Credentialed media who wish to register for the conference must contact Nicole Beagin or Mary Caffrey at (609) 716-7777. A limited number of hotel rooms have been reserved, but members of the media must contact Nicole Beagin to hold a room at the conference rate.

Highlights on major speakers at the conference are attached.

CONTACT:

Nicole Beagin (609) 716-7777 x. 131

Mary Caffrey (609) 716-7777 x. 144