Medicare To Cover Provenge

Swingshiftworker
Swingshiftworker Member Posts: 1,017 Member
in Prostate Cancer #1
Just saw this article which should be of interest to those of us over 65 and suffering from more advanced PCa:

http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/ProstateCancer/25648

Comments

  • mrspjd
    mrspjd Member Posts: 694 Member
    #2
    Thanks
    Thanks for the info. Looks like CMS is on a path for approval of national coverage for Provenge with a final decision due in June.

    Also looks good for coverage of Provenge for off-label uses, although, initially it appears that will be left to the “judgment of its local administrative contractors.”

    Certainly more clinical studies involving the off-label use for non-hormone refractory disease, etc. will be forthcoming. Keep your fingers crossed!
  • mrspjd
    mrspjd Member Posts: 694 Member
    #3
    approved as expected
    So now we wait to find out if and when off label uses will be approved by local CMS admin contractors?
  • nowrest
    nowrest Member Posts: 48 Member
    #4
    Provenge Article
    You might want to read the following: www.cancer.org/AboutUs/DrLensBlog.

    The treatments cost $93,000 and are good only for cases where hormone therapy is not working. In Arizona we have to go to California three time for the blood draw then to the phoenix are three times for the infusion plus every other day flushing of the catheter. Clinical trails point ot out that the life expectancy is only increased by four months.

    Depending on ones location to the medical facilities, this alternative could be an financial drain with hotels, meals, gas, etc.

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