Long wait for cancer drug approvals causing ‘great anguish’ among patients, doctors

In April 2017, Glenn Hussey visited The Ottawa Hospital for a routine checkup to monitor his smouldering multiple myeloma, a precursor to the rare blood plasma cancer multiple myeloma. He had been going for regular checkups every few months for over a decade. However, during this visit, his doctor delivered news that would change everything. “Everything has changed,” his doctor told him.

Hussey began his cancer treatment in September of that year. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for multiple myeloma, which can be frustrating for patients like Hussey. He expressed his frustration, stating, “It gets very frustrating for patients when they see everything that’s there, and they cannot yet get access to it.”

Since starting treatment, Hussey has faced challenges in accessing the necessary drugs. This is a common issue among cancer patients in Canada where long waits for drug approvals can result in patients passing away while waiting for medication that is readily available in other developed countries.

Despite facing obstacles in accessing the drugs he needed, Hussey considers himself fortunate compared to others who struggle to find any effective treatment. He has witnessed three individuals pass away while waiting for a new drug to go through the approval process.

Dr. Sandy Sehdev, an oncologist at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, highlighted the lengthy process involved in getting new cancer treatments approved in Canada. It can take six to 12 months for Health Canada to approve a drug and an additional six months to four years for provinces to negotiate pricing and budget coverage.

Canada ranks last among G7 nations in terms of access to new medications. Delays in drug approval are often attributed to bureaucracy, causing anguish for both patients and healthcare providers. Sehdev emphasized the need for a more efficient process to ensure timely access to life-saving medications.

Stuart Edmonds, from the Canadian Cancer Society, suggested that Canada should open itself up to more clinical trials to expedite drug access. He stressed the importance of all Canadians having equal access to necessary medications, regardless of where they reside.

Overall, while the approval process for new cancer treatments in Canada may be slow, healthcare providers like Sehdev are committed to finding solutions for their patients. Through clinical trials and compassionate programs, they strive to provide the best possible care for those in need.