Last Updated : February 26, 2021
On February 25, CADTH issued our first provisional funding algorithm — a form of expert advice that supports provincial and territorial drug programs and cancer agencies in implementing our cancer drug reimbursement recommendations.
CADTH can issue a provisional funding algorithm when a new recommendation in favour of reimbursement may impact the funding sequence that is already in place for other drugs that are used to treat the same type of cancer. We can also issue an algorithm when new evidence emerges that may disrupt an existing sequence of cancer drug funding or when the jurisdictions request advice to inform their implementation decisions.
The newly published provisional funding algorithm offers advice on reimbursement decision-making involving 2 drugs — inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa) and blinatumomab (Blincyto) — that are used in adults with B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is Philadelphia chromosome negative. The advice relates to the optimal sequencing of treatments for patients who have been previously treated or who have relapsed.
To develop the provisional funding algorithm, CADTH formed a pan-Canadian panel of clinical experts that included specialists in treating patients with ALL, a representative of a public drug program, and a panel chair. Stakeholders including patient groups, clinician groups, and pharmaceutical manufacturers were invited to provide feedback in advance of the panel meeting and the draft provisional funding algorithm was publicly posted for stakeholder feedback.
It is important to note that although our provisional funding algorithms are broad in scope, they are focused on reimbursement decision-making and should not be considered as treatment algorithms or guidelines, and they do not fully detail the clinical management of cancer patients.
To learn more about our process for provisional funding algorithms or for status updates on projects that are underway, please visit our website.
About CADTH Reimbursement Reviews
Once Health Canada has approved a drug for use in Canada, the country’s public drug plans and cancer agencies must decide if the drug will be eligible for public reimbursement. CADTH plays an important role in their decision-making processes.
Through our review process, we conduct thorough and objective evaluations of the clinical, economic, patient, and clinician evidence on drugs, and use these evaluations to provide reimbursement recommendations and advice to federal, provincial, and territorial public drug plans and provincial cancer agencies (with the exception of Quebec). Learn more.
About CADTH
CADTH is an independent, not-for-profit agency funded by Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial governments (except Quebec) to provide credible, impartial advice and evidence-based information about the effectiveness of drugs and other health technologies to Canadian health care decision-makers.
Last Updated : February 26, 2021