Hematooncology: Let's focus on efficiency

Hematooncology is the kind of field where we see a constant increase in new molecules, but also a constant increase in patient needs. What does this look like from your perspective? What is the most pressing need for hematooncology patients right now?

Treatments, innovative therapies for hematooncology are important, but I, however, look at it all as oncological conditions, and as a systemicist I see the need to solve the problem from start to finish. So, of course, I understand that innovative medicines are hugely important, and this should be debated very seriously and the best possible results for patients should be obtained. On the other hand, I will always promote the fact of approaching the incidence of oncological diseases from prevention to prevention. All the more so because the information given recently by doctors shows a clear trend of increasing incidence of oncological diseases. If we now say that it is about 100,000 cases per year, it is projected that in the years to come, there will be a 100% increase in these cases. So this is a huge challenge both in prevention and also in very good innovative treatment.

The Senator emphasizes the importance of systemic solutions. However, if we talk about the system, we must also keep in mind how to generate savings for the system. Using hematooncology as an example, how can we think about the future in this area?

The effect of treatment is hugely important, and I think in recent debates and discussions it is very much emphasized to put the focus on efficiency, but also on the well-being of the patient. So all these elements have to be balanced. Here a huge role for AOTMiT and the Economic Commission. It is known that the progress in medicine is huge, as is the number of new molecules appearing every year. Therefore, I believe that economic research, but also linked to patient welfare, is paramount.

I understand that these emergence of more and more new therapeutic molecules that meet the growing needs of hematooncology, oncology patients, indicates that we should get to work as soon as possible and make these new, modern therapies immediately available.

I stress again that the quality of life of patients is hugely important, but therapies must also have the desired effect. Cost and effectiveness, therefore, even though we are talking about patients, diseases and very difficult times, must also be taken into account.