- There was no cure for triple-negative breast cancer for a long time and as soon as it appeared, we waited for it to be reimbursed quickly. In October we were informed that the therapy would be available in Poland - said Krystyna Wechmann, president of the Polish Coalition of Cancer Patients and the Federation of Amazon Associations in an interview with Medexpress.
Krystyna Wechmann: We waited a long time for treatment in triple-negative breast cancer
Published Oct. 25, 2022 14:32
What do the changes to the November reimbursement list mean for breast cancer patients, especially those with a triple negative breast cancer subtype?
October is breast cancer awareness month. Gaining access to innovative therapy is very good news for patients with triple negative breast cancer. We waited a long time for this therapy, not so much in the reimbursement process, but in the context of scientific progress. There was no drug for a long time and as soon as it appeared, we waited for a quick reimbursement. We were also informed in October that the therapy of triple-negative breast cancer will be available in Poland.
How long did the reimbursement process take?
It is difficult for me to define it, because in Poland such a process is generally long-term. We have a lot of therapies in breast cancer because it is not a homogeneous tumor. Its subtypes require different therapies.
What are the remaining unmet therapeutic needs for breast cancer patients?
We already have treatment at the European level, but we hear voices that there is a sensational, breakthrough drug for advanced breast cancer (fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki - ed.). We will see how long the process will take if the manufacturer applies for a refund. So, therapies keep getting better and allow targeted treatment. The only thing left to do is persuade patients to use prophylaxis, which will allow the detection of tumors at an earlier stage. Early diagnosis and good molecular diagnostics will allow the availability of modern drugs to translate into good treatment. We expect better results so that deaths from breast cancer decrease.
It can therefore be said that patients have a choice, understood at different levels: treatment, doctor or center?
Yes, and we want the patient to be able to choose a good center, i.e. the brest unit, after the diagnosis, when the patient finds out that she has a diagnosed cancer. A reputable center guarantees the patient's proper path and sense of security. We are waiting for the entry into force of the National Oncological Network, which will also regulate the issue of reference centers. It is only important for women to know they have this choice.
