New NCCN Program Recognizes Organizations Supporting Coverage for Clinical Trials and Appropriate Off-Label Drug Usage

A new program developed by NCCN recognizes managed care organizations that support coverage for routine costs associated with approved clinical trials as well as the appropriate use of off-label drugs in oncology.

December 7, 2010

FORT WASHINGTON, PA — In an effort to formally recognize organizations that support the appropriate, effective, and efficient use of oncology agents and care of patients, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®) has created the NCCN Recognition Program. The new program developed by NCCN will recognize managed care organizations (MCOs) that establish and follow policies which cover both the routine costs of care for individuals enrolled in approved clinical trials, as well as the appropriate use of off-label drugs in oncology. The program also recognizes non-payor organizations such as those that provide case management, patient management, and other services that make good faith efforts to educate their clients about these issues.

"NCCN strongly supports the critically important option of participation in clinical trials for patients with cancer. However, the lack of coverage of routine costs associated with trials may cause patients to forgo enrollment. In addition, the availability of a broad therapeutic arsenal of innovative drugs and biologics with indications that are supported by evidence and compendia, but that are beyond the indications listed in the FDA label, is essential for the treatment of the vast array of diseases that we call cancers," said William T. McGivney, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. "We are pleased to acknowledge and call attention to the admirable organizations that help ensure that their beneficiaries as patients have access to the best care."

Managed care organizations eligible for recognition will be required to attest that they adhere to policies that cover the routine costs of care for individuals enrolled in approved clinical trials, as well as policies that cover the appropriate use of off-label drugs as indicated in the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium (NCCN Compendium™). Non-payor organizations will be required to attest that, while they do not establish or apply their own coverage policies, they encourage their clients to adopt these policies. Those meeting the requirements will be publicized on NCCN's website, NCCN.org.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®), a not-for-profit alliance of 23 of the world's leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. The primary goal of all NCCN initiatives is to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice so patients can live better lives. For more information, visit NCCN.org.

The NCCN Member Institutions are:

City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Duke Cancer Institute
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center / Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Moffitt Cancer Center
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital/The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Stanford Cancer Institute
University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center
UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Colorado Cancer Center
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
UNMC Eppley Cancer Center at The Nebraska Medical Center
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center