The NCCN Compendium^® contains authoritative, scientifically derived information designed to support decision-making about the appropriate use of drugs and biologics in patients with cancer.

The recommendations for appropriate use of drugs and biologics contained in the NCCN Compendium are extracted directly from the relevant NCCN Guidelines along with their clinical context, route of administration, recommended use, and NCCN category of evidence.

The uses identified are based upon evaluation of evidence from scientific literature integrated with expert judgment in an evidence-based process. Indicated uses are categorized in a systematic approach that describes the type of evidence available for and the degree of consensus underlying each recommendation.

All recommendations (at all category levels) in the NCCN Compendium constitute appropriate, medically-necessary care. The NCCN Compendium lists both FDA-approved uses and appropriate uses beyond the FDA-approved label.

Creating the NCCN Compendium

NCCN oncology pharmacists generate the NCCN Compendium at the agent level rather than regimen; however, these agents reflect the components of regimens used in disease management. In addition to Guidelines specific indication and use, NCCN adds relevant information such as pharmacologic class, relevant ICD-10 codes, and FDA indications to the searchable database. Compendium development and maintenance is accomplished by disease type and reviewed by members of the relevant NCCN panel before publication.

How the NCCN Compendium is used

The NCCN Compendium is recognized by public and private insurers alike, including, but not limited to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and UnitedHealthcare as an authoritative reference for oncology coverage policy.

Managed care medical directors, pharmacy benefits directors, and other health care professionals also reference the NCCN Compendium when making decisions that impact patient access to appropriate therapy.