Until relatively recently, the role of a medical oncologist was to weigh up the probable benefits and toxicities of the best available anticancer therapy, and offer professional advice, based on data and experience on the best possible option.
At the threat of being sued if they made a bad decision. Increasingly, the best possible treatment option is not available to medical oncologists as an option.
The best possible treatment option is a question relating to published clinical trial data, international clinical guidelines, and professional opinion, for specific cancer patients.
All of the people currently charged with the responsibility of making reimbursement decisions for new cancer drugs in Ireland have a very difficult job. As difficult as that job is, they do not have to sit in front of someone who has cancer now, requiring a clinical treatment decision.
Tomorrow, again, I will politely ask a drug company for free drug supply.
Michael McCarthy @mccarthymt7 Consultant Medical Oncologist @ University Hospital Galway
Lynch Syndrome Ireland 