Canadian Cancer Drug Status is a new feature of the COS web portal. This section will provide information on and links to the most current information and directories from the various formularies and cancer agencies across Canada, and will be updated on a regular basis. Notices will be posted as they become available. Should you become aware of changes or additions to cancer drug programs, please advise info@cos.ca

Notifications | Formularies and Cancer Agencies | Forms

The first such notice comes from the Ontario Drug Program.

New Funding Criteria for Erythropoeitin (EPREX®) in cancer patients has been announced by the Ontario Ministry of Health.

The Following are the criteria as approved by the Ontario Drug Program, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, effective February 25, 2003.

The review committee of the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (DQTC) has recommended that EPREX be considered for reimbursement through the expedited Section 8 Mechanism with the following clinical criteria:

For patients with malignant cancer undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy with a hemoglobin count less than 100g/L. EPREX (recombinant human erythropoietin) dose:

150 IU/kg subcutaneously three times a week for four weeks. If no response, the dose may be increased to 300 IU/kg subcutaneously three times a week; OR EPREX (recombinant human erythropoeitin) 40,000 IU once weekly increasing after four weeks. If no response, dose may be increased by 60,000 IU once weekly for four weeks.

Duration of initial approval: 3 months

Note: Hemoglobin levels with dates, chemotherapy protocol, number of courses given and remaining, and transfusion history must be provided on the request.

The committee felt that erythropoeitin therapy should not be renewed for those patients who do not respond to therapy after 3 months or in those who are no longer anemic and therefore recommended the following renewal criteria:

For patients with malignant cancer still undergoing myelosuppressive therapy who:

Respond to erythropoeitin therapy after 3 months AND
Hemoglobin levels improve by at least 15g/L*, AND
No further transfusions were required after erythropoeitin was initiated (1 or 2 transfusions within the first two weeks of starting erythropoietin would be acceptable).
*Renewals for those with levels 120g/L and below.
All other requests to be sent for external review.

The Ministry is preparing a form to guide physicians and other health care professionals in the preparation of requests for reimbursement. The following form may be used until the Ministry has completed the final form.

• REQUEST FORM FOR EPREX* (EPOETIN ALFA) FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANEMIA DUE TO MALIGNANT CANCER UNDERGOING MYELOSUPPRESSIVE CHEMOTHERAPY