Guidelines for Cancer Drug use Called Into Question

The National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) has a powerful influence on which cancer drugs get prescribed. When it recommends a drug, that often means that an insurer will agree to pay for it, unfortunately a critical part of our healthcare system. A new study has cast doubt, however, on the guidelines used by NCCN to make their recommendations.

Investigators have found that the NCCN uses weak evidence, or no criteria at all to make drug recommendations. The NCCN has suggested using drugs that the FDA has not approved for use in cancer. The study authors also note that 86 percent of the NCCN members that set guidelines have a financial stake in the pharmaceutical industry.