CADTH Recommendation regarding funding of the Optune® device

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has learned that CADTH has issued a recommendation regarding the funding of the Tumour Treating Fields (TTF) device, Optune®. The CADTH Health Technology Expert Review Panel (HTERP) recommends that Optune® be reimbursed with conditions for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Read the full recommendation document, including conditions, here.

Read the Recommendation

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CADTH Recommendation to fund bevacizumab in combination with lomustine

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is pleased to learn that a treatment option for persons with recurrent glioblastoma may soon be more consistently available across Canada.

We hope this recommendation will lead to public funding of the treatment from all public drug plans.

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INESSS recommendation regarding funding of the Optune device

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has learned that INESSS issued a recommendation for the Quebec Provincial Government regarding the funding of the Tumour Treating Fields (TTF) device Optune. The recommendation at this time is to NOT provide public coverage for the device.

Learn more Summary

Health Canada approves Optune® device for the Treatment of GBM

Health Canada has approved Optune® for the treatment of newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). This milestone offers renewed hope and brings us one step closer to another treatment option for GBM patients in Canada. We will continue to keep our community informed on next steps and how we can work together to advocate for this treatment to be available to GBM patients in Canada.

Read Press Release

Lomustine Discontinuation Advocacy Letter and Fact Sheet

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has announced their discontinuation of lomustine (CCNU), a chemotherapy drug that is often used to treat glioblastoma. Our advocacy letter to Bristol Myers Squibb outlines the potential impact that the discontinuation of lomustine may have on the brain tumour community.

Advocacy Letter Fact Sheet 

Updates

Equal Access to Care

Equal access to drugs that treat brain tumours and associated conditions, as well as the related financial burden, is an issue for families across Canada. Where a patient lives should never determine the treatment for a brain tumour.

Learn more about equal access across Canada

Increased Research Funding

As the leading organization in Canada focused on funding brain tumour research, we are the only group dedicated to overcoming this deadly disease.

Thanks to the support of donors, research funds are distributed every year to researchers across Canada who are examining the cause of and cure for brain tumours.

Read more about research funding here

January 2022 Position Paper – National Pharmacare in Canada

The responsibility for health care falls to the thirteen (13) provinces and territories of Canada. Each provides basic hospital and physician services in exchange for federal funding support. The services they provide under this federal agreement do not include prescription or hospital drug coverage. Each province or territory makes independent decisions on WHAT pharmaceutical drugs they fund for the public, and HOW that drug funding is accessed.

Read Our Position Paper Here

August 2020 Position Paper – Dexamethasone and Drug Shortages

On May 1, 2020, the federal government’s Tier Assignment Committee added dexamethasone to the Tier 3 list. It is an important step, but there is far more action needed. Our position paper recognizes the vital importance of pharmaceutical drug products for persons with brain tumours, including dexamethasone.

Read our position paper here