New Zealand’s Cancer Control Agency faces criticism for overlooking effective blood cancer drugs available free in Australia but unfunded in New Zealand.
Consultant haematologist Dr. Roger Tiedemann told state media the agency’s recent report relied narrowly on registration trial data, failing to consider “real-world evidence” showing improved outcomes when these drugs are used in combination therapies or early in disease progression.
“The analysis is too basic,” Tiedemann remarked, claiming the report’s strict criteria omitted treatments with “substantial clinical benefits” for patients.
The agency’s head, Rami Rahal, defended the methodology, citing adherence to the ESMO Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale to align with previous analyses.
However, Tiedemann noted that despite New Zealand’s recent funding of six more blood cancer drugs, Australia’s additions keep the funding gap widening. The current approach lags behind clinical advancements, with New Zealand relying on outdated treatments in cases where newer, proven options are available elsewhere, he said.
Image credit: Alison Saeng
