Getting the balance right: Faster access to new drugs doesn’t always mean better treatment

[AussieNeil]

'US pressure to deregulate medicine markets no doubt speeds up access to new drugs. But the rationale isn’t always to help patients. It often has more to do with the economic interests of countries with a strong research-based pharmaceutical industry.'

Narcyz Ghineao, Doctoral Researcher, Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine and Wendy Lipworth, Senior Research Fellow, Bioethics, both from the University of Sydney, look at the dangers of deregulation and the forces at play behind this US push to speed new drug assessments: theconversation.com/faster-...

Neil

[BCTexas]

This brings me to the question I am facing. My numbers are ok and I feel ok but my Oncologist offered me a new trial drug to start in June. Ibrutinib and Venetoclax.

BC

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer in reply to BCTexas]

Did you get a reason for starting treatment if your numbers are OK? Is there an issue with lymph nodes?

[BCTexas in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

No issues with lymph nodes. I was surprised my Oncologist brought up treatment. I feel ok. My numbers were ok. He didn't say why treatment was brought up. I assumed it was because it was a new trial and he needed people.

[BCTexas in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Now im left wondering until my next visit if I should take the plunge and start treatment.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer in reply to BCTexas]

I would contact his office and ask why treatment was brought up. No point in worrying until June. A new trial and he needs people is not a reason I would ever consider for starting treatment!

[BCTexas in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

I agree.

Best Wishes