Alexandria, Va. – The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) today published a joint analysis comparing the results of both organizations’ value frameworks in ASCO’s Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO). The analysis found that the frameworks produce comparable measures of the clinical benefits of new therapies in approximately two-thirds of the more than 100 treatment comparisons that were examined. It also identified a number of factors that may contribute to discordant scores, revealing potential ways for both organizations to refine their frameworks in the future.

While ASCO supports efforts to control drug prices, we are keenly aware that optimal cancer care requires patient access to the most medically appropriate drug, at the most opportune time, based on the highest quality evidence.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An analysis of nearly 2,800 people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received the immune checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab (Opdivo), pembrolizumab (Keytruda), or atezolizumab (Tecentriq) found that unexpected medical problems, known as adverse events, may be more common than reported in the initial trials that led to the approval of these therapies. These findings will be presented at the upcoming 2018 Palliative and Supportive Care in Oncology Symposium in San Diego, California.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Nearly four in 10 Americans believe cancer can be cured solely through alternative therapies, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)’s second annual National Cancer Opinion Survey. This is despite research showing that patients who use alternative therapies instead of standard cancer treatments have much higher mortality rates. The survey also found that amid the ongoing opioid crisis, nearly three in four Americans are opposed to limiting access to opioids for people with cancer, and many cancer patients report difficulty obtaining these medications. In addition, just as many Americans say they are worried about the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis as about dying of cancer, with caregivers and rural Americans bearing the weight of cancer’s financial and access challenges. The National Cancer Opinion Survey is a large, nationally representative survey conducted online by The Harris Poll.

ARLINGTON, Va., ALEXANDRIA, Va., CHICAGO, October 11, 2018 — Three prominent medical societies today issued a new clinical guideline for physicians treating men with early-stage prostate cancer using external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Adoption of the guideline could make treatment shorter and more convenient for many patients with prostate cancer, the most common malignancy among American men.

ASCO applauds Congress for passing a $2 billion increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which will bring NIH's budget to a total of $39.1 billion and the National Cancer Institute's to a total of $6.147 billion.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) presented its 2017 Advocate of the Year Award to Ray D. Page, DO, PhD, FACOI, for his exceptional  advocacy efforts on behalf of individuals living with cancer and their cancer care teams. As a member of the Government Relations Committee and in other roles, Dr. Page has provided distinguished leadership in the society’s policy and advocacy efforts.