Biotechnology Healthcare - June 2008 - (Page 35) points would be valuable in gaining and disseminating knowledge of which products show clinical value. Communication with and among physicians also will increase expertise across the field about novel treatments. Understanding cancer trial endpoints also can improve the effectiveness of disease management programs. Care coordinators should be educated on the pros and cons of each treatment and its potential effects on a patient’s QOL, as well as the emotional and financial effects of therapies on the patient’s family. Case and disease managers who understand the nuances of clinical trial language will be better prepared to assist patients and their families in making critical treatment decisions. In some cases, external reviews or appeals may be necessary for approval or coverage of a treatment that may not be well understood or well known. Payers, therefore, should seek the opinions of independent oncologists to inform plan management about a patient’s treatment, and, if possible, to expedite treatment delivery to the patient. As more oncology agents become available and as the management of oncology treatments changes, all stakeholders must clearly communicate their needs and intent. Understanding the merit and application of different oncology endpoints will support sensible coverage decisions. REFERENCES American Cancer Society (ACS). Cancer Facts & Figures 2008. Atlanta: ACS. 2008. Carey L, Metzger R, Dees EC, et al. American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor-node-metastasis stage after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and breast cancer outcome. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2005;97;1137–1142. Cianfrocca M, Gradishar WJ. Controversies in the therapy of early stage breast cancer. Oncologist. 2005;10: 766–779. FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). 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