MS 08.07 Achieving Equitable Access to Novel Treatments for all Patients

Abstract

The UK has the highest incidence of Mesothelioma in the world with over 2700 cases diagnosed in 2014 (Cancer Research UK 2017). Data for 80% of these patients was submitted and analyzed as part of the UK’s National Lung Cancer Audit Mesothelioma Report (NLCAMR) 2016 (Royal College of Physicians [RCP] 2016). The report confirmed that an increasing number of patients are receiving chemotherapy in the UK particularly patients with a good performance status; 53% compared to 41% in the audit’s 2014 report. The current audit does not identify the proportion of patients who receive their treatment as part of a clinical trial however the report recommends “All patients should be offered access to relevant clinical trials even if this requires referral outside of their network” (RCP 2016). With an increasing number of mesothelioma clinical trials now available in the UK, and more in development, facilitating seamless movement of patients from one specialist clinical team to another is essential. Mesothelioma UK, a national charity dedicated to improving outcomes for those affected by Mesothelioma, is establishing a comprehensive package of services and resources specifically to support this. The charity’s vision, for ensuring equitable access to treatment and trials is outlined in the charity’s 2016-2021 Strategy, The Next Five Years (Mesothelioma UK 2016). This presentation provides insight into readily transferable measures Mesothelioma UK has developed to support equitable access to treatment and care across the UK. 1.Cancer Research UK 2017 (Last viewed August 4, 2017). Equitable Treatment Access