Unequal access to new cancer drugs by region

The likelihood of getting approval for treatment with new cancer medication in Denmark varies significantly depending on the region. In Region Nordjylland, since 2020, 90% of cancer patients’ applications were approved, while only 60% in Region Hovedstaden and 61% in Region Midtjylland met the same fate, a memo from Danske Regioner reveals. Patients must apply through their oncologist for permission to be treated with new, expensive hospital medicines. The percentage of rejections has significantly increased in four out of five regions since 2020. The regional disparity suggests that financial considerations play a key role in treatment decisions. Health Minister Sophie Løhde criticized the practices violating the Medicinrådet’s fundamental principles. A new guideline has been developed to ensure a more uniform practice across the regions, including criteria for assessing drugs not yet evaluated by Medicinrådet.