Sanofi survey shows oncologists' discomfort with UK Cancer Drugs Fund cuts

More than three quarters of oncologists agree or strongly agree that cuts to the Cancer Drugs Fund in the UK will compromise their ability to make optimal treatment choices, according to a survey sponsored by French pharma major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN).

Of the oncologists surveyed, 79% agree or strongly agree that the cuts will compromise their ability to make optimal treatment choices for their patients, while 74% believe the CDF panel placed budgetary considerations ahead of what's best for cancer patients when they made their decisions about cuts to the CDF.

Clinicians are particularly worried about the removal of Jevtana (cabazitaxel), Sanofi's prostate cancer drug, from the list, with almost two thirds of prostate cancer doctors saying that they expect to manage the disease with less effective treatment for longer, or move patients onto palliative care sooner. Of the oncologists surveyed, 70% said that outcomes for patients with prostate cancer patients in England will be worse.