Axa Health has announced plans to make it easier for members with cancer to access clinical trials, while still ensuring continuity of care.
Clinical trials can be an important part of a members’ journey, as well as being critical to the development of new treatments. But, finding a trial and worrying about losing touch with an existing trusted specialist can present real barriers.
Axa Health is also working with specialists to encourage them to build their awareness of available trials and make it easier for members with cancer to access those trials which could benefit them.
In addition, Axa Health will continue to fund patient consultations with their treating specialist during and beyond the trial, to ensure continuity of care for the member.
Dr John Burke, chief medical officer at Axa Health, said: “We hope that the change we’ve introduced will encourage consultants to look into clinical trials for their patients and refer them on to appropriate trials if our member is in agreement.
“There are many benefits to participating in clinical trials, such as access to treatments which have not yet made it to market, an ability to help with scientific advancement, careful monitoring and support and sometimes, personalised medicine specific to the patient and their condition.”
Axa Health is encouraging recognised specialists to sign up to the Sarah Cannon Research Institute mailing list which provides details of current clinical trials which are openly recruiting.
Dr Elisa Fontana, medical director at Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK, said: “We are pleased that Axa Health is supporting its members to access clinical trials.
“We are dedicated to supporting better outcomes for people with cancer across the UK. Clinical trials provide access to new and emerging therapies at the earliest opportunity.
“Axa’s commitment to make trials more easily available to its members means that more people can benefit from innovative new therapies and personalised medicine.”