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Blues taking part in testing of new breast cancer treatment
New breast cancer treatment tested by Blue Cross/Blue Shield subscribers
Modern Healthcare , Page: 10 , Dec 30 1991

Blue Cross and Blue Shield said 16 of its women subscribers have begun receiving treatments for breast cancer in clinical trials testing the safety and utility of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow transplants sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.

The Chicago-based association said 15 Blues plans have agreed to help pay for the trials, which may involve as many as 1,200 Blues subscribers at a cost of $30 million to $40 million. The Blues also said that 40 cancer research institutions have agreed to provide in-patient services and also will share in the cost.

The initiative marks the first time any private insurer has formally supported medical research by providing money for the patient-care costs associated with such research, the Blues said.

The purpose of the demonstration project is to support random, controlled clinical trials, comparing the new treatment regimen with standard therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. In the new treatment, bone marrow is removed before the start of chemotherapy that's so potent that it can damage marrow as it destroys cancer cells. The marrow is returned at the end of treatment, ensuring the patient's capacity to produce blood cells and fight infection.

Because the new regimen is considered experimental, the Blues and other health insurers have refused to pay for the costs associated with the treatments.

This policy has led to 'more than a dozen lawsuits' against Blues plans in recent years, a spokeswoman said. 'We want a clinical decision rather than a legal one. That's why we're sponsoring the research,' she said.

- Paul J. Kenkel

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