Two tests that can predict in specific cases whether chemotherapy is needed after breast cancer will now be reimbursed by basic insurance. This is expected to allow about five hundred patients each year to safely refrain from additional chemotherapy.
This applies to patients over the age of 50 with early breast cancer who have few or no metastases. It is also important that the tumor has specific characteristics.
In this target group, the tests can accurately predict the risk of the cancer coming back. The Dutch Healthcare Institute has come to this conclusion. The most important task of this state organization is to compile a basic health insurance package.
According to the company’s president, Sajak Wijma, the tests could prevent “overtreatment” of cancer patients. First, it’s better for patients: “No more unpleasant side effects and therefore a better quality of life. These women can recover faster and get their lives back.”
“It’s a win-win situation.”
But according to Wijma, it also has benefits for society. “It’s a win-win situation. In addition to improving quality of life, the few healthcare personnel can be better deployed.”
In addition, costs can be saved. Tests cost a maximum of €5,000 each, while chemotherapy often costs more than €15,000 per patient, according to the Dutch Healthcare Institute. If chemotherapy is not necessary, this will save “unnecessary health care costs.”
“Sufficient evidence that women can safely abstain from chemotherapy.”
MammaPrint and Oncotype DX tests are reimbursed retroactively from the basic package.
Oncotype DX has been reimbursed for some patients since 2021. But until now this has only been possible for breast cancer without metastases. Now, according to the Dutch Healthcare Institute, it appears that the test can also be used safely for up to three axillary gland metastases.
In 2018, the institute decided not to reimburse MammaPrint. But due to new insights, this test has now been added to the basic package. “Enough long-term research has now been done, and there is also enough evidence for MammaPrint that women can safely abstain from additional chemotherapy.”
