With the new range of oncology drugs, Hemofarm strives to make a contribution so that the most adequate therapy is provided to the most critical cancer patients.
During the past year alone, as many as 50,000 people passed through the Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia for diagnosis and treatment. Statistical data from 2021, for example, warn that there were 42,000 new cases and close to 20,000 deaths from cancer.
„The most common malignant diseases in Serbia are lung cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. Unfortunately, Serbia is among the countries with a high risk of dying from malignant diseases. That is why it is necessary for the state to constantly work on improving quality of diagnosis and treatment of patients, which also implies introduction of the most modern therapy. By expanding the range of oncology drugs, Hemofarm strives to contribute and support the healthcare system in treatment of the most critically ill patients”, Predrag Marinković, MD, Hemofarm Marketing Manager said.
More than 5,000 people get sick from colon cancer every year in Serbia, and as many as 7,000 from lung cancer.
„In its range of products, Hemofarm currently has the most modern therapy for treatment of colorectal and ovarian cancer, i.e., a biosimilar used for the treatment of colon cancer and ovarian cancer. The drug is already on the list of drugs of the RFZO (Republički fond za zdravstveno osiguranje [Republic Fund of Health Insurance]) and is available to patients who need this type of therapy”, our interlocutor said.
And when it comes to generic oncology drugs?
„When it comes to generic oncology drugs, a lung cancer drug is already available to patients, as well as a modern therapy for treatment of kidney cancer, which includes a drug that is used as the first line in treatment of kidney cancer and is already on the RFZO list. During the year, we expect another drug for treatment of kidney cancer to become available to patients. Hemofarm also has a registered drug for treatment of prostate cancer, and we hope that this drug will soon be on the list, as well as an oncological preparation used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma”, Marinković, MD emphasized.
Hemofarm also has new preparations essential in treatment of patients with hematological malignancies.
These are drugs that represent important therapeutic options for treatment of patients suffering from multiple myeloma and certain types of leukemia. Some of these drugs can also be used for other indications, such as Myelodysplastic syndrome.
Support to the health care system
Hemofarm is determined to continuously improve its oncology portfolio, offering new therapeutic options to patients across the country, and the state thus gets the opportunity to receive quality therapy at a more favorable price and achieve significant savings.
„Our plan is to register 2-3 new oncology drugs every year, which would contribute to the variety of therapeutic options and provide access to the latest treatments. This initiative not only aims to improve health care of patients, but also supports the entire health system, considering that the state gets the opportunity to save significant funds and redirect them from savings to expand the list and introduce innovative, state-of-the-art types of treatment. It is valuable that a quality generic appears as early as possible, because when a generic drug replaces the original, it is automatically much cheaper. The Fund's spending is large and every quality treatment at a more favorable price is a contribution to further raising the quality of treatment of oncology patients”, Marinković, MD explained.
Detect the disease in time
Prevention of malignant diseases has a huge public health potential and is the most effective approach in the malignant disease control. According to the assessment of the Union for International Cancer Control, 30-50% of all forms of cancer can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
„A high percentage of malignant diseases can be avoided by stopping smoking, limited alcohol consumption, avoiding excessive sun exposure, protection against infections that can develop into cancer, and regular physical activity. If the disease does occur, its outcome can be significantly improved by early detection, timely and adequate treatment. That is why it is important that each individual shows responsibility for their own health and regularly attends screening examinations”, Predrag Marinković, MD from Hemofarm said.
