Discover expert insights on how clinical trials are transforming cancer care and helping employers manage costs. Learn from PHM's experts about overcoming barriers to trial access and the vital role of cutting-edge treatments in improving outcomes.
In a recent episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," Dr. Natalya Gertsik and Tommy Axford from Private Health Management (PHM) sat down with Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman from Springbuk to discuss the crucial role of clinical trials in cancer care.
This conversation shed light on why employers struggle to contain cancer-related costs and how clinical trials can be a game-changer in both patient outcomes and cost management.
Below, you’ll find highlights and takeaways from their conversation. Ready to listen to the full episode? Click here.
Cancer continues to be one of the top cost drivers for employers, as highlighted in Springbuk's Annual Employee Health Trends Report. Tommy Axford, Senior VP of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at PHM, explains why employers find it challenging to contain these costs:
Dr. Natalya Gertsik, VP of Partnerships at PHM, emphasizes the critical role of clinical trials in cancer care through a compelling patient story. Peter, diagnosed with stage 2 esophageal cancer, was given only three months to live after exhausting standard treatment options. However, through PHM's intervention and enrollment in a clinical trial, Peter achieved complete remission and has been cancer-free for 12 years.
Clinical trials are vital because they:
Despite their importance, there are significant challenges in accessing clinical trials. These barriers include:
PHM addresses these challenges by serving as an extension of the treating provider, identifying suitable trials, and facilitating the enrollment process for patients.
For employers, clinical trials can play a significant role in reducing healthcare costs:
PHM ensures that clinical trials are accessible to a diverse patient population by:
By embracing clinical trials and partnering with expert organizations like PHM, employers can not only manage costs more effectively but also provide their employees with access to potentially life-saving treatments. This approach represents a win-win situation, improving both health outcomes and financial sustainability in the face of rising cancer care costs.
Listen to the full podcast episode here
Explore the PHM and Springbuk partnership here