Letters | Cancer drug must be reclassified to help less fortunate patients

I am writing to express my grave concern about the classification of Venetoclax as a self-financed item not covered by the safety net in the Hospital Authority Drug Formulary. As global oncology specialists may be aware, Venetoclax has become an important treatment option for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) who may need multiple courses of treatment. Venetoclax – either as a single agent or in a combination – has been shown to significantly improve progression-free survival, which could help prolong lives.

CLL is a slow and common blood cancer with a higher incidence in adults aged over 50. It is generally incurable, but the emergence of Venetoclax has transformed the treatment landscape. With the current classification, Venetoclax is available from Hospital Authority pharmacies, but patients must pay the full cost themselves. This places a significant financial burden on patients and their families, and may prevent some patients from accessing this treatment.

As observed, there is hardly any public effort to have this important drug reclassified. The Hospital Authority should reconsider the scientific evidence and reclass Venetoclax as a self-financed drug covered by the safety net. This would ensure patient access to an important treatment option, and save those who might face financial difficulties.

The benefits of Venetoclax are supported by research. This treatment option has the potential to improve the quality of life for CLL patients and help them live more healthily with CLL.

By reclassing Venetoclax, the Hospital Authority would not only benefit patients and their families, but also society, in terms of reduced long-term healthcare costs for patients and improved productivity.