Your biweekly update on health economics, policy, and impact
This bulletin brings together three pieces of research on patient-centred outcomes and access to cancer therapies, highlighting what matters most to patients and how policy, HTA, and reimbursement systems need to evolve to support faster and fairer access to care.
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Martina Garau, Director
Improvements in cancer outcomes rely on evidence
Our work on accelerating patient access to cancer care in Europe highlights the need for clearer alignment on the evidence required for novel, innovative oncology medicines approved under accelerated programmes. Through a structured, multidisciplinary stakeholder process, OHE developed the APACE framework to support decision‑making for treatments addressing high unmet need, particularly where evidence remains immature for conventional HTA and pricing and reimbursement pathways.
A similar challenge emerges in our analysis of access to tumour-agnostic therapies, which shows variability in how evidence for treatments defined by molecular alterations rather than cancer type is interpreted across jurisdictions. This variation contributes to inconsistent HTA and reimbursement outcomes worldwide.
Evidence beyond clinical outcomes is essential as well. Our work on preferences of people living with acute leukaemia shows which aspects of health-related quality of life matter most. Ensuring such evidence is considered in health policy decisions remains critical for improving cancer care.
Aligning HTA and reimbursement for faster cancer care in Europe
Achieving Accelerated Patient Access to Cancer Care in Europe
EMA’s accelerated pathways for oncology treatments can reach patients earlier, but uneven health technology assessment (HTA) and reimbursement processes slow access. The APACE framework provides actionable guidance - from eligibility and assessment to value-based pricing and data collection - offering a roadmap to faster, evidence-based patient access across Europe and aligning with EU HTA harmonization efforts.
Tumour-agnostic therapies challenge current access pathways
A global landscape analysis of access to tumour-agnostic therapies
Tumour-agnostic therapies challenge traditional oncology pathways, but patient access remains uneven across countries. Streamlining regulatory, HTA, and reimbursement processes, expanding molecular testing, and fostering international collaboration can ensure patients are identified sooner and receive these treatments more consistently, unlocking their full potential.
Looking beyond pain and mobility in acute leukaemia care
Understanding the preferences of people with acute leukaemia for different health outcomes
Pain and mobility are important, but cognition, anxiety, depression, and tiredness can also critically impact daily life. These areas often overlooked in standard health measures. Expanding health assessments to capture these dimensions helps clinicians and policymakers design care and interventions that reflect what matters to patients, supporting better quality of life and more patient-centred decision-making.
Applications are open for the OHE MSc Fellowship Programme
Home students accepted as OHE Fellows receive full tuition, a monthly stipend, and hands-on research experience with our team, plus a one-year full-time role after graduation. Study at City, St George’s, University of London, or UCL while developing the skills to shape health policy. Application deadline: 30 April 2026
