PhytoHelath's New Drug for Cancer-Related Fatigue Has Been Officially Included in the National Health Insurance Since March 1

From the left are Lee Yi-Li, Chairman of PhytoHealth Corporation, and Vice Chairman- Angel Lee. (Photo by Yao Hui-Ju)

Yao Hui-Ju in Taipei

PhytoHealth Corporation (4108) has announced that its novel drug for treating Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF) will be incorporated into the National Health Insurance benefits starting March 1. The corporation will collaborate with five major hospitals to conduct clinical trials for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and CRF treatment. The trials aim to enhance treatment adherence and completion rates. The case acceptance progress has reached 90%, with completion expected by the end of March. Subsequently, data analysis will be conducted, and the findings will be submitted to international medical journals.

According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the most prevalent cancer worldwide, accounting for 12% of new cases. In Taiwan, the number of breast cancer patients increases by 14,217 annually, making it the most common cancer among women. On average, a new patient is diagnosed every 37 minutes, with over 120,000 breast cancer patients currently undergoing treatment.

PhytoHealth's drug, the only new prescription drug for CRF worldwide, addresses the most common side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. CRF is recognized in the International Classification of Diseases ICD-10. The drug's inclusion in the National Health Insurance benefits will benefit breast cancer patients, aiding them in successfully completing their chemotherapy and radiotherapy courses.

The clinical trial involves five large-scale hospitals: Linkou Cheng Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and E-Da Cancer Hospital. The trial will examine the effects of the CRF drug on stage II and III breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, focusing on improving low white blood cell counts and neutropenia caused by chemotherapy toxicity. The goal is to increase chemotherapy compliance and improve treatment course completion rates.

Dr. Jao Kun-Ming, Associate Director of E-Da Cancer Hospital and the clinical trial team leader, noted that CRF is the most common symptom experienced by breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. Many patients become increasingly fatigued, reducing their willingness to continue treatment due to lack of physical strength. This can lead to treatment postponement or interruption, resulting in cancer progression and deterioration.

PhytoHealth highlighted that due to the team's efforts, the clinical trial's progress has reached 90%, and completion is expected by the end of March. Following this, statistical data analysis will be conducted, and the findings will be submitted to international medical journals. Relevant information and research results will also be presented at major medical associations in Taiwan and abroad to demonstrate the clinical value of the new drug.

The original article:《ETtoday新聞雲》懷特癌因性疲憊症新藥 3月1日正式納入健保