The Fox Chase Cancer Center

Even with Medicare, High Costs Impact Access to Treatment, Research Finds GERMANTOWN, Md., March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The largest survey yet to examine seriously ill patients receiving charitable copayment assistance found high out-of-pocket costs impact access to health care, adherence to medication, and quality of life even for those on Medicare. The independent research, funded by the HealthWell Foundation, found that 31 percent of the 1550 respondents from across the United States said they would be forced to go without treatment if they lost their charitable copay support. Nearly all the patients in the study, published in Cancer, a journal published by the American Cancer Society, were insured by Medicare. "Many older Americans assume that Medicare will shield them from exorbitant costs if they become seriously ill," said Jeffrey Peppercorn, MD, MPH, an oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and principal author of the study. "Yet many of the people we surveyed were not aware of the potentially catastrophic cost of care — or that cost could be a barrier to receiving medication prescribed by their doctor for a serious illness like cancer or autoimmune disease." The survey focused on patients with cancer or serious autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). It showed deep financial distress, with many patients with Medicare saying they had delayed important aspects of care because of the costs or were paying nearly 10 percent of their income on health costs, meeting the definition of being "underinsured." Some skipped medical visits, scans or x-rays, and 37 percent reported reducing spending on food because of their health costs. Of those surveyed, 53 percent reported mild financial distress and 31 percent reported moderate to severe financial distress even after receiving charitable copayment assistance. Dr. Peppercorn said the survey shows that charitable copay assistance plays a critical role in enabling many Medicare patients with serious illnesses to gain access to treatment. Ninety percent of recipients worried about what would happen if they lost copay assistance. The research surveyed HealthWell grant recipients who consented to being surveyed and met HealthWell's financial eligibility requirements. Sixty‐nine percent of respondents in the survey reported annual income of less than $60,000 per year; and 42 percent reported income less than $40,000. The survey helps illuminate the role of charitable copay assistance foundations in providing a safety net for patients with serious chronic illness. These foundations are non-profit and are regulated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG), and are supported largely by donations from pharmaceutical manufacturers. The pharmaceutical funding has led some critics to question the impact of charitable copay assistance on overall costs of health care. Dr. Peppercorn said the survey was conducted to provide a better understanding of the experience of people receiving charitable copay assistance to inform the ongoing public policy. He is a consultant for HealthWell and receives research grant support to his institution. Suzanne Miller, Ph.D., an author of the study and Professor of Cancer Prevention and Control and Director of the Patient Empowerment and Decision-Making Department at Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University Health System, said little has been known about the role charitable copay assistance plays in access to care and financial distress. "The experience of patients needs to be part of the public discussion about charitable copay assistance," said Dr. Miller. "This research adds considerably to the still sparse literature describing recipients of charitable copay assistance grants and shows the important role this assistance plays for patients in the American health care system." Dr. Miller serves as the Vice Chair and Secretary to the HealthWell Board. HealthWell Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Heimall, FACHE, called the research valuable. "This research shows in a powerful way what we at HealthWell regularly hear from our grant recipients: that without our support they would not be able to pay for the life-sustaining, and often lifesaving, medications they need," Heimall said. "We are a critical safety net for underinsured Americans facing financially and emotionally challenging times." Since 2003, HealthWell has provided over $2.4 billion in financial assistance to nearly 400,000 cancer patients. In addition to providing support for medications, HealthWell has a fund to help cancer patients with the costs of home care services and durable medical equipment, and one to support behavioral health services for oncology caregivers. The Foundation has provided more than $4.8 billion in financial support for cancer and other serious illnesses, including MS, since its founding. To learn more about HealthWell programs and our robust portfolio of disease funds, visit HealthWellFoundation.org. About the HealthWell Foundation A nationally recognized, independent non-profit organization founded in 2003 and a resource to the White House Cancer Moonshot Initiative, the HealthWell Foundation has served as a safety net across over 90 disease areas for more than 1.1 million underinsured patients. Since its inception, HealthWell has provided over $4.8 billion in financial support through more than 1.8 million grants to access life-changing medical treatments patients otherwise would not be able to afford. HealthWell provides financial assistance to adults and children facing medical hardship resulting from gaps in their insurance that cause out-of-pocket medical expenses to escalate rapidly; HealthWell assists with the treatment-related cost-sharing obligations of these patients. HealthWell ranked 24th on the 2024 Forbes list of America's Top 100 Charities and was recognized for its 100 percent fundraising efficiency. For more information, visit HealthWellFoundation.org. CONTACT: Ginny Dunn 240-632-5309 [email protected] SOURCE HealthWell Foundation WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

Renowned Cancer Researcher Brings Deep Expertise to Accelerate MetasTx’s Mission to Combat Metastatic CancerPHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MetasTx, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel therapeutics to treat and prevent cancer metastasis, is pleased to announce that Jonathan Chernoff, MD, PhD, has joined its Board of Managers. Dr. Chernoff, who has served on MetasTx’s Scientific Advisory Board since August 2022, is an internationally recognized expert in cancer research with significant contributions to the understanding of cell signaling and oncogenes. In addition to being Cancer Center Director at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Dr. Chernoff also holds the Stanley P. Reinmann Chair in Oncology Research and is a Professor in the Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Research Program. In August 2024, Dr. Chernoff was named a Fellow of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB). Fellowship in the ASCB is awarded based on significant contributions to the advancement of cell biology. This prestigious recognition highlights the impact of Dr. Chernoff’s work in cell biology in the fight against cancer and further underscores the extraordinary experience he brings to MetasTx. Dr. Chernoff’s decision to join the Board of Managers reflects his strong belief in MetasTx’s science and strategic direction. “MetasTx’s focus on addressing one of the most challenging and critical aspects of cancer treatment today resonates deeply with me,” said Dr. Chernoff. “I am excited to deepen my involvement with the company, as I believe that our work on PAK1 and its role activating Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to initiate metastasis could be transformative in inhibiting metastatic cancers, including prostate cancer.” Throughout his career, Dr. Chernoff has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of cancer research, including his work on the small-molecule inhibitor IPA-3 and its impact on p21-activated kinases (PAKs). PAK1 plays a crucial role in cancer progression by regulating cell motility, survival, and proliferation—key factors in the spread of cancer. Dr. Chernoff’s research has demonstrated the potential of IPA-3 to inhibit PAK1 activity. Since PAK1 plays a role in solid tumor cancer progression, inhibiting its activity should help prevent or slow down the spread of these cancers. Dr. Chernoff’s work paves the way for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis. Harvey Homan, CEO of MetasTx, expressed his enthusiasm about Dr. Chernoff’s expanded role within the company. “We are humbled and honored to have Dr. Chernoff join our Board of Managers. His unparalleled expertise in cancer biology and his dedication to advancing treatment options for metastatic cancer are invaluable as we push forward in our mission. It is a joy and inspiration to work with such an accomplished, yet humble gentleman. Together, we are committed to bringing groundbreaking therapies to patients who need them most.” Dr. Chernoff’s transition from Scientific Advisor to Member of the Board of Managers marks a significant step in MetasTx’s growth and its ability to drive innovation in cancer treatment. His involvement will enhance the company’s efforts to bring its drugs through development and clinical trials and closer to providing new hope for patients battling metastatic cancer. For more information, please get in touch with Harvey D. Homan, CEO and Co-Founder Member of the Board of Managers, MetasTx LLCEmail: harveydhoman@metastx.com About MetasTx LLCMetasTx LLC is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing groundbreaking therapies for the treatment and prevention of cancer metastasis. Building on decades of research into p21-activated kinase (PAK-1)—a key driver of metastasis in solid tumors, including prostate, breast, and skin cancers—MetasTx aims to revolutionize cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. For more information, visit www.MetasTx.com.

SUNDAY, July 14, 2024 — Roughly 20% of Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives, but it's not inevitable. Skin cancer is not only the most common cancer, it's also the most preventable. Most of the time, too much sun exposure is to blame. "When it comes to skin cancer, prevention is key," surgical oncologist Dr. Jeffrey Farma said in a news release. "My goal is to ensure patients can enjoy their lives, including time in the sun, while being mindful that even a small skin lesion can quickly escalate into a very serious issue." Even if you don't burn easily, whether you're young or old, you can still get skin cancer, Farma emphasized. Since 2011, rates of the most malignant skin cancer — melanoma — have risen roughly 7% a year, and skin cancer rates have held steady among young people. "We have seen young patients in their 20s who tan a lot and use tanning salons and are unfortunately diagnosed with skin cancer. That diagnosis can completely change their life," said Farma, co-director of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. He is also state chairman of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. To protect yourself while enjoying time outdoors, Farma offers these tips: Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.