Novermber 10, 2017 The new version of an international oncological drugs rating tool, developed by Prof. Nathan Cherny from Shaare Zedek, will – for the first time – enable the assessment of individual research studies into rare or uncommon diseases.
About two years ago, Prof. Cherny – Senior Oncologist and Director of the Palliative and Supportive Care Unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center – first developed a tool for rating new drugs and treatments for oncology patients (ESMO-MCBS), with the help of a special task force from the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).
This rating tool has become a significant method for getting an indication of the effects of oncological drugs on patients around the world and has even attracted recognition from the World Oncology Association.
The rating tool has recently undergone an upgrade, which means it can now present a broader range of studies. Among other things, it enables drug rating for isolated research branches and includes nine corrections of deficiencies identified in the earlier version (1.0).
“The ESMO-MCBS is a developing project in which we evaluate results while moving forward,” explains Prof. Cherny. “Within our work, we attempt to identify and understand problems and similarly find ways to improve the rating tool, because it has proven itself as important in assessing the benefits of various clinical studies. The developing trials, feedback and discussions with patients using the drugs, as well as the published critiques, all helped us develop the updated version. Now we invite patients to give us feedback on this new version to help us continue the development process and improve the quality of treatment.”
A year or so ago, Prof. Cherny’s great contribution to oncological treatment was noted by the ESMO, who presented him with an award, among other things for his part in developing this first rating tool.
For further information: Dr. Renana Ofan, Director, R&D Authority E: renanao@szmc.org.il
