Onkologie
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The market authorisation or extension of indication for all oncology drugs in Europe is now based on Regulation (EC) No. 726/2004, a centralised procedure of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Studies in recent years have highlighted deficiencies in pivotal studies. For example, the requirements of the EMA are not always consistently followed and studies are stopped prematurely after only interim analysis that at this time point shows improved efficacy with regard to the comparator arm. ⋯ To answer patient-relevant issues following market authorisation, it is necessary to conduct independent clinical studies. Increased public funding needs to be provided and bureaucratic hurdles have to be reduced. Only this will permit a more efficient use of limited health care resources and allow to improve the quality of care for cancer patients.