Are there any organizations that help with paying for experimental prescription drugs that fight cancer?

Question

My mother is 52 years old and has been battling cancer for the past few years. She has exceeded doctors expectations so far however her body has recently stopped responding to chemo. The doctors are now going to put her on a very expensive experimental drug which has not been approved by the FDA and therefore is not covered by insurance. My parents do not have a lot of money. Are there any organizations that help contribute to cases such as these? I'm worried that my father will lose his house or land and will be forever buried in debt if he can't keep up with the bills.

Answer 1

Usually the patient does not pay for an experimental drug. If your mother is on a Clinical Trial for this experimental drug than there should be no associated cost. Either the pharmaceutical company or the university will take care of the bill. There are also federal programs which will cover the costs of an experimental drug - Medicare is one ( www.medicare.gov ).

What type of cancer does your mother have. Which drug is it they plan to use?

You can do a research for all Clinical Trials here:

Clinical Trials
http://clinicaltrials.gov/

Clinical Trial Information
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/info/resources

Clinical Trials: WHat you need to know
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_6_3_Clinical_Trials_-_Patient_Participation.asp

Your mothers doctors would be able to answer most of the questions about costs. They may also be willing to write letters to her insurance company about the issue.

good luck

Answer 2

For experimental drugs nobody charges you because you are being the target for their experiment. From what I heard all the expenses including the hospital charges and the food are borne by the organisation that is experimenting the drug on the patients so I am not able to grasp what you said if you want more details please vist this site http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Information/clinical-trials

Answer 3

I do not know but i would ask the hospital doctors,pharmacy also use the web to source cancer related fields of research,patient care as they would be able to best locate the information required.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

The drugs are used as part of a trial study, and your mother will get them free of charge.
Sometimes they use a placebo for one group and the real thing for another group to see which one is more effective.

Answer 6

Aren't those free? That's what I'v always heard.

I wish you luck and courage. My Mother is also fighting cancer. I know it's a hard thing to go through.