OBJECTIVES: Manufacturers in Canada submit oncology drugs for reimbursement to the CADTH pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR), which reviews and recommends these drugs for reimbursement. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that influence hematologic oncology drug reimbursement recommendations in Canada.

METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using submissions in the pCODR database between 2012 and May 2020. The study used the pCODR Final Recommendation Report and pCODR Economic Guidance Reports for each submitted drug. A chi square analysis was conducted to determine the association between pCODR recommendations and categorical variables. Findings for variables that were non-categorical were synthesized through an analysis for common themes and patterns. Examples of variables assessed were clinical benefit, phase, treatment comparison, drug type, line of treatment, dosage, patient values and economic findings.

RESULTS: After inclusion and exclusion criteria, 51 reports were reviewed for analysis. Thirty-three reports (64.7%) received a conditional recommendation, while 11 (21.6%) received a recommendation of ‘no’ and 7 (13.7%) received a recommendation of ‘yes’. The key findings from this study showed that positive and conditional recommendations were associated with the following variables: a direct treatment comparison, net clinical benefit, phase 2 and 3 trial data, and a first- or second-line treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: There are numerous factors contributing to the decision to recommend a hematologic oncology drug for reimbursement. It is important for manufactures to understand these factors prior to submission, in order to increase success rate at pCODR and provide patients with better access to therapies.