Lymph node-positive patients will now be reimbursed for their use of the breast cancer drug Perjeta inj (pertuzumab, Roche). 

The reimbursement extension was requested by the relevant medical societies and will take effect in December. It is interesting to note that the new criteria for reimbursement of anticancer drugs were established based on the opinions of academic societies rather than pharmaceutical companies. 

The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service recently issued a notice for the opinion inquiry on the amendment to the 'Details on the Application Criteria and Methods of Medical Reimbursement Benefits for Drugs Prescribed and Administered to Cancer Patients'