The Greater China Cancer Foundation (GCCF) on Thursday launched a HK$10 million ($1.27 million) charitable initiative to provide free, full-course adjuvant cancer therapy to 100 early-stage breast cancer patients undergoing treatment at public hospitals in Hong Kong.
Announced at a launch ceremony to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the "New" Drugs for Use in Hong Kong•Free Named-Patient Programme will offer a full two-year supply of CDK4/6 inhibitors to eligible patients to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and ease the financial and psychological burden on the patients and their families.
According to data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, more than half of diagnosed breast cases are hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-). Approximately 60 percent of these diagnoses occur in women aged 65 or below — a group often at the height of their careers while also serving as pillars of their families. Meanwhile, around 20 percent of HR+ and HER2- early-stage patients may face potential recurrence.
Multiple large-scale clinical studies shared by the Hong Kong Breast Oncology Group (HKBOG) showed that adjuvant therapy with a CDK4/6 inhibitor in combination with endocrine therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence or breast cancer-related death.
Hengrui Pharma donated the HK$10 million medication to be used for the program. It represents the first domestically developed CDK4/6 inhibitor on the Chinese mainland to complete large-scale Phase III clinical trials and receive approval from the National Medical Products Administration.
Karen Atkin, head of Global Business and Portfolio Strategy at Hengrui Pharma, said the company’s mission is rooted in scientific innovation and a patient-centered approach, stressing that this charitable collaboration will help more patients gain access to high-quality medicines.
Eric Cheng, founder and board chairman of the GCCF, said that it has supported more than 200 patients facing financial hardship over the past year or so through the foundation’s dual-track drug subsidy program, giving them the opportunity to receive treatment and spend precious time with their loved ones.
Following an evaluation by an attending public hospital doctor, applications from HR+ and HER2- early-stage breast cancer patients will be submitted directly to the GCCF. Once their applications are approved, patients can collect their medication directly from the public hospital pharmacy without navigating complicated administrative procedures.
The program will benefit 100 patients on a first-come, first-served basis. Further details and registration updates are available via the GCCF website.
