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Aetna Recognized by National Comprehensive Cancer Network for Evidence-Based Approach to Cancer Care

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^{Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, February 8th 2011 at 18:20 GMT by Market Wire}  

HARTFORD, Conn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--The[ National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN) ] has praised Aetna (NYSE: [ AET ]) for its evidence-based approach to drugs used to treat cancer. The NCCN also acknowledged Aetnaa™s commitment to providing health benefits to members enrolled in clinical trials. Aetna is the first national health plan to be recognized by the group.

"Aetna is focused on making cancer care more effective, more affordable and safer for our members"

aAetna is focused on making cancer care more effective, more affordable and safer for our members,a said Lonny Reisman, M.D., Aetna chief medical officer. aPersonalized treatment based on accepted medical evidence is a key component of our approach to cancer care. We are pleased that our efforts are aligned to and have been recognized by the NCCN.a

Under its new [ Recognition Program ], NCCN acknowledges managed care companies that:

• Cover the routine costs of care for people enrolled in approved clinical trials, which are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work.
• Cover the [ appropriate off-label use of approved drugs ] in the treatment of cancer based upon recommendations in the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium (NCCN Compendiuma"). Off-label use of approved drugs means the drugs have shown to be safe and effective through clinical studies for uses not included on the Food and Drug Administration label (FDA).

aWe strongly support patientsa™ opportunity to participate in clinical trials. The lack of health care coverage for the routine costs associated with clinical trials can often cause patients not to enroll,a said William T. McGivney, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. aAnd, there are a number of drugs with indications that are supported by evidence and the NCCN Compendiuma", but are not approved by the FDA for these indications. We applaud Aetna for its leadership in making these options available to its members.a

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nationa™s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 35.3 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see [ www.aetna.com ]. To learn more about Aetna's innovative onlinetools, visit [ www.aetnatools.com ].

About NCCN

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a not-for-profit alliance of 21 of the worlda™s leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. The primary goal of all NCCN initiatives is to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice so patients can live better lives. For more information, visit [ NCCN.org ].