Experts Call for New Evaluation System for Innovative Cancer Drugs in Korea

On April 4, a forum titled “New Directions for Valuing Innovative Drugs for Sustainable Healthcare” was held at the National Assembly members' hall. Professor Ahn Hee‑kyung, a hematology‑oncology professor at Samsung Seoul Hospital and insurance policy director of the Korean Society of Medical Oncology, pointed out several bottlenecks that limit Korean patients’ access to innovative anticancer medicines. Professor Ahn argued that the current system, which focuses mainly on drug approval and reimbursement decisions, does not fully capture the clinical and socioeconomic value that innovative therapies provide to patients and society. She called for a new assessment framework that evaluates both clinical outcomes and broader socioeconomic impacts to improve patient access to breakthrough oncology treatments.