Dr. Thigpen on Ovarian Cancer Drugs Not Approved by FDA

James "Tate" T. Thigpen, MD, professor of medicine, director of medical oncology, University of Mississippi School of Medicine, discusses the use of agents in ovarian cancer that are not approved by the FDA.

There may be some problems with insurance coverage in some states, Thigpen says, creating inconsistent coverage across the country. Further, pharmaceutical companies cannot promote a drug for an indication unless FDA approval is granted. This creates a major disadvantage in making a physician aware of what an agent can and cannot do.

The support for CME conferences to represent unbiased points of view has been lagging in the gynecologic cancers area, Thigpen says. This is unfortunate because perspective on overall literature is crucial to the educational process.