Category: EOPYY

Ηλικία, φύλο και ανοσοποιητικό σύστημα τα στοιχεία που αυξάνουν τον κίνδυνο θανάτου από covid19

Cancer Immunotherapy: A Revolution That Continues to Transform Cancer Care

Over the past fifteen years, cancer immunotherapy has transformed the landscape of oncology, offering new hope and treatment possibilities to patients around the world. What began as a promising scientific concept has evolved into one of the most important pillars of modern cancer treatment.

According to the Cancer Immunotherapy Insights & Impact Report 2026 published by the Cancer Research Institute, a total of 156 immunotherapy approvals were granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 2011 and 2025, reflecting the remarkable growth and impact of this field. Many of these therapies are based on immune checkpoint inhibitors, which help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

Unlike traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, immunotherapy works by empowering the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. By enhancing natural immune responses, these therapies can help the body identify and destroy cancer cells that might otherwise evade detection. For many patients, immunotherapy has led to longer survival, improved disease control, and a better quality of life.

The year 2025 marked another milestone in the advancement of cancer immunotherapy, with thirteen new FDA approvals. Notably, patients with anal cancer gained access to their first approved immunotherapy option, highlighting the expanding reach of these innovative treatments. New methods of administration, including subcutaneous therapies, are also making treatment more convenient and accessible for patients.

Research in cancer immunotherapy continues to progress at an extraordinary pace. Scientists are developing new strategies to overcome the mechanisms that allow cancer to hide from the immune system, while exploring novel therapeutic targets, combination treatments, and personalized approaches to care. These advances aim to increase the number of patients who can benefit from immunotherapy and improve outcomes across a wider range of cancers.

While challenges remain and not all patients respond equally to treatment, immunotherapy represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in the history of cancer care. Ongoing scientific innovation continues to bring hope that more effective, personalized, and accessible treatments will become available in the years ahead.

At KAPA3, we recognize the importance of raising awareness about advances in cancer treatment and supporting informed decision-making. Knowledge empowers patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, helping them navigate the cancer journey with greater confidence and hope.

Source: https://www.cancerresearch.org/cancer-immunotherapy-report-2026

 

Additional Rebate on High-Cost Medicines for 2025: What the New Decision Foresees

 

 

 

High Cost Medicines: One More Addition to Help Patients – Up to Three People Can Now Collect on Their Behalf

As of Monday, February 16, 2026, High-Cost Medicines for cancer patients can now be collected by up to three designated representatives, offering greater flexibility and easier access to treatment through community pharmacies.

This new possibility is particularly important for patients who require regular access to High Cost Medicines but may have difficulty getting to the pharmacy or live far from a pharmacy. By allowing representatives, care becomes more flexible and adapted to everyday needs, while ensuring the safety and correct use of the treatment. In this way, access to therapy is faster, more human-centered, and free from unnecessary hassle.

In this first phase, the option applies to patients with cancer and multiple sclerosis, and it will gradually extend to other High Cost Medicines categories. The steps for collection remain the same: the insured person logs into the platform using Taxisnet + AMKA, selects the pharmacy of their choice, and monitors the progress of their order.

For more details, see our previous article.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Dispensing High-Cost Medicines (HCM) Through Private Pharmacies – What Changes for Patients

A recent Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette B’ 6333/27.11.2025) introduces significant changes to the distribution of High-Cost Medicines (HCM), allowing patients to receive these medicines not only from EOPYY pharmacies but also from private community pharmacies. This new framework replaces the 2020 regulation and aims to ease patient access, reduce inconvenience, and improve the delivery of essential therapies.

The list of HCM medicines included in this process is available in the corresponding Government Gazette here.

What Changes for Patients

  • The prescribing physician issues the prescription through the national e-prescription system (IDIKA).
  • Patients may choose to receive their medicine either from an EOPYY pharmacy or a private community pharmacy.
  • Through the dedicated HCM application (using Taxisnet credentials + AMKA), patients select the private pharmacy that will serve them.
  • Patients receive electronic notifications regarding the status of their order and the availability of the medicine for pickup.
  • Medicines are dispensed with zero patient co-payment.
  • The time from approval to pickup may not exceed 10 days.

What Changes for Private Pharmacies

Private pharmacists now assume an expanded role in handling High-Cost Medicines, with specific responsibilities and procedures.

  1. Medicine Receipt
  • The pharmacist scans the product’s barcode in the EOPYY system to complete the warehouse reconciliation process for EOPYY’s pharmaceutical depot.
  • The patient is automatically notified via the system once the medicine arrives at the pharmacy.
  1. Prescription Verification and Dispensing

The pharmacist must verify:

  • the patient’s identity or the presence of a valid authorization,
  • the accuracy of the prescription and its alignment with the prescribing physician’s instructions,
  • the correct medicinal product,
  • the presence of any required supporting documents,
  • the authenticity labels or deactivated safety features,
  • the physician’s signature and the recipient’s signature.

The pharmacist then signs and stamps the prescription to complete the dispensing process.

Failure to comply with these procedures may lead to sanctions under Presidential Decree 121/2008.

  1. Pharmacist Remuneration

For each dispensed HCM prescription, pharmacists receive:

  • a scientific service fee of €20.00 + VAT,

without the need to issue transport documents.

This cost is not included in the total pharmaceutical expenditure ceiling of EOPYY.

  1. Monthly Submission of Prescriptions

Every month, pharmacists must send:

  • the dispensed prescriptions,
  • the consolidated report,
  • and the service invoice
    to the EOPYY Department of Prescription Processing and Review.

Electronic images of prescriptions remain available for audit.

  1. Unexecuted Prescriptions

If a prescription is not executed:

  • the medicine is returned to the pharmaceutical company after 5 days,
  • and the company issues a credit invoice to EOPYY.
  1. Loss or Damage of Medicines

If the medicine is lost or damaged due to pharmacist responsibility,
EOPYY charges the pharmacist the procurement value of the product.

Why This Change Matters

The updated system:

  • reduces patient inconvenience,
  • relieves congestion in EOPYY pharmacies,
  • ensures faster access to essential therapies,
  • strengthens the role of community pharmacists,
  • and modernizes the distribution of High-Cost Medicines.

This development significantly improves the daily lives of patients who rely on regular access to specialized treatments — including many oncology patients. KAPA3 continues to stand by cancer patients and their families, offering reliable guidance and practical support so that every patient feels safe and fully informed about their rights and benefits.

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3