Trabectedin, also known by the brand name YONDELIS, is an innovative drug developed by Johnson & Johnson (U.S.) that demonstrates significant efficacy in treating specific types of tumors. Currently, trabectedin has not been launched in China nor included in China's medical insurance catalog. As a result, hospitals in China cannot provide reimbursement for trabectedin. The high treatment costs of this drug often place a heavy financial burden on patients and their families, and patients may choose to purchase overseas versions of the drug.

Can Trabectedin (YONDELIS) Be Reimbursed in Hospitals?

Trabectedin (YONDELIS) is an innovative anti-tumor drug. Whether it is covered by medical insurance reimbursement mainly depends on the local medical insurance policies and regulations.

Reimbursement Channels and Recommendations

Although trabectedin is not yet included in China's medical insurance system, patients can still explore other channels to seek reimbursement or assistance. Some charitable organizations or pharmaceutical manufacturers may offer patient assistance programs to help financially disadvantaged patients alleviate their burden. For patients purchasing the drug overseas, they can also pay attention to the medical insurance reimbursement policies or tax refund policies of the destination country to further reduce costs.

Medical Insurance and Price

Since trabectedin has not been incorporated into China's medical insurance system, patients are required to cover the full cost of the drug themselves. The original research version of trabectedin (1mg specification) available in Turkey is approximately $1,354 per box. For patients who require long-term treatment, this represents a substantial financial burden. In the future, it is expected that the cost of trabectedin for patients will be gradually reduced through means such as price negotiations or special disease protection policies.

Precautions for the Use of Trabectedin (YONDELIS) in Special Populations

For special populations such as pregnant women, lactating women, children, and patients with hepatic or renal impairment, special attention must be paid to the safe use of trabectedin, and the drug should be administered with caution in accordance with medical advice.

Pregnant and lactating women: 

Trabectedin has potential embryo-fetal toxicity, so pregnant women should avoid using it. Since the drug may be excreted in breast milk, lactating women should discontinue breastfeeding during the period of trabectedin use. For female patients with childbearing plans, effective contraceptive measures should be taken during treatment and for a certain period after drug discontinuation.

Pediatric patients: 

The safety and efficacy of trabectedin in pediatric patients have not been confirmed. Before administering trabectedin to pediatric patients, a rigorous assessment should be conducted, and the drug should be used with caution under the guidance of a doctor. Doctors need to develop personalized treatment plans based on factors such as the child's age, weight, and hepatic/renal function.

Patients with hepatic or renal impairment: When using trabectedin, patients with hepatic or renal impairment must pay special attention to the metabolism and excretion of the drug. The dosage of the drug should be adjusted according to the specific condition to avoid the occurrence of adverse reactions.