• ASCO requests CMS reopen the NCD and delay effective date.

• US Oncology supports ASCO concerns; requests CMS to reopen NCD.

• Community Oncology Alliance requests CMS reexamine NCD.

September

• ASCO sends a letter to Michael Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), expressing concern about the NCD and outlining the conflicts between the CMS coverage decision and the FDA-approved label for ESAs.

• Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif) and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich) introduce H.J.RES.54, a Joint Resolution disapproving CMS's national coverage decision on the use of ESAs in cancer and related neoplastic conditions. In addition, Rep. Stephen Cohen (D-Tenn) introduces resolution H.RES.681 urging CMS to reconsider its coverage decision on ESAs and consult with members of the oncology community to make appropriate revisions to its policy.

• CMS responds to ASCO, asking for new evidence.

October

• ASH/ASCO issues updated guideline on ESAs in chemotherapy-related anemia.

• FDA agrees with CMS in limiting reimbursement for ESA products.