06/23/2015

• ASCO SUBMITS COMMENTS TO USP ON SECOND DRAFT OF CHAPTER <800> STANDARDS

ASCO recently submitted comments on the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention’s (“USP’s”) second draft of General Chapter <800> Hazardous Drugs—Handling in Healthcare Settings. The second draft of the chapter was released in December, in response to extensive public comments received from ASCO and other stakeholders on the first draft.

ASCO’s comments recognize that the revised draft includes a number of positive changes, but notes that additional improvements are necessary to create a set of standards that are practical and appropriate for ensuring the safe handling of chemotherapy drugs in delivery of oncology care through community-based practices. The comment letter lists numerous clarifications and revisions that ASCO urges USP to make and strongly encourages USP to engage with ASCO and medical oncologists before finalizing recommendations.

As reported previously, last fall ASCO convened a Task Force on Safe Handling of Chemotherapy to develop recommendations for updated safety standards. The standards are currently being finalized.

ASCO will continue to actively track developments related to the revised draft Chapter <800>. If and when final standards are released, ASCO will work with the State Affiliates to closely monitor any state action to adopt the recommendations. You can read ASCO’s latest comments to USP here.