Rare Cancer Patient’s Battle for Life Ends in Tragedy as Insurance Denies Treatment
A rare cancer patient's fight for life ends in tragedy after insurance denies treatment. Family battles to secure care.
POLICY WIRE — Beaumont, Texas — A 21-year-old from southeastern Texas died after a six-week battle to secure treatment for his rare brain tumor, which had spread to his spinal fluid. Despite genetic evidence suggesting a potential therapy, his insurance denied coverage for the drug Lynparza, made by Merck and AstraZeneca.
Mason Henderson’s journey began with an initial diagnosis 18 months prior, but chemotherapy failed to slow the progression of his rare cancer. After a clinical trial in New York City also proved ineffective, doctors turned to Lynparza, a drug not approved for his specific condition. However, his pharmacy benefit manager refused to cover the treatment, which costs about $8,700 per month out-of-pocket.
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The family faced repeated denials from insurers and even the county that covered their health plan. AstraZeneca initially rejected their request for a donation of the drug, but after public pressure, the company finally provided it. Unfortunately, Henderson passed away just weeks later, having received the medication for only two months. His mother, Tabitha Lowe, described the emotional toll of fighting the healthcare system while trying to be there for her son.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)