The National Comprehensive Cancer Network unveiled its first set of "evidence blocks" that include cost information on oncology drugs; this first round focuses on chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and multiple myeloma. The NCCN report pegs a three-drug combo of Johnson & Johnson's ($JNJ) Velcade, Celgene's ($CELG) Revlimid and the generic dexamethasone as the most effective for multiple myeloma, as well as the most expensive. Ratings for three first-line CML regimens--Bristol-Myers Squibb's ($BMY) Sprycel, and Novartis' ($NVS) Gleevec and Tasigna--were all scored as highly effective and very expensive. "This gives people permission to talk about cost and affordability," NCCN chief Dr. Robert Carlson said on a conference call (as quoted by Reuters). "The patient is often embarrassed to bring up cost, and physicians hesitate to bring it up, … but that can result in a prescription not being filled because a patient can't pay for it." Release | Report