Changes in European cross-border cancer research and treatment.

I rish TV newscaster Tommie Gorman was working as a European correspondent based in Belgium when he became ill in 1994. He was diagnosed with carcinoid tumors, a rare cancer with an incidence of approximately 1 in 100,000. Initially treated in Belgium, Gorman began to investigate other European treatment programs. Kjell Öberg, M.D., Ph.D., of Uppsala University Hospital’s Endocrine Unit in Sweden impressed him, and in 1998 Gorman opted to seek additional treatment there. However, his tax payments, which had covered his Belgian care, were not applicable in Sweden. Then Gorman discovered the E112 form. “The E112 form says that if there is a treatment available in another European Union member state or Switzerland that is cost effective, useful, and significant,” Gorman said, “then you are entitled to medical benefits on the same basis as nationals in that member state — but it has to be sanctioned prior to travel.” In Gorman’s case, an Irish medical oncologist supported the referral and authorization was granted.