2023-10-04 01:50:30
More Than Half of Medicines Budget Goes to Cancer Drugs, Reports the Integrated Cancer Center of the Netherlands (IKNL)
The Integrated Cancer Center of the Netherlands (IKNL) released a report on Tuesday indicating that an increasing amount of money is being allocated to cancer medicines. In 2012, a quarter of the total medicines budget was dedicated to cancer drugs, but by 2021, this had risen to more than half of the total expenditure. Additionally, the overall budget for medicines has been expanding.
In 2021, a staggering 1.5 billion euros were allocated towards cancer treatment resources, specifically oncolytics. The majority of this funding was allocated to hematological malignancies, which include leukemia. Furthermore, a significant amount of funding was dedicated to lung cancer and melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
While these drugs have shown effectiveness in certain types of cancer, the IKNL report highlights that there has been little improvement in the survival rates for patients with metastatic cancer. Professor Valery Lemmens, a member of the IKNL board of directors, emphasized the importance of carefully examining expenditure in light of the increasing number of cancer patients. “We want to provide the best possible treatment for these patients now and in the future, as the number of cancer cases continues to rise. This requires further research,” stated Lemmens.
Lemmens also pointed out that in some instances, cancer drugs are costing more than necessary. “There are cases where drugs are equally effective when used for a shorter duration or at lower doses. The development of drugs for a large group of patients, even though only a portion of them benefit, results in unnecessary suffering from side effects for many patients,” warned Lemmens. He emphasized the significance of identifying patients who would respond well to specific treatments to ensure more targeted and effective care.
The IKNL report serves as a reminder of the need to balance the allocation of healthcare resources and economic considerations. As the prevalence of cancer continues to rise, it is crucial to invest in research and refine treatment approaches to optimize patient outcomes.
By: ANP]
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