Rising Cost of Anticancer Medications in the United States

Abstract

With more than 1.6 million new cases of cancer occurring each year, anticancer medications are in high demand. Escalating prescription drug prices have become a significant concern. Anticancer medications are among the most expensive prescription medications, many of them exceeding $100 000 a year. The survival benefits of certain newer anticancer medications may be a few months more than that from the existing treatment but at a much higher price tag. Drug cost may play a substantial role in making treatment choices. Multiple factors leading to high prices and some potential solutions to lower them have been highlighted.