Advancements in cancer treatments are rapidly emerging, with a notable 197 new drugs launched between 2018 and 2022. However, a major new analysis reveals that while high-income countries are benefitting, much of the world is being left behind in access to these vital therapies.
The study, published in the journal BMJ Global Health, reports that 568 cancer drugs have entered the market across 111 countries from 1990 to 2022, with the majority introduced in the past decade. Unfortunately, the rollout of these treatments has predominantly favored wealthier nations, creating significant delays and gaps in access for lower-income regions. “It started from 2000 onwards, where there are many new drugs, and it is now just quite an explosion,” said Carin Uyl-de Groot, a professor of health technology assessment at Erasmus University Rotterdam. “But there’s the layer of access, and there’s a link to income.”
According to the analysis, the United States has the highest number of new cancer drugs available (345) from 1990 to 2022, followed by Japan (224), Canada (221), Australia (204), the United Kingdom (191), and China (169). In contrast, regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe saw the fewest new drug launches.
A major challenge is the slow rollout of new treatments beyond initial markets. By 2022, over a third of the 568 cancer drugs were available in only one country, with just 28% accessible in more than ten countries. On average, it took 1.5 years for a drug to launch in a second country after its initial release, and over two years for further markets.
Countries with higher incomes generally faced fewer delays in access to new treatments. As a result, patients in regions without the latest therapies often receive “inferior therapies” or must travel abroad for cutting-edge care, contributing to poor cancer outcomes.
This issue could worsen in the coming decades as low-income countries experience increased life expectancies, thereby raising the likelihood of cancer diagnoses. Uyl-de Groot noted, “When you survive or live longer, the probability you will get cancer increases.”
Despite the advancements, more treatments on the market do not necessarily translate to better patient outcomes. Dr. Dario Trapani, a medical oncologist at the European Institute of Oncology, highlighted that many newly approved drugs offer limited value to patients, leading to financial strain and over-treatment.
To bridge the access gap, experts suggest implementing tiered pricing for new medicines based on a country’s ability to pay, and addressing issues such as parallel imports. Additionally, establishing a framework to identify high-value drugs could help negotiate lower prices, making treatments more affordable.
Overall, while the landscape of cancer treatments continues to evolve, significant disparities remain in global access, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable healthcare for all.
