Imagine this: you’ve been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a highly treatable and manageable form of leukemia. Thanks to advancements in targeted therapies, you should be able to live a relatively normal and healthy life by taking a daily pill. There’s just one catch—the medication costs approximately $100,000 per year, and you simply can’t afford it.
Unfortunately, this is the reality for many leukemia patients who are unable to access life-saving treatments due to their exorbitant cost.
The rising costs of cancer treatment
In recent years, there have been numerous breakthroughs in cancer treatments, particularly in therapies known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These medications target specific proteins in cancer cells and have revolutionized the way patients with CML manage their leukemia with few symptoms.
The statistics speak for themselves: over the past decade, annual deaths of patients with CML have dropped from 10-20% to just 2%. The estimated 10-year survival rate for CML patients has grown from 20% to more than 80%.
However, with these advancements comes a drastic increase in cost. What many people don’t realize is that the cost of many cancer treatments is reaching astronomical levels, creating a significant financial burden for patients and their families.
Hagop Kantarjian, M.D., chairman of the leukemia department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, explains the struggle faced by leukemia patients: “Patients with CML have a much better outlook today than ever before, thanks to advances that have greatly improved survival rates. But these patients now face dire financial struggles as they try to maintain their treatment regimen with the drastically inflating cost of care.”
The need for change
Dr. Kantarjian and his colleagues argue that in order to make these life-saving treatments more accessible, there needs to be a shift in thinking when it comes to pricing-related policies and regulations. This includes considering new ways to manage the cost of cancer care, such as allowing for price negotiation for Medicare coverage of treatments and revising patent-related laws that limit the introduction of more affordable generic drugs.
An article published in Blood, the Journal of the American Hematology Association, calls for a reevaluation of cancer treatment pricing in order to improve patient access to vital medical care. Dr. Kantarjian stresses that this issue likely extends beyond leukemia patients to those with other types of cancer who also require ongoing treatment.
What can patients do?
For leukemia patients who are struggling to afford their medication, there are some resources available to help offset the cost of treatment. In the United States, patient assistance programs, manufacturer-sponsored co-pay assistance, and non-profit organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and CancerCare offer financial aid and support for eligible patients.
Additionally, some patients may be able to access lower-cost generic versions of their medication through international pharmacies. However, it’s essential to research the safety and legitimacy of such pharmacies before making a purchase. Websites like the Pharmacy Checker can help guide patients in finding a reputable source for their medications.
Final thoughts
While it’s inspiring to see the incredible advancements in cancer treatments over the years, it’s disheartening to know that many patients are unable to access these life-saving therapies due to their financial situation. It’s essential that researchers, policymakers, and the medical community work together to find solutions that make treatments accessible and affordable, allowing all patients to benefit from the cutting-edge therapies that are revolutionizing cancer care.
