Access to targeted therapies in renal cell cancer

There is limited access to targeted therapies for renal cancer in many parts of the western world. This is driven by reimbursement rather than regulatory issues. Indeed, only a small fraction of the global population benefits from unlimited reimbursement of targeted therapies. Dedicated bodies, such as the UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence, assess agents on their cost-effectiveness as well as their efficacy. The results have been disappointing for patients, with the majority of agents being rejected for reimbursement. Despite this trend, there is a general appetite to address cost and value in many part of the world. This article gives a current overview of this rapidly changing field.