Substantial Increase in the Costs of Antineoplastic Agents in the USA from 2010 to 2021

This study provides one of the few national comparisons of antineoplastic expenditures from 2010 to 2021, offering new insight into how spending patterns have evolved over the past decade. In addition, it examines how out-of-pocket expenses relate to patient quality of life, an essential domain to evaluate healthcare interventions.

This study provides an updated estimate of the costs of antineoplastic agents using 2021 data and compares them with estimates from 2010. Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS) files were analyzed for national estimates. Antineoplastic treatment was defined in the MEPS using Multum Lexicon variables from the Cerner Multum. All reported prescriptions and refills were included in the expense and usage estimates. The 2010 costs were adjusted to 2021 figures using the consumer price index for out-of-pocket expenses and gross domestic products for third-party payers. SAS Studio 3.81 (Enterprise Edition) was employed for analysis.

Between 2010 and 2021, cancer diagnoses in the United States rose by 20.46%, while patients getting antineoplastic therapy increased by 7.6%. During this time, the cost of these medicines increased by thrice, from $9.78 billion to $35.12 billion. Prescription numbers were steady, with an average of four per patient per year. Males, older patients, and the insured were more likely to use the service. Breast cancer was the most common, with prostate and skin cancers increasing. The average prescription expenditure for cancer patients increased significantly compared to non-cancer individuals. Finally, there was no significant relationship observed between patients' quality of life and their out-of-pocket expenses.

The substantial increase in cancer treatment expenses had no positive impact on patients' physical or mental well-being. This cost-quality gap necessitates a study on spending efficiency and patient well-being.