Cancer Medication Consumptions in Vietnam Between 2019 and 2023: An Analysis from the National Database

This study was conducted to analyse cancer medication consumption in Vietnam between 2019 and 2023.

This was a cross-sectional study using data of cancer medication consumption that was publicly announced by Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) as a proxy. Data on expenditures and purchasing characteristics were extracted from every bidding package and contract implemented throughout the period. They afterwards were quantified and categorised by bidding technical groups, chemical classes, procurement levels, manufacturing origins and administration routes. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed to explore the relationship between consumption, price and bidding mechanisms.

The total consumption of cancer medications between 2019 and 2023 in Vietnam was estimated to be about $1.4 billion. Of which the number slightly increased in 2020 before dropping sharply to 2022 and finally rebounding and reaching its peak in 2023 with $359.5 million. Targeted therapies consistently accounted for the largest proportion (44-48%), followed by chemotherapies with 34-39% and immunotherapies with 8-16%. Most expenditures were attributed to originator products and high-quality generics (Group 1), contributing 73-85% annually. Overall, the mean price per milligram decreased over time, with notable variation driven by shifts in the distribution of bidding technical groups while the centralized national-bidding was generally more efficient than regional procurements.

Cancer medication consumption in Vietnam fluctuated substantially between 2019 and 2023, accompanied by significant changes in procurement patterns and the pandemic. Strengthened and targeted policies are required to optimize the economic impact of this group of medication, while broader efforts are needed to alleviate the cancer burden in Vietnam.