Costs to health systems for antineoplastic drugs acquired through lawsuits - a systematic review

Abstract

Cancer, a rapidly increasing disease, imposes significant financial burdens on healthcare systems. This study investigates the costs incurred by health systems due to the legal processes involved in acquiring antineoplastic drugs. Conducted through a systematic literature review spanning January 2008 to March 2022, utilizing databases like Pubmed/Medline, LILACS, SciELO, and BIREME, 162 articles were initially identified. Ultimately, 15 retrospective studies were included, with a majority (53.3%) conducted in the United States. Despite implemented measures such as parity laws and financial assistance, cancer treatment costs persistently remain high. The study underscores the importance of a scientific foundation in health systems to assess the legal processes surrounding antineoplastic therapies, preventing unnecessary financial investments. To address these challenges, the study advocates for the development of public health strategies in pharmacoeconomics to democratize access to oncological treatment by reducing associated costs.