The impending financial healthcare burden and ethical dilemma of systemic therapy in metastatic cancer

J Surg Oncol. 2016 Sep;114(3):323-8. doi: 10.1002/jso.24333. Epub 2016 Jul 4.

Abstract

Metastatic cancer remains a devastating disease that threatens to disrupt entire family structures creating economic and psychosocial stress. Fortunately, great strides have resulted in improved therapies over the years but at a huge social-economic cost. The economic burden has risen greatly and carries with it new ethical concerns when deciding treatment. Here, we discuss the financial and ethical challenges that oncologists and their patients face in the era of novel treatment strategies. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:323-328. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: chemotherapy; cost effectiveness; metastatic cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / economics*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Health Care Costs
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / therapy*
  • Patient Selection
  • Quality of Life
  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years
  • Risk Assessment