Increasing Cancer Survival and The Emerging Economic Im-pact of Polypharmacy: A Therapeutic Perspective

Abstract

Polypharmacy, the concurrent use of multiple medications, is common amongst cancer patients, and often leads to an increased economic burden. This burden is primarily driven by higher medication acquisition expenses and healthcare utilization costs. The direct costs associated with polypharmacy include the high expenses of cancer treatments, supportive medications, and drugs for managing comorbidities. Limited insurance coverage further exacerbates the economic burden, as patients often face substantial out-of-pocket expenses. Polypharmacy in cancer survivorship also results in increased healthcare utilization and associated costs due to adverse drug events, drug interactions, and treat-ment-related complications. These factors necessitate hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and outpatient care, all of which contribute to the economic impact. Moreover, managing long-term effects and chronic conditions resulting from cancer treatments and aging further adds to the economic burden of polypharmacy. The addition of multiple medications to manage these conditions increases medication expenses and healthcare utilization. The indirect economic consequences of polypharmacy in cancer care are reflected in productivity losses.