Web Exclusives

It is well documented that healthcare costs and spending have been growing at staggering rates. Healthcare accounts for ~17% of total gross domestic product (GDP) in the United States. In comparison, in 1960, healthcare only accounted for about 5% of GDP. Our current level of spending is nearly double the average percentage of GDP of every other country in the world. Total healthcare spending comes from many sources, including but not limited to hospital care, physician and clinical services, nursing home care, administrative costs, and prescription drugs. Read More ›

Dr Hansen’s article brings to light financial aspects of healthcare that we do not often consider. A recent economic analysis showed the total cost of cancer care in the US reached $209.9 billion in 2005.¹ The high costs of chronic cancer care come in second to cardiac disease (23% and 38%, respectively).^2,3 However, increased costs do not yield longer life. Read More ›

Introduction

The past decade has seen a dramatic upsurge in the utilization of specialty pharmacies for all types of therapeutic modalities, including those for cancer. The cost of cancer care may rise from about $125 billion in 2010 to $207 billion by the end of the decade. Read More ›

Introduction

The proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib is a promising new agent for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Data presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) highlighted a role for this agent in both the frontline and relapsed and/or refractory settings.

The evolution of drug research and development toward oral therapies for cancer over the past decade has created a number of questions for the oncology healthcare provider. Will insurance companies pay for these exceptionally expensive medications? How and when will patients receive their medication? Who will be responsible for ensuring patient education and monitoring to maximize safe drug administration and patient compliance? Read More ›

Introduction