Economic Burdens and Efficiency in Cancer Care

The field of oncology is increasingly scrutinizing the economic aspects of cancer treatment, both at the macro level of healthcare systems and the micro level affecting individual patients. Current pressing issues involve assessing the cost-effectiveness of various treatment modalities such as traditional chemotherapy, radiation, and the newer targeted therapies, comparing these with cutting-edge innovations like immunotherapy. The ongoing evaluation is expanded by a thorough assessment of hospitalization costs associated with each treatment type, presenting a global perspective by profiling diverse cancer centers and healthcare systems.

Critical to this research is delving into the personal financial ramifications that cancer treatments impose on patients. Detailed investigations into both direct costs—such as treatment expenses and hospitalization—and indirect costs—encompassing lost income, travel, and caregiving—form the crux of this study. The research also examines the variations in the burden due to disparities in health insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses faced by different demographic and socio-economic groups.

This Research Topic aims to propose actionable frameworks that enhance cost-efficiency without sacrificing the efficacy of treatment. The research published will address policy implications through a variety of methodologies, including statistical data analysis, cost-benefit evaluation, and comparative studies utilizing data from healthcare providers, insurance entities, and patient surveys.

To gather further insights into the economic evaluations in oncology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Cross-comparison of cost-effectiveness among different cancer treatment modalities, with special reference to new drug classes such as check-point-inhibitors, target therapy and cell therapy

o Global variations in hospitalization costs related to cancer care

o Patient-centric financial impacts of direct and indirect cancer treatment expenses; work impairment both in cured patients and in patients with advanced disease

o Role of insurance coverage disparities on treatment affordability

o Policy implications for optimizing cost-efficiency in oncology care

Keywords: economic burden, cancer care, efficiency of cancer care, health economics

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.