Cancer Summit

Health Economics, Access, and Policy in Oncology

Health economics, access, and policy play a pivotal role in ensuring equitable delivery of cancer care while balancing cost-effectiveness, resource allocation, and treatment outcomes. Current trends focus on value-based oncology, assessing the economic impact of therapies, including high-cost innovations such as immunotherapies, CAR-T cell treatments, and targeted agents, to optimize healthcare spending without compromising patient outcomes. Policymakers are increasingly emphasizing reimbursement frameworks, insurance coverage, and pricing strategies that improve access to advanced diagnostics and treatments, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Real-world evidence and pharmacoeconomic analyses are informing clinical guidelines, budget planning, and healthcare decision-making, while patient-centered policies aim to address disparities in care delivery, geographic barriers, and social determinants of health. Digital health and telemedicine are also being leveraged to enhance access, reduce costs, and improve adherence to therapy, especially in remote or underserved populations. This session will explore emerging health policy strategies, economic evaluation of oncology treatments, global access initiatives, and the role of regulatory and payer frameworks in shaping sustainable, high-quality cancer care systems that maximize patient benefit and societal impact.