New Cancer Drugs at the Cost of Bankruptcy: Will the Oncologist Tell the Patients the Benefit in Terms of Days/Weeks Added to Life?

Abstract

In addition to considerations of possible cancer treatments reducing quality of life, the cost effectiveness of such treatments must also be a factor when determining treatments. Some patients have opted for expensive new treatments, leading to high financial risk but only modest results. Oncologists must explain to patients the expected benefits of treatments in terms of absolute values to allow patients to make informed decisions.