Cancer innovation faces serious threats in Europe due to siloed thinking among payers, health systems, and finance ministries. This approach leads to underfunding and delays in access to new treatments. A recent white paper by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and the Dolon Institute reveals these issues. It stresses the true value of oncology advances for patients and society. In this update, I analyse the economic and clinical impacts and offer recommendations for decision-makers to improve outcomes.

Context and Background

Over the past three decades, cancer treatments have advanced greatly. New diagnostics and therapies have changed care for many patients. For example, immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma have raised ten-year survival rates to 52% from just 5%. These gains have prevented 5.4 million deaths in Europe since 1989. Moreover, they have added 1 million quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The total health value from these innovations reaches €29.2 billion.

Europe once led in cancer research. Investments created €53.7 billion in gross value added and 49,400 R&D jobs. Yet, cancer accounts for 17% of the disease burden and nearly 25% of deaths. Health spending on it remains low at 6%, with only 2.97% for medicines. This mismatch shows chronic underinvestment. One in four Europeans will face a cancer diagnosis, but access to new drugs slows.

Globally, Europe loses ground. Its share of cancer clinical trials now stands at 20%, while China’s reaches 39%. In regions like Eastern Europe, funding gaps and red tape worsen delays. Wealthier nations deal with long reimbursement waits too.

Key Analysis and Insights

Siloed views treat oncology spending as a burden, not an investment. The EFPIA report counters this with clear data. Cancer innovation delivers strong returns – for instance, it eases pressure on health systems by cutting hospital stays. In the UK, targeted lung cancer therapies reduced hospital admissions.

Economic Value of Cancer Innovation

Oncology drives broad benefits. It generates €53.7 billion in economic value and supports jobs and growth in biotech sectors. Each euro spent on innovative care yields 2-4 euros in societal gains. In Spain, cancer medicines cost €3,269 per year of life gained from 2000 to 2016. This falls below the €22,000-€25,000 threshold set by officials.

• Health improvements: 1 million extra QALYs worth €29.2 billion.
• Economic boost: €53.7 billion in gross value added.
• Job support: 49,400 positions in European R&D.

These figures highlight why cancer innovation must form a core part of health policy. Yet, misconceptions persist. Policymakers focus on short-term costs over long-term wins.

Challenges in Access and Funding

Access to cancer innovation declines sharply. The EFPIA W.A.I.T. indicator shows a 14% drop, from 58% in 2020 to 50% in 2024. Reimbursement delays rose 15% to 540 days between 2022 and 2024. This leaves 3.2 million patients waiting for vital drugs. Key causes include low funding and bureaucracy.

Fragmented health technology assessments across member states add hurdles. In contrast, the US offers faster processes. For cancers like pancreatic or liver, where options remain few, delays prove costly. Untreated cases lead to advanced disease, raising expenses by up to 50% per patient, as per European Cancer Organisation figures.

Europe’s trial share fall signals deeper issues. Without action, the oncology market—worth $200 billion and growing 8% yearly—may shift elsewhere (IQVIA data). Regional differences matter too. Nordic states achieve fair access but face silos. Southern Europe battles tight budgets.

Implications and Recommendations

These patterns affect health economics and system dynamics. Slow access increases overall costs and worsens outcomes. It also weakens EU goals like the Beating Cancer Plan, which targets better lives for 3 million by 2030. Funding cuts to EU4Health heighten risks.

Decision-makers must adopt a unified view of cancer innovation’s value. This means balancing budgets with investments that save lives and spur growth. The report urges EU bodies and states to act now.

1. Extend the Beating Cancer Plan past 2025. Align it with the EU Cancer Mission. Secure EU4Health funds to match the 17% disease burden.
2. Enhance R&D funding. Use tax incentives to keep clinical trials in Europe. This preserves the 20% global share and aids the life sciences sector.
3. Speed up access. Harmonise assessments to cut delays below 200 days. Run cost-effectiveness studies in each state, like Spain’s example, for fair pricing.

Such steps ensure equitable care while respecting regional needs. They promote sustainable systems that value innovation.

Conclusion

Cancer innovation has transformed Europe, preventing millions of deaths and creating vast economic value. Siloed thinking, however, risks this progress through underfunding and access barriers. The EFPIA report shows clear paths forward: sustain plans, fund research, and hasten treatments.

Leaders should prioritise these changes to protect patients and Europe’s edge. For more details, read the full white paper from the Dolon Institute or EFPIA oncology resources (linked provided below).

Source

https://www.efpia.eu/news-events/the-efpia-view/statements-press-releases/siloed-thinking-on-cancer-innovation-puts-future-care-at-risk-says-new-report/