Statewide Cancer Drug Repository Reducing Waste in the Setting of Shortage Crisis

Oncologist. 2024 Mar 14:oyae040. doi: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae040. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Disparities in cancer treatment, including access to medications, continue to exist. Rising drug prices and cancer drug shortages are 2 causes of inequitable access to treatment. This article introduces pilot outcomes for a solution to improve access to medications while also decreasing medication waste. Cancer drug repositories are an innovative patient-centered model where donations of unused cancer medications from patients are repurposed and provided to patients who are most vulnerable and disproportionately harmed by financial toxicity. This model demonstrates efficiency and sustainability that complements integrated care and provides an approach to increase medication access and decrease medication waste.

Keywords: cancer drug repository; equitable cancer care; financial toxicity in cancer; medication waste.