Cancer immunotherapy has transformed oncology, providing new hope when traditional treatments fail. From immune checkpoint inhibitors to CAR-T therapy, these treatments use the body's own immune system to combat cancer more effectively than ever before. But there's a catch: the cost. In India, advanced immunotherapy can cost between ₹20 lakh and ₹1 crore. That raises the question of whether immunotherapy should be free for all cancer patients.
The Case For Free Immunotherapy
Healthcare equity: Cancer does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status. The denial of access to life-saving immunotherapy due to cost raises ethical concerns. Making it free could help save thousands of lives each year.
Long-term Economic Benefit: Despite the high initial costs, successful immunotherapy reduces hospitalisations, repeated chemotherapy, and palliative care requirements. This may, paradoxically, reduce the overall economic burden on healthcare systems.
Encouraging Research Participation: When financial barriers are removed, patients are more likely to enroll in clinical trials or new treatment programs, resulting in faster innovation.
Challenges with Universal Free Access
High production costs: The manufacturing of biologic drugs, such as monoclonal antibodies, is complex. Unlike generic medications, scaling production to meet high demand is difficult.
Healthcare Infrastructure Limitations: Free access alone is insufficient; proper hospitals, trained staff, and monitoring systems are required. Without this, providing treatment may be dangerous.
Risk of Overuse: Immunotherapy is not appropriate for all cancers or patients. Free access without careful clinical oversight may result in misuse or ineffective treatment.
A Balanced Approach
A realistic strategy could include subsidized costs for those in need, expanded insurance coverage, and government-funded immunotherapy programs. Some countries are looking into tiered pricing or partial subsidies to balance innovation incentives and patient access.
Key Takeaway:
Immunotherapy is a medical breakthrough, but making it universally available is difficult. A mix of strategic subsidies, insurance reforms, and public-private partnerships could be the most effective way forward.
