Researchers from Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) and the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) have published an important international study revealing that many modern cancer medicines—particularly immunotherapies—remain unaffordable for most patients worldwide, including in India.
The study, published in the journal Head & Neck, examined the affordability of advanced cancer drugs used in the treatment of head and neck cancers. Titled “Disparity in the Markers of Affordability Across Targeted- and Immune-Therapy Drugs Used in Head and Neck Cancers,” the research compared drug prices across seven countries, including India, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The findings reveal that widely used immunotherapy drugs such as Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab are extremely expensive across all markets, making them inaccessible to the majority of patients.
High Burden of Head and Neck Cancers in India
Head and neck cancers are particularly common in India, largely due to widespread consumption of tobacco, areca nut (supari), and alcohol. In many cases, patients receive a diagnosis at an advanced stage of the disease.
Moreover, most individuals pay for treatment directly from their personal savings. Although newer immunotherapy drugs have shown survival benefits in certain cases, researchers noted that their limited clinical benefit does not justify the extremely high treatment costs.
Key Findings of the Study
The study highlighted several important findings regarding the affordability of modern cancer therapies.
In India, the cost of a six-month course of pembrolizumab is nearly 80 times the average monthly income. Similarly, treatment with nivolumab exceeds 20 times the average monthly income, placing these drugs far beyond the reach of most families.
Researchers also found that patients in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh face similar financial barriers.
Even in high-income countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, these drugs impose substantial financial burdens on patients and healthcare systems.
As reported by pib.gov.in, the study further revealed that the amount spent on treating one patient with pembrolizumab in India could instead fund treatment for 18 to 22 patients using lower-cost targeted therapies.
Experts Call Attention to Affordability Crisis
Dr Arjun Singh, the study’s lead author from Tata Memorial Centre, emphasised that the problem lies not in medical progress but in the high price of modern cancer drugs.
According to him, immunotherapy treatments remain completely out of reach for most families. In India, the cost of a six-month course of treatment can exceed several years of an average household’s income.
He stressed that the price of these medicines is disproportionately high compared with the actual clinical benefit they provide.
Need for Prevention and Early Detection
Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, senior author of the study and Director at Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, highlighted the serious financial consequences for patients.
He explained that when families must pay for treatment out of pocket, extremely expensive therapies can push them into poverty. Therefore, prevention, early detection, and accessible treatment remain the most effective ways to reduce deaths from head and neck cancer.
He also noted that relying solely on expensive medicines will not adequately address the growing cancer burden.
Recommendations for Cost-Effective Cancer Care
The researchers recommend a more judicious and evidence-based use of expensive cancer drugs, ensuring that they are prescribed primarily to patients who are most likely to benefit.
In addition, they emphasise the need to develop cost-effective and context-specific treatment strategies, particularly for countries with limited healthcare resources.
The study also calls for the promotion of high-quality generic medicines and biosimilars, along with rigorous quality checks and stronger regulatory oversight.
Policy Implications for India
These findings are particularly relevant as India expands its national health coverage through Ayushman Bharat and continues to invest in cancer treatment infrastructure.
The government has also removed customs duties on several cancer medicines to improve accessibility. However, the researchers argue that deeper reforms are still required.
Such reforms should include stronger drug price negotiations, improved health insurance coverage, and increased emphasis on prevention through stricter control of tobacco, areca nut, and alcohol consumption. At the same time, expanding early screening programs could significantly reduce cancer mortality.
Moving Toward Sustainable Cancer Care
Ultimately, the study underscores the urgent need to balance medical innovation with affordability. While modern therapies offer hope for cancer patients, ensuring equitable access requires policy changes, cost regulation, and stronger public health strategies.
The complete research findings are available in the 2026 edition of the journal Head & Neck.