Global disparities in the availability and reimbursement of systemic therapies for renal cell carcinoma: results of the International ARON-AID Survey
Abstract
Abstract Background Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) represents a growing global health burden, with rising incidence and mortality worldwide. Despite major therapeutic advances, access to novel systemic treatments remains uneven across countries and regions. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, web-based international survey to assess the availability and reimbursement status of 20 innovative systemic therapies for RCC. Responses were collected from 144 clinicians, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, urologists, and nuclear medicine specialists, across 58 countries. Analyses examined associations between national income level, gross domestic product (GDP), and treatment availability. Findings Thirty-six percent of the countries analyzed had at least 15 of the 20 therapies available. Full reimbursement for at least 15 of the selected innovative therapies was reported in six countries (10%), while 21 countries (36%) fully reimbursed 10-14 therapies and 13 countries (23%) reimbursed 1-9 therapies. In contrast, no full reimbursement for any of the assessed therapies was reported in 18 countries (31%). Higher national income level was significantly associated with greater availability of innovative therapies (Kruskal–Wallis test, P < .0001). Armenia (0.709), Greece (0.685), and Israel (0.666) exhibited the highest GDP-adjusted Drug Availability Index (DAI), whereas India (5.195), Nigeria (4.612), and Morocco (3.794) demonstrated the greatest number of available therapies per US$1000 of GDP per capita. Interpretation Access to innovative systemic therapies for RCC remains highly unequal at the global level, with reimbursement posing a major barrier even where drugs are available. Internationally coordinated efforts addressing health policy, infrastructure, and equitable pricing are urgently required to ensure that advances in RCC treatment translate into improved outcomes for patients across diverse economic settings.