Economics of Pediatric Cancer in Four Eastern Mediterranean Countries: A Comparative Assessment

Abstract

PURPOSE Cancer is a leading cause of death among children in the Eastern Mediterranean region, where conflict and economic downturn place additional burden on the health sector. In this context, using economic evidence to inform policy decisions is crucial for maximizing health outcomes from available resources. We summarized the available evidence on the economics of pediatric cancer in Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, and Turkey. METHODS A scoping review was performed of seven academic databases and gray literature pertaining to pediatric cancer in the four jurisdictions, published between January 1, 2010, and July 17, 2019. Information was extracted and organized using an analytical framework that synthesizes economic information on four dimensions: the context of the health system, the economics of health care inputs, the economics of service provision, and the economic consequences of disease. RESULTS Most of the economic evidence available across the four jurisdictions pertains to the availability of health care inputs (ie, drugs, human resources, cancer registration data, and treatment protocols) and individual-level outcomes (either clinical or health-related quality of life). We identified little evidence on the efficiency or quality of health care inputs and of pediatric cancer services. Moreover, we identified no studies examining the cost-effectiveness of any intervention, program, or treatment protocol. Evidence on the economic consequences of pediatric cancer on families and the society at large was predominantly qualitative. CONCLUSION The available economic evidence on pediatric cancer care in the four countries is limited to resource availability and, to an extent, patient outcomes, with a substantial gap in information on drug quality, service provision efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Links between researchers and policymakers must be strengthened if pediatric cancer spending decisions, and, ultimately, treatment outcomes, are to improve.

Cost-effectiveness of childhood cancer treatment in Egypt: lessons to promote high-value care in a resource-limited setting based on real-world evidence

“… 30 , 31 There is a lack of data about cost-effectiveness of paediatric cancer treatment in the Eastern Mediterranean countries. 32 …”

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Pediatric Oncology in the Arab World

“…Areas of research that deserve special consideration include cost-effectiveness of pediatric cancer care and outcome studies [4]. Cutting-edge research is available in multiple centers in the Arab world, and many centers are already involved in collaborative international trials.…”

“…It is noted that major gaps in our knowledge regarding the true burden of pediatric cancer in the Arab world exists. In a scoping review by Gheorghe et al, where all literature from three Arab countries and Turkey were reviewed, it was revealed that much needs to be done to appreciate the impact of this problem [4]. One particular area of concern was the lack of reliable data regarding the outcome of pediatric cancer on national levels.…”