• Economic Perspective on Novel Cancer Treatment Method: Pathogen-Based Immunotherapy
  • Amir Hossein Atazadeh,1 Soheil Sadr,2 Mahta Niazi,3 Hassan Borji,4,*
    1. Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
    2. Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
    3. Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
    4. Profesional ProfessorوDepartment of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad


  • Introduction: Cancer is a global health challenge with significant social and economic impacts. This disease, characterized by abnormal cell growth and tumor formation, often requires treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, which carry their own drawbacks. Researchers are exploring innovative methods like immunotherapy, which uses pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) to activate the immune system against cancer cells. This article analyzes the economic implications of these treatments, especially immunotherapy, through analytical and statistical methods. It aims to provide insights for informed decision-making in cancer treatment, benefiting healthcare policymakers and stakeholders.
  • Methods: Various data collection methods were employed to thoroughly analyze the economic dimensions of innovative cancer treatments. About 250 articles, focusing on cancer treatment via immunotherapy using diverse pathogens (e.g., bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses), underwent systematic review. These articles were systematically sourced from reputable references like Google Scholar and PubMed. Extracted data were integrated into the analyses, following a comprehensive approach encompassing methodologies such as: 1. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA): To compare costs and treatment effectiveness. 2. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA): For assessing economic value and monetary benefits. 3. Financial Impact Analysis: Examining financial consequences on healthcare and the economy. 4. Social Impact Analysis: Evaluating societal implications of improved cancer treatment through immunotherapy. 5. Cancer-Related Cost Accounting: Identifying and comparing costs directly linked to cancer treatment. This research provides an in-depth evaluation of cancer treatment's economic implications, focusing on immunotherapy.
  • Results: CEA provides a precise evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of different cancer treatments. Treatments that utilize various pathogens to enhance the immune system for cancer treatment often incur higher costs but yield notably positive outcomes, including enhanced patient quality of life, increased work and daily activity capacity, and economic efficiency through reduced healthcare expenditures. CBA reveals diverse economic advantages and disadvantages of cancer treatment using pathogens to boost immunotherapy. While initially costlier, the economic value of such treatments, stemming from improved patient quality of life, heightened societal productivity, and reduced costs related to treatment side effects, justifies investment. Financial Impact Analysis demonstrates that cancer treatments involving the use of pathogens for immunotherapy can lead to reduced expenses associated with ancillary treatments, hospitals, and emergency care. This cost reduction positively affects the healthcare system and the economy, promoting equitable resource allocation. Social Impact Analysis highlights significant improvements in patients' quality of life due to cancer treatments that employ pathogens for immunotherapy. These improvements enable patient reintegration into society and the workforce, contributing to the economic and social advancement of various regions. Accounting for Cancer-Related Effects Analysis underscores the notably high cancer-related costs, including treatment expenses. Cancer treatments utilizing pathogens for immunotherapy play a pivotal role in cost reduction and financial management improvement. Challenges and Considerations: 1. High Costs: Cancer treatments involving the use of pathogens for immunotherapy may have higher initial costs, posing challenges for patients and the healthcare system. Attention to cost management and increasing access is essential. 2. Personalization: Immunotherapy treatments that employ pathogens disrupt the standardization of treatments and focus on personalized interventions, presenting economic and managerial challenges. 3. Access and Limited Resources: Ensuring equitable access to cancer treatments involving the use of pathogens for immunotherapy and securing financial resources for these treatments are crucial challenges, demanding equitable resource allocation. 4. Need for Further Research: Advanced research is essential to enhance immunotherapy methods involving pathogens and improve their economic efficiency, mandating financial support.
  • Conclusion: This article delves into the economic perspective of pathogen-based immunotherapy, a novel approach to cancer treatment. Findings from various analyses highlight the potential of pathogen-based immunotherapy to improve patient quality of life, reduce treatment expenses, enhance productivity, and lower healthcare costs. However, these treatments have varying economic advantages and disadvantages, demanding careful management and improved accessibility. It is recommended that policymakers and healthcare systems invest in and foster the development of these innovative therapies due to their positive economic effects on cancer treatment. Addressing the challenges outlined in this study is crucial for establishing an efficient decision-making framework in cancer treatment, benefiting public health and the economy.
  • Keywords: Immunotherapy Cancer Economics Treatment Cost