A recent analysis, published in The Lancet Oncology , calculates that increasing access to [177Lu]PSMA therapy for eligible patients could generate $725 million in economic potential. This impact is projected across nine selected countries between 2023 and 2029. [177Lu]PSMA is a theranostic treatment that combines both therapeutics and diagnostics to target prostate-specific membrane antigens (PSMA) found in cancer cells .
Compared to standard treatments, patients receiving [177Lu]PSMA therapy experience fewer side effects and have higher chances of recovery. These enhanced health outcomes translate into substantial economic benefits. By reducing time lost to illness, individuals can return to work, participate in society, and maintain productivity for longer periods.
This sustained workforce activity boosts both economic performance and societal well-being, transforming health improvements into tangible gains for individuals and society alike. Beyond these direct effects, increased productivity creates two types of ripple effects: Moreover, the study considered the value of unpaid work such as caregiving and volunteering that healthier individuals can contribute to society. These efforts, often overlooked in national accounting systems, further underscore the wider social impact of improved health outcomes.
"Our analysis shows the economic potential of using advanced cancer treatments like [177Lu]PSMA to their full extent," says Dr. Malina Müller, Head of Health Economics .
