In today’s healthcare environment, prostate cancer (PC) emerges as a formidable challenge, significantly impacting both individuals and economies worldwide. Globally, it stands as the second most prevalent cancer in men, demanding extensive resources for effective management. As treatment guidelines have evolved, understanding the financial implications under current protocols is crucial. Such knowledge not only helps in prioritizing healthcare strategies but also in directing policies towards more cost-efficient care. This study sheds light on the economic burden associated with prostate cancer, focusing on both direct and indirect expenses under the latest clinical guidelines.
Methodological Review
Researchers conducted a systematic analysis using the PICOS framework across multiple databases, including PubMed and the Cochrane Library. By filtering for publications from January 2015 to October 2025, the team thoroughly examined studies on the financial aspects of prostate cancer. They gathered and normalized data to 2025 USD, emphasizing both total and segregated costs (direct and indirect) associated with PC. Furthermore, they assessed study quality through an adapted CHEERS checklist.
Significant Economic Insights
The study incorporated data from ninety-five selected studies. It revealed that non-metastatic prostate cancer (nmPC) treatment costs varied significantly, heavily influenced by the disease stage, treatment modalities, and geographic regions. Costs for managing nmPC ranged from roughly US$1,200 to US$280,000 per patient annually, with advanced stages and treatment complications pushing expenses higher. When the cancer progresses to metastasis, systemic therapies and skeletal-related events drive further cost increases. Notably, indirect costs—primarily from productivity loss due to early mortality—accounted for up to 30% of overall PC-related expenses, varying from US$666 to US$12,900 per patient annually.
Inferences from the study reveal:
- Stage and treatment type importantly influence overall cost.
- Advanced PC cases incur substantially higher healthcare expenses.
- Systemic therapies drive major cost increases in metastatic stages.
- Significant indirect costs arise from productivity losses.
Conclusively, prostate cancer substantially strains healthcare budgets and socioeconomic systems, especially when the disease progresses to advanced stages. Adapted healthcare policies fostering timely detection and targeted therapies offer potential to mitigate costs. Promoting access to precision treatments and preventative measures may alleviate financial pressure on healthcare systems. Continuous investigation into novel diagnostic tools and treatment options remains essential to adapt to dynamic healthcare demands.
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
