National and Global Economic Impact of Glioblastoma

Introduction

The cost of cancer treatment has progressively increased over the past decade as newer chemotherapy and immunotherapy agents have been established. Glioblastoma, in particular, has a significant cost in the health care system because of both the severity of neurologic dysfunction that is associated with the disease and the wide range of treatment options offered in order to prolong survival. The costs of glioblastoma can be divided into medical, emotional, and financial burdens. Although often overlooked, the economic costs and burden associated with glioblastoma can affect the short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with glioblastoma.