Virtual Dialogue: The economic impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on cancer care outcomes

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly recognised as a critical threat to effective cancer care. People living with cancer are particularly vulnerable to infections due to disease-related and treatment-induced immunosuppression, and drug-resistant infections can result in treatment delays, interruptions, prolonged hospitalisation, higher healthcare costs, and premature mortality.

Recent evidence suggests that cancer patients may experience drug-resistant infections at rates significantly higher than patients without cancer. At the same time, global spending on cancer medicines now exceeds USD200 billion annually, yet the effectiveness and value of these investments depend on patients being able to safely complete treatment and achieve the expected health outcomes. Despite this, AMR remains largely absent from discussions on cancer care, health system sustainability, and long-term cancer outcomes. 

This virtual dialogue will explore the often-overlooked economic impact of AMR on cancer care and treatment outcomes. Building on a preliminary analysis conducted by the Alliance for Reducing Microbial Resistance (ARMOR) and UICC and other data sets, the session will examine how drug-resistant infections can lead to treatment interruptions, increased healthcare costs, premature mortality, and unrealised returns on the substantial global investment in cancer care. The dialogue will feature emerging evidence and perspectives on the clinical, economic, policy, and health system implications of AMR in oncology.

 Speakers

• Chair – Shalini Jayasekar, UICC
• David Mckinney, Alliance for Reducing Microbial Resistance (ARMOR)
• Mo Putera, Alliance for Reducing Microbial Resistance (ARMOR)
• Rachel Freeman, IQVIA
• Najy Alsayed, Menarini Group