# Reassessing onco-exceptionalism: equity and resource allocation in immunotherapeutic cancer treatments

## TL;DR

This paper examines whether it's fair to allocate more resources to cancer patients who can benefit from expensive, targeted immunotherapies.

## Contribution

The paper provides a critical evaluation of onco-exceptionalism and advocates for a more equitable and proactive healthcare approach.

## Key findings

- Only a small fraction of cancer patients benefit from targeted immunotherapies.
- The paper argues against preferential resource allocation for onco-exceptionalism.
- A proactive health approach is recommended for fairer treatment distribution.

## Abstract

Given that only a small fraction of patients with cancer exhibits specific markers making them eligible for effective targeted therapies, this paper investigates the justification of treating cancer differently in terms of resource allocation when it comes to the application of novel precise therapies—the so-called onco-exceptionalism. Specifically, it assesses whether the reimbursement of expensive drugs is equitable. To do so, we first contextualise healthcare resource allocation concerning immunotherapeutic treatments for cancer, then explore arguments for and against onco-exceptionalism and finally conclude by advocating for a proactive health approach.