A retrospective analysis of small molecule targeting inhibitor usage for lung cancer among outpatients in six major regions of China (2016–2022)

Between 2016 and 2022, the prescription volume of small molecule targeted inhibitors for lung cancer rose yearly, showing their expanding clinical use. Since 2020, despite continued growth in prescriptions, drug costs have stabilized or slightly decreased. This reflects that China's medical insurance negotiation and centralized procurement policies have effectively reduced patients' economic burden without limiting their access to these inhibitors. Pharmacoeconomic indicators also confirm that the use of these drugs has been both reasonable and efficient, allowing for increased drug utilization while reducing patients' financial strain.