Transforming Cancer Drug Access: Insights Into Utilization and Clinician Satisfaction in a Statewide Cancer Drug Repository Network.

Abstract

The rise in high-cost cancer therapies has intensified financial strain on patients with cancer, whereas medication waste simultaneously continues to increase. This study evaluated outcomes associated with the YesRx Network, a clinic-facing statewide cancer drug repository (CDR) network in Michigan, including its impact on access, waste reduction, and participant satisfaction. We conducted a retrospective review of CDR data from the YesRx Network's first 24 months (August 2023-July 2025) across 105 partner sites and analyzed a cross-sectional participant survey. CDR donation and dispensing metrics were summarized using descriptive statistics. A 14-item questionnaire assessed participants' experiences, operational impacts, and areas for improvement. Over 24 months, 1,520 individuals donated cancer medications, resulting in $26.96 in US dollars (USD) million in medication donations (over 100,000 viable pills) and $17.59 USD million worth of free prescriptions dispensed to 1,124 patients with cancer in Michigan. Recipients represented 90% of Michigan counties, with 40% of dispenses going to residents in rural areas. Health care participant survey respondents (n = 44, 33% response rate) represented diverse clinical roles and practice settings; 84% indicated that they could not have provided CDR programming without YesRx support. Most reported increased work satisfaction (86%) and found the program easy to participate (93%). A statewide, clinic-oriented CDR model like YesRx can effectively expand equitable access to expensive cancer medications, reduce drug waste, and streamline support for oncology clinicians. Integration of such programs into clinical workflows benefits vulnerable populations and provides a replicable blueprint for addressing medication access and waste nationwide.