OBJECTIVES: Cancer is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Novel cancer medicines are marketed every year for treatment of patients with cancer. The estimated total annual economic cost of cancer treatment is significant and is increasing. The affordability and accessibility of effective novel cancer medicines remains a serious challenge for the sustainability of Kazakhstani health system. The main objective of this paper is to consider possible strategies to optimize the use of novel cancer medicines in Kazakhstan, balancing rising costs with increasing budget constraints to improve decision making process from a payer perspective.

METHODS: A narrative review of pharmaceutical policies and implications, as well as possible developments. The analysis is rooted in key publications and initiatives known to the researchers primarily from a payer perspective.

RESULTS: Kazakhstan's policies are evidence-based and consistent with global and national commitments. The highest political levels has been outline the conceptual framework for the accessibility, affordability, and availability of novel cancer medicines. The National Cancer Control Plan shapes government policy commitments, and provides regulatory guidance on approval, procurement, distribution, and reimbursement. Health technology assessment is crucial for optimizing reimbursement lists, ensuring the inclusion of cost-effective cancer medicines for greatest patient value.

CONCLUSIONS: Access to affordable cancer medicines is a major issue in health policy. Cost of novel cancer medicines is one of the main barriers to patient treatment in Kazakhstan . In addressing the cancer care gap in Kazakhstan, the possible strategies to improve the affordability of novel cancer medicines are primarily based on the cost of the medicine and include fair pricing, availability of quality-assured generic and biosimilar medicines, informing disinvestment through cost-effectiveness modelling, patient assistance programs either from pharmaceutical companies or from nonprofit organizations, and compulsory licensing.