A new study found that implementing a network of cancer drug repositories (CDRs) improved access to cancer medications and eliminated unnecessary medication waste by allowing people to donate unopened or unused medications that would otherwise be wasted. This resulted in patients with cancer treatment needs receiving over $18 million in cancer medications at no cost. The research will be presented by Mackler et al at the 2025 ASCO Quality Care Symposium, taking place October 10 to 11 in Chicago and online (Abstract 102).
YesRx Network
YesRx, a nonprofit charitable service organization, was founded in June 2023 in collaboration with the first three registered CDRs in Michigan to support health-care partners in improving cancer medication access and decreasing waste. Subsequently, the YesRx Network was formed in August 2023, with nine founding partner sites, to improve statewide access to CDR resources, particularly for areas serving vulnerable patients and communities.
YesRx accepts any room-temperature cancer medication or supportive care medication that is in its original, sealed manufacturer packaging and has at least 6 months before its expiration date. Controlled substances are not eligible.
Researchers analyzed statewide CDR data from August 2023 through August 2025.
Key Findings
In just 2 years, the YesRx CDR Network achieved over a 1,000% increase in site participation.
A total of 1,592 people donated medications, and 1,171 patients received, on average, a 1-month supply of medication via the YesRx Network. Donations received were valued at $28.6 million, and prescriptions dispensed at no cost to patients were valued at $18.4 million.
Most patients who received prescriptions through the CDR were aged 65 years or older (53%). Breast cancer (28%) was the most common diagnosis for CDR recipients, followed by leukemia (18%), lung cancer (12%), and prostate cancer (9%).
Patients living in rural ZIP codes made up 41% of medication recipients. Approximately 90% of Michigan counties received CDR resources by the end of the 22 months of evaluation time in the study.
During that time, the YesRx Network expanded from 9 to 105 sites, including community sites, private practices, and academic centers.
“We believe a collective effort among oncologists, pharmacists, medical practices, and professional organizations can make this program replicable and effective for patients, clinicians, and communities in states outside of Michigan. Each state has its own legislation that may or may not need to be updated or initiated. The blueprint we present could occur within any state via leadership within its ASCO-affiliated state organization or other collaborative effort,” said lead study author Emily R. Mackler, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, of YesRx.
Next Steps
The authors are expanding research efforts to continue building their understanding of how to better serve patients and clinicians who have the fewest resources, how to ensure that all eligible medications are used instead of wasted, and how to engage practices in other states that are interested in collaborating.
ASCO Expert Perspective
“This program is exactly what patients need—a safe way of recycling their unused prescriptions that actually benefits others with cancer. Dose reductions or drug transitions are common in oncology. This program facilitates the safe redistribution of unused medications and, in doing so, saves money and reduces waste,” said Fumiko Chino, MD, Associate Professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and an ASCO expert in radiation oncology.
Disclosure: This study did not receive any external funding. For full disclosures of the study authors, visit coi.asco.org.
