Cancer Drug Repository Network Yields $18M in Patient Savings

Patients donated over $26 million in prescription drugs.

YesRx CDR Network, a nonprofit network of cancer drug repositories (CDRs), connected patients in need with $18 million of free unused cancer medication, reducing waste of oncolytic therapies, according to data shared in a news release ahead of the 2025 ASCO Quality Care Symposium.¹

In 2 years of operation, YesRx supplied 1171 patients with an average 1-month supply of medication. Donations were made by 1592 people, totaling $28.6 million in value. Participation from partnering sites increased by over 1000% over the 2 years. Over 100,000 pills were prevented from waste through the program.

“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,” said lead study author Emily R. Mackler, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, of YesRx. “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.”

Most patients who received medication through the CDR were at least 65 years old (53%). Of patients who received prescriptions from the program, the most common cancer types were breast cancer (28%), leukemia (18%), lung cancer (12%), and prostate cancer (9%). Additionally, 41% of patients who received medication lived in rural ZIP codes.

Resources were provided through YesRx to patients in about 90% of Michigan counties.

“This program is exactly what patients need⁠—a safe way of recycling their unused prescriptions that actually benefits others with cancer,” said Fumiko Chino, MD, associate professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and an identified ASCO Expert in radiation oncology. “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.”

Testimonial included in the presentation of data included a quote from patient who said that before receiving medication from YesRx, they faced a $3800 deductible while making $2800 a month.

Background on YesRx CDR Network

YesRx accepts medications that are stored at room temperature that are sealed in their original manufacturer packaging. Medications must not expire within 6 months, and controlled substances are not eligible.

Additional information on YesRx’s website detail that medication donations can include blister packed medication with some medication removed.² The medication must have a visible lot number and cannot be accepted if it was not used for cancer diagnosis, has open or tampered packaging, is expired, requires refrigeration, is a controlled substance I-IV, is part of a REMS program or manufacturer program requiring registration, or is previously dispensed by a CDR.

Medications eligible for donation and distribution include oral oncolytic medications and oral medications used to treat adverse effects of chemotherapy or other symptoms of cancer. To be eligible to receive medication from YesRx, patients in need of assistance obtaining cancer medication must be a resident of Michigan with a valid ID card and receive care from a cancer clinician located in Michigan.

According to the news release, YesRx began in June 2023 and connected the first 3 registered CDRs in Michigan, before the YesRx Network’s formation with 9 founding partner sites with the goal of improving access to CDR resources, especially for vulnerable patients and communities. A presentation of the data ahead of the conference mentioned that YesRx now includes over 100 cancer care sites in Michigan, including tribal, rural, urban, academic, and other systems.

It was noted in the news release that the study did not receive outside funding. YesRx is a 501(c)(3) charitable service organization.

Reference

1. Mackler E, Norman S, Tocco-Bradley R, Stella P, Jalloul F. Reclaiming oral cancer medications to improve access: Early outcomes from a statewide CDR network. Presented at: ASCO Quality Care Symposium 2025. October 10-11, 2025; Chicago, Illinois. Abstract 102.
2. Donate medication. YesRx. Accessed October 7, 2025.