> And we're not even counting in meaningful life years. I think it's likely that a lot of these treatment paths end up cumulatively increasing QALY's (quality-

> And we're not even counting in meaningful life years. I think it's likely that a lot of these treatment paths end up cumulatively increasing QALY's (quality-adjusted life years) by more than they increase life expectancy. That is, they add more good time than total time, in part because of a lot of the factors you mention. If we pick up 5 years of QALY and 4 years of increased lifespan, that's a pretty huge win, IMO. It means getting to know grandchildren much more meaningfully as the typical age of parents at childbirth has increased.