1
|
Riano I, Velazquez AI, Viola L, Abuali I, Jimenez K, Abioye O, Florez N. State of Cancer Control in South America: Challenges and Advancement Strategies. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2024; 38:55-76. [PMID: 37353378 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a major public health problem in South America. The cancer mortality burden is increasing in the region due to its presentation at later stages, which is related to limited access to cancer care. This results in a noticeable inequity in provisions of cancer care including specialized screening programs, as well as cancer-related treatments such as personalized medicine, radiation therapy, palliative care, and survivorship services. Consequently, South America faces many challenges for cancer control, most of them deriving from a lack of funding and unequal distribution of resources and cancer services, affecting mostly the underserved populations in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Riano
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine Dartmouth, One Medical Drive, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA.
| | - Ana I Velazquez
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. https://twitter.com/AnaVManana
| | - Lucia Viola
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, Centro de Tratamiento e Investigación Sobre Cáncer Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo (CTIC), Cra. 13b #161 - 85, Bogotá, Colombia. https://twitter.com/LuciaViola9
| | - Inas Abuali
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. https://twitter.com/Inas_md
| | - Kathya Jimenez
- Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador, El Salvador. https://twitter.com/KathyaJimenezMD
| | - Oyepeju Abioye
- University of the Witwatersrand, School of Public Health, Johannesburg, South Africa. https://twitter.com/AbioyeOyepeju
| | - Narjust Florez
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Medicine, 450 Brookline Avenue - DA1230, Boston, MA 02215, USA. https://twitter.com/NarjustFlorezMD
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Castilla EMR, Mayrides M, González H, Vidangossy F, Corbeaux T, Ortiz N, Amaya C, Nuñez A, Jimbo DFJ, Ayensa A, Galindo M, Ruiz K, Pérez JM. Implementing precision oncology in Latin America to improve patient outcomes: the status quo and a call to action for key stakeholders and decision-makers. Ecancermedicalscience 2024; 18:1653. [PMID: 38425763 PMCID: PMC10901631 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2024.1653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The advent of precision oncology (PO) has revolutionised diagnostic and follow up strategies and improved clinical outcomes for cancer patients. However, socio-economic inequalities in the level of implementation of PO in different countries is a prevailing issue. To improve this situation, the Latin America Patients Academy has gathered the recommendations of healthcare professionals and social civil members experienced in cancer management from Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Panama, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Argentina regarding the areas that need to be prioritised to improve the access to PO in Latin American (LATAM) countries. Methods This manuscript is the culmination of a series of educational campaigns and panel discussion aimed at improving the implementations of PO in LATAM that took place from June 2021 to January 2022. The status of PO in Latin America the level of PO implementation is generally low with some exceptions. The number of clinical trials and articles published with keywords related to PO from LATAM countries is drastically lower than in Europe and the United States. Despite sharing many complex challenges, progress is taking place in some countries in the region. Focus areas defined by the expert panel The expert panel determined the areas of PO that should be improved by LATAM countries to improve its implementation through cancer care plans, educational programs and collaborative strategies. These initiatives should increase awareness about PO in the region and eventually improve cancer control in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Haydée González
- Linfomas Argentinas, Tucumán 731, Buenos Aires 1049, Argentina
| | | | | | - Nancy Ortiz
- Foro Nacional de Cancer Chile, Santiago 755000, Chile
| | - Claudia Amaya
- Fundacion SENOSama Bucaramanga, Santander 680002, Colombia
| | - Alexandra Nuñez
- Asociación Unidos Contra el Cáncer, San Jose 10103, Costa Rica
| | | | - Adela Ayensa
- Salvati, Calle Eugenia No 13 – 102, Col Nápoles, Benito Juarez, Ciudad de México 03810, México
| | - Mayra Galindo
- Asociación Mexicana de Lucha contra el Cáncer, Zacatecas No 24-4to piso, interior 404, Roma Nte, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México 06700, México
| | - Karla Ruiz
- Calle Conde de la Monclova 363 of 306, San Isidro, Lima 15073, Peru
| | - Juan Manuel Pérez
- Fundación Un Amigo como Tu, Ave Correa y Cidrón Esq Abraham Lincoln, Edif Profesionales Unidos, Suite 303, Santo Domingo, DN, Santo Domingo 10102, Dominican Republic
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bravo-Garzón MA, Bornstein-Quevedo L, de Camargo VP, Sanku G, Jansen AM, de Macedo MP, Rico-Restrepo M, Chacón M. BRAF-Mutated Melanoma Journey in Latin America: Expert Recommendations From Diagnosis to Treatment. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241251572. [PMID: 38751033 PMCID: PMC11100406 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241251572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES • Gather a panel of Latin American experts in testing and treating BRAF-melanoma. • Describe the current landscape of BRAF-mutated melanoma in Latin America. • Outline the current gaps in testing and recommend improvements for testing and treating BRAF-mutated melanoma in the region. INTRODUCTION Melanoma prevalence in Latin America is lower than in high- and middle-income countries. However, recent data indicate that the region's incidence and mortality are rising, with more stage IV patients being diagnosed. According to international clinical practice guidelines, conducting BRAF-mutation testing in patients with stage III or stage IV melanoma and high-risk resected disease is imperative. Still, BRAF-mutation testing and targeted therapies are inconsistently available in the region. METHODS Americas Health Foundation convened a meeting of Latin American experts on BRAF-mutated melanoma to develop guidelines and recommendations for diagnosis through treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Some recommendations for improving diagnostics through improving access and reducing the cost of BRAF-mutation testing, enhancing efficiency in pathology laboratories, and creating country-specific local guidelines. The panel also gave treatment recommendations for neo-adjuvant therapy, adjuvant therapy, and therapy for patients with metastatic disease in Latin America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María A. Bravo-Garzón
- Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo Cancer Treatment and Research Center – CTIC, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Matías Chacón
- Alexander Fleming Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Denninghoff V, von Petery F, Fresno C, Galarza M, Torres F, Avagnina A, Fishkel V, Krupitzki H, Fiorillo A, Monge F. Clinical implementation of a cervical cancer screening program via co-testing at a university hospital. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278476. [PMID: 36454784 PMCID: PMC9714701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test is a crucial technology for cervical cancer prevention because it enables programs to identify women with high-risk HPV infection who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations include cervical cancer screening every three years with cervical cytology alone or every five years with either high-risk HPV testing alone or high-risk HPV testing combined with cytology (co-testing). In Argentina, 7,548 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed each year with 3,932 deaths attributed to this cause. Our study aims to show the clinical implementation of a cervical cancer screening program by concurrent HPV testing and cervical cytology (co-testing); and to evaluate the possible cervical cancer screening scenarios for Latin America, focusing on their performance and average cost. A cervical cancer screening five year program via co-testing algorithm (Hybrid-2-Capture/cytology) was performed on women aged 30-65 years old at a university hospital. Statistical analysis included a multinomial logistic regression, and two cancer screening classification alternatives were tested (cytology-reflex and HPV-reflex). A total of 2,273 women were included, 91.11% of the participants were double-negative, 2.55% double-positive, 5.90% positive-Hybrid-2-Capture-/negative-cytology, and 0.44% negative-Hybrid-2-Capture/positive-cytology. A thorough follow-up was performed in the positive-Hybrid-2-Capture group. Despite our efforts, 21 (10.93%) were lost, mainly because of changes on their health insurance coverage which excluded them from our screening algorithm. Of the 171 women with positive-Hybrid-2-Capture results and follow-up, 68 (39.77%) cleared the virus infection, 64 (37.43%) showed viral persistence, and 39 (22.81%) were adequately treated after detection via colposcopy/biopsy of histological HSIL (High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion). The prevalence of high-risk HPV in this population was 192 women (8.45%), with HSIL histology detection rates of 17 per 1,000 screened women. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed over the women with positive-Hybrid-2-Capture considering the follow up (clearance, persistence and HSIL) as dependent variable, and the cytology test results (positive- or negative-cytology and Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance, ASC-US) as independent variable. The model supported a direct association between cytology test results and follow up: negative-cytology/clearance, ASC-US/persistence, and positive-cytology/HSIL with the following probabilities of occurrence for these pairs 0.5, 0.647 and 0.647, respectively. Cytology could be considered a prognostic-factor in women with a positive-Hybrid-2-Capture. These findings suggest that the introduction of co-testing could diminish the burden of cervical cancer in low-and middle-income-countries, acting as a tool against inequity in healthcare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Denninghoff
- Molecular-Clinical Laboratory, University of Buenos Aires—National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail: (VD); (CF)
| | - Felicitas von Petery
- Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristóbal Fresno
- Health and Sciences Research Center (CICSA), Health and Sciences Faculty, Anahuac University, Huixquilucan, Estado de México, México
- * E-mail: (VD); (CF)
| | - Mercedes Galarza
- Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Torres
- General Acute’s Hospital Dr. I. Pirovano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Avagnina
- Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina Fishkel
- Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hugo Krupitzki
- CEMIC-CONICET Interacting Units, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Angel Fiorillo
- Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Monge
- Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Horgan D, Mia R, Erhabor T, Hamdi Y, Dandara C, Lal JA, Fokom Domgue J, Ewumi O, Nyawira T, Meyer S, Kondji D, Francisco NM, Ikeda S, Chuah C, De Guzman R, Paul A, Reddy Nallamalla K, Park WY, Tripathi V, Tripathi R, Johns A, Singh MP, Phipps ME, Dube F, Whittaker K, Mukherji D, Rasheed HMA, Kozaric M, Pinto JA, Doral Stefani S, Augustovski F, Aponte Rueda ME, Fujita Alarcon R, Barrera-Saldana HA. Fighting Cancer around the World: A Framework for Action. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:2125. [PMID: 36360466 PMCID: PMC9690702 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tackling cancer is a major challenge right on the global level. Europe is only the tip of an iceberg of cancer around the world. Prosperous developed countries share the same problems besetting Europe-and the countries and regions with fewer resources and less propitious conditions are in many cases struggling often heroically against a growing tide of disease. This paper offers a view on these geographically wider, but essentially similar, challenges, and on the prospects for and barriers to better results in this ceaseless battle. A series of panels have been organized by the European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM) to identify different aspects of cancer care around the globe. There is significant diversity in key issues such as NGS, RWE, molecular diagnostics, and reimbursement in different regions. In all, it leads to disparities in access and diagnostics, patients' engagement, and efforts for a better understanding of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denis Horgan
- European Alliance for Personalised Medicine, 1040 Brussels, Belgium;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, India; (J.A.L.); (V.T.)
| | - Rizwana Mia
- Grants, Innovation & Product Development, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7505, South Africa;
| | - Tosan Erhabor
- Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Durumi, Abuja 900110, Nigeria;
| | - Yosr Hamdi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia;
- Laboratory of Human and Experimental Pathology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Collet Dandara
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa;
| | - Jonathan A. Lal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, India; (J.A.L.); (V.T.)
- Institute for Public Health Genomics, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW School of Oncology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joel Fokom Domgue
- Departments of Epidemiology, and Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde, Yaounde VF7W+4M9, Cameroon
| | - Oladimeji Ewumi
- Freelance Health Care, Life Sciences, Medical Artificial Intelligence Content Writer, Lagos 100253, Nigeria;
| | - Teresia Nyawira
- National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation in Kenya (NACOSTI), Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| | | | - Dominique Kondji
- Health & Development Communication, Building Capacities for Better Health in Africa, Yaounde P.O. Box 2032, Cameroon;
| | - Ngiambudulu M. Francisco
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e Imunológica, Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (National Institute for Health Research), Luanda 3635, Angola;
| | - Sadakatsu Ikeda
- Department of Precision Cancer Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan;
| | - Chai Chuah
- Singularity University, P.O. Box 165, Gold Coast, QLD 4227, Australia;
| | - Roselle De Guzman
- Oncology and Pain Management Section, Manila Central University–Filemon D. Tanchoco Medical Foundation Hospital, Caloocan 1400, Philippines;
| | - Anupriya Paul
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, India;
| | | | - Woong-Yang Park
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Centre, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Korea;
| | - Vijay Tripathi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, India; (J.A.L.); (V.T.)
| | - Ravikant Tripathi
- Ministry of Labor, Health Department Government of India, New Delhi 110001, India;
| | - Amber Johns
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
| | - Mohan P. Singh
- Centre of Biotechnology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, India;
| | - Maude E. Phipps
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - France Dube
- Astra Zeneca, 1800 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA;
| | | | - Deborah Mukherji
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut VFXP+7QF, Lebanon;
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Centre, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
| | | | - Marta Kozaric
- European Alliance for Personalised Medicine, 1040 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Joseph A. Pinto
- Centre for Basic and Translational Research, Auna Ideas, Lima 15036, Peru;
| | | | - Federico Augustovski
- Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics, Department of the Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires C1056ABH, Argentina;
| | | | - Ricardo Fujita Alarcon
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Lima 15024, Peru;
| | - Hugo A. Barrera-Saldana
- Innbiogem SC/Vitagenesis SA at National Laboratory for Services of Research, Development, and Innovation for the Pharma and Biotech Industries (LANSEIDI) of CONACyT Vitaxentrum Group, Monterrey 64630, Mexico;
- Schools of Medicine and Biology, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 66451, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Torres-Roman JS, Alvarez CS, Guerra-Canchari P, Valcarcel B, Martinez-Herrera JF, Dávila-Hernández CA, Santos CA, Soares SCM, de Souza DLB, Camargo MC. Sex and age differences in mortality trends of gastric cancer among Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 16:100376. [PMID: 36777153 PMCID: PMC9903859 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background An up-to-date analysis of gastric cancer mortality among Hispanic/Latino populations is required for estimating disease burden and assessing the effectiveness of clinical and preventive strategies. Methods We retrieved gastric cancer deaths between 1997 and 2017 (as available) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (United States Hispanics) and the World Health Organization databases (Puerto Rico, 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries). Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine trends in age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR; per 100 000 person-years) and calculate average annual percent changes (AAPCs) by country (or territory), age group (25-49 and ≥50 years), and sex. Trends were compared to assess slope parallelism. Findings In 2017, Chile (31·8), Colombia (24·3) and Costa Rica (24·3) had the highest ASMR of gastric cancer for men, while Guatemala (17·2), Peru (13·5), and Costa Rica (13·3) had the highest ASMR for women. Small-to-moderate mortality declines (AAPCs ranged -4 to -0.5%) were observed between 1997 and 2017. In almost all countries, trends decreased among individuals aged ≥50 years. However, age-specific trends were not parallel (p-values <0.05) in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the United States, and Venezuela for both men and women, and in five additional countries for only women; with a few countries showing stable or slightly increasing trends for individuals aged 25-49 years. Interpretation Overall gastric cancer mortality rates in Hispanics/Latinos declined in the last two decades. However, there was a notable variation in trends by country, sex, and age group. Continued and targeted prevention efforts are needed to reduce the disease burden in these vulnerable populations. Funding Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Peru, and National Cancer Institute, United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Smith Torres-Roman
- Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- Latin American Network for Cancer Research (LAN–CANCER), Lima, Peru
- Corresponding author at: Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru.
| | - Christian S. Alvarez
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Pedro Guerra-Canchari
- Latin American Network for Cancer Research (LAN–CANCER), Lima, Peru
- Sociedad Científica San Fernando, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Bryan Valcarcel
- Latin American Network for Cancer Research (LAN–CANCER), Lima, Peru
| | - José Fabián Martinez-Herrera
- Latin American Network for Cancer Research (LAN–CANCER), Lima, Peru
- Cancer Center, Medical Center American British Cowdray, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Camila Alves Santos
- Latin American Network for Cancer Research (LAN–CANCER), Lima, Peru
- Graduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil
| | - Samara Carollyne Mafra Soares
- Latin American Network for Cancer Research (LAN–CANCER), Lima, Peru
- Graduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil
| | - Dyego Leandro Bezerra de Souza
- Latin American Network for Cancer Research (LAN–CANCER), Lima, Peru
- Graduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Spain
| | - M. Constanza Camargo
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shih YCT, Pan IW, Teich N. Global Challenges in Access to and Implementation of Precision Oncology: The Health Care Manager and Health Economist Perspective. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:429-437. [PMID: 35829692 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_359650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Precision medicine changes the landscape of oncology practices by offering the opportunity to optimize care through a more targeted, personalized approach of managing cancer treatments. However, precision oncology is costly and does not benefit all patients with cancer, making it critically important to consider the tradeoff between costs and health benefits. Here, we discuss the global challenges in implementing precision oncology from the perspective of health care management and health economics and emphasize the different challenges for high-income compared with low- and middle-income countries. For health care managers making resource allocation decisions, the decision to adopt, implement, and finance precision oncology must consider opportunity costs, and the allocation must be proportional to the system's capacity. The standard approach of health technology assessment is inadequate because it fails to consider the capacity to pay. From an economic perspective, global implementation of precision oncology must confront the issues of accessibility, affordability, and system readiness. Low- and middle-income countries often have no or delayed access to novel targeted-therapy agents, find these drugs cost-prohibitive, and struggle to build the infrastructure with sufficient workforce and adequate testing and computing facilities to capitalize the benefit of precision oncology. Although high-income countries are better equipped to implement precision oncology, the challenges there lie in implementing strategies to maximize the value of precision oncology through promoting appropriate use while limiting inappropriate applications. The recent rollout of COVID-19 vaccines internationally highlights the importance of information uncertainty and offers valuable insights on global access to and implementation of precision oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- Section of Cancer Economics and Policy, Department of Health Services Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - I-Wen Pan
- Section of Cancer Economics and Policy, Department of Health Services Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Nelson Teich
- Brazil Governance Network, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
- 4D PATH, Newton, MA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mutational Landscape and Actionable Target Rates on Advanced Stage Refractory Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Chilean Experience. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020195. [PMID: 35207683 PMCID: PMC8879850 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Major advances in sequencing technologies and targeted therapies have accelerated the incorporation of oncology into the era of precision medicine and “biomarker-driven” treatments. However, the impact of this approach on the everyday clinic has yet to be determined. Most precision oncology reports are based on developed countries and usually involve metastatic, hard-to-treat or incurable cancer patients. Moreover, in many cases race and ethnicity in these studies is commonly unreported and real-world evidence in this topic is scarce. Herein, we report data from a total of 202 Chilean advanced stage refractory cancer patients. Retrospectively, we collected patient data from NGS tests and IHC in order to determine the proportion of patients that would benefit from targeted treatments. Overall >20 tumor types were included in our cohort and 37% of patients (n = 74) displayed potentially actionable alterations, including on-label, off-label and immune checkpoint inhibitor recommendations. Our findings were in-line with previous reports such as the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). To our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind in Latin America delivering real-world evidence to estimate the percentage of refractory tumor patients that might benefit from precision oncology. Although this approach is still in its infancy in Chile, we strongly encourage the implementation of mutational tumor boards in our country in order to provide more therapeutic options for advanced stage refractory patients.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lara Gongora AB, Werutsky G, Jardim DL, Nogueira-Rodrigues A, Barrios CH, Mathias C, Maluf F, Riechelmann R, Fraga M, Gomes H, William WN, Yamada CAF, de Castro Jr G, Rosa DD, de Melo AC, Sala R, Bustamante E, Bretel D, Arrieta O, Cardona AF, Bastos DA. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oncology Clinical Research in Latin America (LACOG 0420). JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:649-658. [PMID: 33956499 PMCID: PMC8162498 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 has affected cancer care worldwide. Clinical trials are an important alternative for the treatment of oncologic patients, especially in Latin America, where trials can be the only opportunity for some of them to access novel and, sometimes, standard treatments. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study, in which a 22-question survey regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncology clinical trials was sent to 350 representatives of research programs in selected Latin American institutions, members of the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group. RESULTS There were 90 research centers participating in the survey, with 70 of them from Brazil. The majority were partly private or fully private (n = 77; 85.6%) and had confirmed COVID-19 cases at the institution (n = 57; 63.3%). Accruals were suspended at least for some studies in 80% (n = 72) of the responses, mostly because of sponsors' decision. Clinical trials' routine was affected by medical visits cancelation, reduction of patients' attendance, reduction of other specialties' availability, and/or alterations on follow-up processes. Formal COVID-19 mitigation policies were adopted in 96.7% of the centers, including remote monitoring and remote site initiation visits, telemedicine visits, reduction of research team workdays or home office, special consent procedures, shipment of oral drugs directly to patients' home, and increase in outpatient diagnostic studies. Importantly, some of these changes were suggested to be part of future oncology clinical trials' routine, particularly the ones regarding remote methods, such as telemedicine. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this was the first survey to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on Latin American oncology clinical trials. The results are consistent with surveys from other world regions. These findings may endorse improvements in clinical trials' processes and management in the postpandemic period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline B. Lara Gongora
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Werutsky
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Denis L. Jardim
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angelica Nogueira-Rodrigues
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Brazilian Group of Gynecologic Oncology (EVA), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carlos H. Barrios
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Mathias
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Núcleo de Oncologia da Bahia (NOB)/Oncoclínicas, Salvador, Brazil
- Sociedade Brasileira de Oncologia Clínica (SBOC), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Maluf
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
- Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rachel Riechelmann
- A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
- Brazilian Gastrointestinal Tumors Group (GTG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maurício Fraga
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Henry Gomes
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (INEN), Lima, Peru
| | - William N. William
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Brazilian Group of Thoracic Oncology (GBOT), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Camilla A. F. Yamada
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gilberto de Castro Jr
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
- Brazilian Group of Thoracic Oncology (GBOT), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela D. Rosa
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Brazilian Group of Breast Cancer Studies (GBECAM), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Andreia C. de Melo
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Brazilian Group of Gynecologic Oncology (EVA), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raul Sala
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Grupo Argentino de Investigación Clínica en Oncología, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Eva Bustamante
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Chilean Cooperative Group for Oncologic Research (GOCCHI), Santiago, Chile
| | - Denisse Bretel
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Grupo de Estudios Clínicos Oncológicos Peruano (GECOPERU), Lima, Peru
| | - Oscar Arrieta
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Ciudad del México, México City, México
| | - Andrés F. Cardona
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Clinical and Translational Oncology Group, Clínica del Country, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diogo A. Bastos
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alvarez-Gomez RM, De la Fuente-Hernandez MA, Herrera-Montalvo L, Hidalgo-Miranda A. Challenges of diagnostic genomics in Latin America. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 66:101-109. [PMID: 33517184 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer genome sequencing methods have now become essential for diagnostic purposes, for devising treatment strategies, and for monitoring disease regression and progression. However, access to these benefits has not permeated homogeneously throughout the world; certain regions, such as Latin America, have been slower at adopting these technologies in terms of their routine use, development and patient access. There are also differences among Latin American subregions with respect to their prioritized types of neoplasia and the drugs that are available and approved in them. An overview of the current situation, including the status of genomics for cancer diagnostics and efforts by type of cancer is presented. In addition, we discuss the perspective of initiatives, alliances, and educational/research programs that pledge to make cancer genomics diagnosis a reality for Latin American individuals' health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Maria Alvarez-Gomez
- National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Periferico Sur 4809, Arenal Tepepan, Tlalpan, 14610, Mexico City, Mexico; National Cancer Institute, San Fernando 22, Seccion XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marcela Angelica De la Fuente-Hernandez
- National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Periferico Sur 4809, Arenal Tepepan, Tlalpan, 14610, Mexico City, Mexico; Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico, C.U., Coyoacan, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis Herrera-Montalvo
- National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Periferico Sur 4809, Arenal Tepepan, Tlalpan, 14610, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Hidalgo-Miranda
- National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Periferico Sur 4809, Arenal Tepepan, Tlalpan, 14610, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|