Breast Cancer Systemic Therapy: The Need for More Economically Sustainable Scientific Strategies in the World

Breast care

Ahmed Elzawawy¹ 

[1] aClinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Port Said, Egypt

关键词: Breast cancer;    Treatment;    Cancer control;    Low and middle income countries;    Cancer chemotherapy;    Health economics;   

DOI  :  10.1159/000170233

学科分类：泌尿医学

来源: S Karger AG

【 摘 要 】

The world-wide incidence of cancer is expected to increase to 20 million by 2020. 70% of new cases occur in countries with 5% of the global cancer control resources. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in high income, as well as low and middle income countries (LMCs). For the leading pharmaceutical companies, the current market for breast cancer systemic therapy (BCST) in LMCs is likely to decline in the future due to increasing costs of novel drugs. Breast cancer provides a strong example for multiple drug management of solid tumors. Development of economically sustainable scientific strategies for BCST in LMCs could improve affordability of therapy for other cancers throughout the world. Examples of recent and ongoing studies using protocols that could decrease costs of treatment without compromising outcomes are reviewed. The Win-Win initiative proposed by ICEDOC's (International Campaign for Establishment and Development of Oncology Centers) Experts in Cancer without Borders starts with small pilot meetings for oncologists with key stakeholders, including leading pharmaceutical companies. The participants would develop a roadmap for actionable strategies for crafting affordable BCST tailored to regional conditions and the diverse populations of women with breast cancer.

【 授权许可】

Unknown