Successes, Challenges, and Ways Forward in the Field of Global Oncology

A special issue of Current Oncology (ISSN 1718-7729).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 June 2023) | Viewed by 23018

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
Interests: global oncology; health technology assessment; value-based care; choosing wisely; universal health care

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Guest Editor
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
Interests: health systems; global oncology; health equity

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Guest Editor
Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
Interests: cancer policy; global oncology; regulatory policy; surrogate endpoints; quality of life

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite impressive advancements in cancer screening, prevention, and treatment technologies, widespread disparities in access to quality cancer care prevail. As low- and middle-income countries undergo an epidemiological transition that intensifies the burden of non-communicable disease, it is imperative that the disparities and inequities in global cancer care are acknowledged and addressed. Global oncology provides an opportunity for all nations to think critically about how cancer care can become more accessible, affordable, and equitable. Therefore, employing strategies of bidirectional learning and respectful collaboration can facilitate improved cancer care delivery on a global scale.

This Special Issue will explore key global oncology topics, including value-based care, implementation science, health technology assessments, and considerations when delivering care in resource-constrained settings, among others. The Special Issue will feature a diverse range of authors with expertise in cancer research, education, policy, and clinical care. The issue will present successes, challenges, and ways forward in the field of global oncology.

Dr. Fabio Ynoe de Moraes
Dr. Myriam Mutebi
Dr. Bishal Gyawali
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Current Oncology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • global oncology
  • access to quality cancer care
  • screening
  • prevention
  • treatment
  • disparities

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Review

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23 pages, 1894 KiB  
Review
Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Technology in Cancer Treatment: A Future Direction
by Ali A. Rabaan, Hajir AlSaihati, Rehab Bukhamsin, Muhammed A. Bakhrebah, Majed S. Nassar, Abdulmonem A. Alsaleh, Yousef N. Alhashem, Ammar Y. Bukhamseen, Khalil Al-Ruhimy, Mohammed Alotaibi, Roua A. Alsubki, Hejji E. Alahmed, Saleh Al-Abdulhadi, Fatemah A. Alhashem, Ahlam A. Alqatari, Ahmed Alsayyah, Ramadan Abdelmoez Farahat, Rwaa H. Abdulal, Ali H. Al-Ahmed, Mohd. Imran and Ranjan K. Mohapatraadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(2), 1954-1976; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30020152 - 06 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 7333
Abstract
Gene editing, especially with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9), has advanced gene function science. Gene editing’s rapid advancement has increased its medical/clinical value. Due to its great specificity and efficiency, CRISPR/Cas9 can accurately and swiftly screen the whole [...] Read more.
Gene editing, especially with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9), has advanced gene function science. Gene editing’s rapid advancement has increased its medical/clinical value. Due to its great specificity and efficiency, CRISPR/Cas9 can accurately and swiftly screen the whole genome. This simplifies disease-specific gene therapy. To study tumor origins, development, and metastasis, CRISPR/Cas9 can change genomes. In recent years, tumor treatment research has increasingly employed this method. CRISPR/Cas9 can treat cancer by removing genes or correcting mutations. Numerous preliminary tumor treatment studies have been conducted in relevant fields. CRISPR/Cas9 may treat gene-level tumors. CRISPR/Cas9-based personalized and targeted medicines may shape tumor treatment. This review examines CRISPR/Cas9 for tumor therapy research, which will be helpful in providing references for future studies on the pathogenesis of malignancy and its treatment. Full article
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10 pages, 741 KiB  
Review
Current Scenario of Clinical Cancer Research in Latin America and the Caribbean
by Gustavo Gössling, Taiane F. Rebelatto, Cynthia Villarreal-Garza, Ana S. Ferrigno, Denisse Bretel, Raul Sala, Juliana Giacomazzi, William N. William, Jr. and Gustavo Werutsky
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(1), 653-662; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30010050 - 04 Jan 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3495
Abstract
In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), progress has been made in some national and regional cancer control initiatives, which have proved useful in reducing diagnostic and treatment initiation delays. However, there are still significant gaps, including a lack of oncology clinical trials. [...] Read more.
In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), progress has been made in some national and regional cancer control initiatives, which have proved useful in reducing diagnostic and treatment initiation delays. However, there are still significant gaps, including a lack of oncology clinical trials. In this article, we will introduce the current status of the region’s clinical research in cancer, with a special focus on academic cancer research groups and investigator-initiated research (IIR) initiatives. Investigators in LAC have strived to improve cancer research despite drawbacks and difficulties in funding, regulatory timelines, and a skilled workforce. Progress has been observed in the representation of this region in clinical trial development and conduct, as well as in scientific productivity. However, most oncology trials in the region have been sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, highlighting the need for increased funding from governments and private foundations. Improvements in obtaining and/or strengthening the LAC cancer research group’s financing will provide opportunities to address cancer therapies and management shortcomings specific to the region. Furthermore, by including this large, ethnic, and genetically diverse population in the world’s research agenda, one may bridge the gap in knowledge regarding the applicability of results of clinical trials now mainly conducted in populations from the Northern Hemisphere. Full article
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9 pages, 698 KiB  
Review
The Implementation of a Primary HPV Self-Testing Cervical Screening Program in Malaysia through Program ROSE—Lessons Learnt and Moving Forward
by Yin Ling Woo, Su Pei Khoo, Patti Gravitt, David Hawkes, Reena Rajasuriar and Marion Saville
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(10), 7379-7387; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29100579 - 02 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4194
Abstract
Program ROSE (removing obstacles to cervical screening) is a primary HPV-based cervical screening program that incorporates self-sampling and digital technology, ensuring that women are linked to care. It was developed based on the principles of design thinking in the context of Malaysia. The [...] Read more.
Program ROSE (removing obstacles to cervical screening) is a primary HPV-based cervical screening program that incorporates self-sampling and digital technology, ensuring that women are linked to care. It was developed based on the principles of design thinking in the context of Malaysia. The program illustrates the importance of collaborative partnerships and addressing the multi-faceted barriers from policy changes, and infrastructure readiness to the implementation of a radically new cervical screening program in communities. The paradigm shift in cervical cancer requires a monumental and concerted effort in educating both the healthcare providers and the general public. In this short review, we highlight how Pilot Project ROSE incorporated evidence-based tools that rapidly scaled up to Program ROSE. These ideas and solutions can be adapted and adopted by other countries. Notwithstanding the impact of COVID-19, it is incumbent on countries to pave the road towards the elimination of cervical cancer with pre-existing footpaths. Full article
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18 pages, 1288 KiB  
Review
Implications of Oncology Trial Design and Uncertainties in Efficacy-Safety Data on Health Technology Assessments
by Dario Trapani, Kiu Tay-Teo, Megan E. Tesch, Felipe Roitberg, Manju Sengar, Sara C. Altuna, Michael J. Hassett, Armando A. Genazzani, Aaron S. Kesselheim and Giuseppe Curigliano
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(8), 5774-5791; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29080455 - 16 Aug 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3011
Abstract
Background: Advances in cancer medicines have resulted in tangible health impacts, but the magnitude of benefits of approved cancer medicines could vary greatly. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary process used to inform resource allocation through a systematic value assessment of health [...] Read more.
Background: Advances in cancer medicines have resulted in tangible health impacts, but the magnitude of benefits of approved cancer medicines could vary greatly. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary process used to inform resource allocation through a systematic value assessment of health technology. This paper reviews the challenges in conducting HTA for cancer medicines arising from oncology trial designs and uncertainties of safety-efficacy data. Methods: Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) and grey literature (public health agencies and governmental reports) were searched to inform this policy narrative review. Results: A lack of robust efficacy-safety data from clinical trials and other relevant sources of evidence has made HTA for cancer medicines challenging. The approval of cancer medicines through expedited pathways has increased in recent years, in which surrogate endpoints or biomarkers for patient selection have been widely used. Using these surrogate endpoints has created uncertainties in translating surrogate measures into patient-centric clinically (survival and quality of life) and economically (cost-effectiveness and budget impact) meaningful outcomes, with potential effects on diverting scarce health resources to low-value or detrimental interventions. Potential solutions include policy harmonization between regulatory and HTA authorities, commitment to generating robust post-marketing efficacy-safety data, managing uncertainties through risk-sharing agreements, and using value frameworks. Conclusion: A lack of robust efficacy-safety data is a central problem for conducting HTA of cancer medicines, potentially resulting in misinformed resource allocation. Full article
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8 pages, 254 KiB  
Perspective
Value-Based Care in Systemic Therapy: The Way Forward
by Aju Mathew, Steve Joseph Benny, Jeffrey Mathew Boby and Bhawna Sirohi
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(8), 5792-5799; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29080456 - 16 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2150
Abstract
The rising cost of cancer care has shed light on an important aspect of healthcare delivery. Financial toxicity of therapy must be considered in clinical practice and policy-making. One way to mitigate the impact of financial toxicity of cancer care is by focusing [...] Read more.
The rising cost of cancer care has shed light on an important aspect of healthcare delivery. Financial toxicity of therapy must be considered in clinical practice and policy-making. One way to mitigate the impact of financial toxicity of cancer care is by focusing on an approach of healthcare delivery that aims to deliver value to the patient. Should value of therapy be one of the most important determinants of cancer care? If so, how do we measure it? How can we implement it in routine clinical practice? In this viewpoint, we discuss value-based care in systemic therapy in oncology. Strategies to improve the quality of care by incorporating value-based approaches are discussed: use of composite tools to assess the value of drugs, alternative dosing strategies, and the use of Health Technology Assessment in regulatory procedures. We propose that there must be a greater emphasis on value of therapy in determining its use and its cost. Full article
6 pages, 202 KiB  
Commentary
Choosing Wisely—Barriers and Solutions to Implementation in Low and Middle-Income Countries
by Fidel Rubagumya, Manju Sengar, Sidy Ka, Nazik Hammad, Christopher M. Booth and Safiya Karim
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(7), 5091-5096; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29070403 - 19 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1869
Abstract
Globally, there is increasing emphasis on value-based cancer care. Rising healthcare costs and reduced health care spending and budgets, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), call for patients, providers, and healthcare systems to apply the Choose Wisely (CW) approach. This approach seeks [...] Read more.
Globally, there is increasing emphasis on value-based cancer care. Rising healthcare costs and reduced health care spending and budgets, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), call for patients, providers, and healthcare systems to apply the Choose Wisely (CW) approach. This approach seeks to advance a dialogue on avoiding unnecessary medical tests, treatments, and procedures. Several factors have been described as barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the Choosing Wisely recommendations in high-income countries but none for LMICs. In this review, we attempt to classify potential barriers to the Choose Wisely implementation relative to the sources of behavior and potential intervention functions that can be implemented in order to reduce these barriers. Full article
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