NCCN resource-stratified and harmonized guidelines: A paradigm for optimizing global cancer care

Developing a genetic testing panel for evaluation of morbidities in kidney transplant recipients

Cardiovascular disease, infection, malignancy, and thromboembolism are major causes of morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Prospectively identifying monogenic conditions associated with post-transplant complications may enable personalized management. Therefore, we developed a transplant morbidity panel (355 genes) associated with major post-transplant complications including cardiometabolic disorders, immunodeficiency, malignancy, and thrombophilia. This gene panel was then evaluated using exome sequencing data from 1590 KTR. Additionally, genes associated with monogenic kidney and genitourinary disorders along with American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) secondary findings v3.2 were annotated. Altogether, diagnostic variants in 37 genes associated with Mendelian kidney and genitourinary disorders were detected in 9.9% (158/1590) of KTR; 25.9% (41/158) had not been clinically diagnosed. Moreover, the transplant morbidity gene panel detected diagnostic variants for 56 monogenic disorders in 9.1% KTRs (144/1590). Cardiovascular disease, malignancy, immunodeficiency, and thrombophilia variants were detected in 5.1% (81), 2.1% (34), 1.8% (29) and 0.2% (3) among 1590 KTRs, respectively. Concordant phenotypes were present in half of these cases. Reviewing implications for transplant care, these genetic findings would have allowed physicians to set specific risk factor targets in 6.3% (9/144), arrange intensive surveillance in 97.2% (140/144), utilize preventive measures in 13.2% (19/144), guide disease-specific therapy in 63.9% (92/144), initiate specialty referral in 90.3% (130/144) and alter immunosuppression in 56.9% (82/144). Thus, beyond diagnostic testing for kidney disorders, sequence annotation identified monogenic disorders associated with common post-transplant complications in 9.1% of KTR, with important clinical implications. Incorporating genetic diagnostics for transplant morbidities would enable personalized management in pre- and post-transplant care.

Quality of Decision Making in Radiation Oncology

High-quality decision making in radiation oncology requires the careful consideration of multiple factors. In addition to the evidence-based indications for curative or palliative radiotherapy, this article explores how, in routine clinical practice, we also need to account for many other factors when making high-quality decisions. Foremost are patient-related factors, including preference, and the complex interplay between age, frailty and comorbidities, especially with an ageing cancer population. Whilst clinical practice guidelines inform our decisions, we need to account for their applicability in different patient groups and different resource settings. With particular reference to curative-intent radiotherapy, we explore decisions regarding dose fractionation schedules, use of newer radiotherapy technologies and multimodality treatment considerations that contribute to personalised patient-centred care.

Availability and Geographic Access to Hospital-Based Breast Cancer Diagnostic Services in Ghana

PURPOSE

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer and second most common cause of cancer-related death in Ghana. Early detection and access to diagnostic services are vital for early treatment initiation and improved survival. This study characterizes the geographic access to hospital-based breast cancer diagnostic services in Ghana as a framework for expansion.

METHODS

A cross-sectional hospital-based survey was completed in Ghana from November 2020 to October 2021. Early diagnostic services, as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Framework for Resource Stratification, was assessed at each hospital. Services were characterized as available >80% of the time in the previous year, <80%, or not available. ArcGIS was used to identify the proportion of the population within 20 and 45 km of services.

RESULTS

Most hospitals in Ghana participated in this survey (95%; 328 of 346). Of these, 12 met full NCCN Basic criteria >80% of the time, with 43% of the population living within 45 km. Ten of the 12 met full NCCN Core criteria, and none met full NCCN Enhanced criteria. An additional 12 hospitals were identified that provide the majority of NCCN Basic services but lack select services necessary to meet this criterion. Expansion of services in these hospitals could result in an additional 20% of the population having access to NCCN Basic-level early diagnostic services within 45 km.

CONCLUSION

Hospital-based services for breast cancer early diagnosis in Ghana are available but sparse. Many hospitals offer fragmented aspects of care, but only a limited number of hospitals offer the full NCCN Basic or Core level of care. Understanding current availability and geographical distribution of services provides a framework for potential targeted expansion of services.

The impact of in-house pathology services on downstaging cervical cancer in Tanzania over an 18-year period

PURPOSE

Reducing time between cancer screening, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment is best achieved when services are available in the same hospital. Yet, comprehensive cancer centers are typically unavailable in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where resources are limited and services scattered. This study explored the impact of establishing an in-house pathology laboratory at the largest public cancer hospital in Tanzania on the downstaging of cervical cancer.

METHODS

We examined clinical datasets of 8,322 cervical cancer patients treated at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI). The first period included patients treated from 2002 to 2016, before establishment of the pathology laboratory at ORCI; the second period (post-pathology establishment) included data from 2017 to 2020. Logistic regression analysis evaluated the impact of the pathology laboratory on stage of cervical cancer diagnosis.

RESULTS

Patients treated during the post-pathology period were more likely to be clinically diagnosed at earlier disease stages compared to patients in the pre-pathology period (pre-pathology population diagnosed at early disease stage: 44.08%; post-pathology population diagnosed at early disease stage: 59.38%, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, region of residence, and place of biopsy, regression results showed patients diagnosed during the post-pathology period had higher odds of early stage cervical cancer diagnosis than patients in the pre-pathology period (OR 1.35, 95% CI (1.16, 1.57), p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Integrated and comprehensive cancer centers can overcome challenges in delivering expedited cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment. In-house pathology laboratories play an important role in facilitating timely diagnosis and rapid treatment of cervical and possibly other cancers in LMICs.

Characterizing HIV status documentation among cancer patients at regional cancer centers in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa

INTRODUCTION

In East and Southern Africa, people with HIV (PWH) experience worse cancer-related outcomes and are at higher risk of developing certain cancers. Siloed care delivery pathways pose a substantial barrier to co-management of HIV and cancer care delivery.

METHODS

We conducted cross-sectional studies of adult cancer patients at public radiotherapy and oncology units in Malawi (Kamuzu Central Hospital), Zimbabwe (Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals), and South Africa (Charlotte Maxeke Hospital) between 2018 and 2019. We abstracted cancer- and HIV-related data from new cancer patient records and used Poisson regression with robust variance to identify patient characteristics associated with HIV documentation.

RESULTS

We included 1,648 records from Malawi (median age 46 years), 1,044 records from South Africa (median age 55 years), and 1,135 records from Zimbabwe (median age 52 years). Records from all three sites were predominately from female patients; the most common cancers were cervical (Malawi [29%] and Zimbabwe [43%]) and breast (South Africa [87%]). HIV status was documented in 22% of cancer records from Malawi, 92% from South Africa, and 86% from Zimbabwe. Patients with infection-related cancers were more likely to have HIV status documented in Malawi (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56-2.38) and Zimbabwe (aPR: 1.16, 95%CI: 1.10-1.22). Patients aged ≥ 60 years were less likely to have HIV status documented (Malawi: aPR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50-0.87; Zimbabwe: aPR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.72-0.81) than patients under age 40 years. Patient age and cancer type were not associated with HIV status documentation in South Africa.

CONCLUSION

Different cancer centers have different gaps in HIV status documentation and will require tailored strategies to improve processes for ascertaining and recording HIV-related information in cancer records. Further research by our consortium to identify opportunities for integrating HIV and cancer care delivery is underway.

The current status of National Cancer Control Plans in Africa: Data from 32 countries

BACKGROUND

Cancer incidence and mortality are rapidly rising in Africa. National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs have contributed to a reduction in the burden of some preventable cancers, availing early diagnosis and adequate treatment modalities and palliative care, while sustaining them with sufficient monitoring systems. knowledge we undertook a cross-sectional survey across continental Africa to understand the presence of NCCPs, availability of early detection and screening policies and the status of health financing pertaining to cancer.

METHODS

Through an online survey, we approached key cancer care staff in 54 countries. Questions were themed in 3 main areas - Cancer registries and national cancer control plans (NCCPs) availability in countries, Cancer screening, diagnosis and management capacity, Financing in cancer care.

RESULTS

On 54 approached respondents, we received 32 responses. 88 % of responding countries have active national cancer registries, 75 % with NCCPs and 47 % with cancer screening policies and practices. Universal Health Coverage is available in 40 % of countries.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that there is a scarcity of NCCPs in Africa. Deliberate investment in cancer registry and clinical services is key to improving access to care and ultimately reduce cancer mortality in Africa.

A synthesis of evidence for cancer-specific screening interventions: A Preventive Medicine Golden Jubilee Review

The goal of cancer screening guidelines is to inform health practitioners to practice evidence-based cancer prevention. Cancer screening aims to detect treatable precancerous lesions or early-stage disease to enable actions aimed at decreasing morbidity and mortality. Continuous assessment of the available evidence for or against screening interventions by various organizations often results in conflicting recommendations and create challenges for providers and policymakers. Here we have summarized the current cancer screening recommendations by five leading organizations in North America and Europe: the National Cancer Institute's Physician Data Query (PDQ), the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC), the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), and the UK National Screening Committee for the National Health Service (UK NSC). All organizations assess evidence based on strength, quality, and quantity, and recommendations are similar although with differences with respect to screening start and stop ages. Recommendations are consistent for colorectal cancer screening with fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test, cervical cancer screening with Pap-test, HPV-test, or co-testing, and breast cancer screening with mammography. However, guidelines vary with respect to age to start and end screening and testing frequency. Tests that have proven to be inefficient or whose use is capable of causing harm are routinely recommended against. Continuous review of screening guidelines is necessary to evaluate the many promising screening tests currently under investigation.

Human Papillomavirus-Associated Head and Neck Malignancies in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

The proportion of head and neck cancers (HNCs) with human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is poorly characterized. Characterizing this has implications in staging, prognosis, resource allocation, and vaccination policies. This study aims to determine the proportion of HPV-associated HNC in SSA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review included searches from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online. All English publications reporting the proportion of HNC specimens from SSA patients who tested positive for HPV and/or p16 were included. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Case Series Studies.

RESULTS

In this systematic review of 31 studies and 3,850 patients, the overall p16 positivity was 13.6% (41 of 1,037 patients tested) with the highest proportion among oropharyngeal cancers (20.3%, 78 of 384 patients) and the overall HPV polymerase chain reaction positivity was 15.3% (542 of 3,548 samples tested) with the highest proportion among nasopharyngeal cancers (16.5%, 23 of 139 patients). Among the 369 HPV strains detected, the most common genotypes were HPV 16 (226 patients, 59.2%) and HPV 18 (78, 20.4%).

CONCLUSION

HPV was found to be associated with a significant proportion of HNC in SSA. The genotypes reported suggest that the nine-valent vaccine and gender-neutral vaccination policies should be considered. Given that these studies may not accurately capture prevalence nor causation of HPV in HNC subsites, additional research is needed to provide a more thorough epidemiologic understanding of HPV-associated HNC in SSA, including risk factors and clinical outcomes.

ESO-ESMO fifth international consensus guidelines for breast cancer in young women (BCY5)

We dedicate this manuscript in memory of a dear friend and colleague Bella Kaufman. The fifth International Consensus Symposium for Breast Cancer in Young Women (BCY5) took place virtually in October 2020, organized by the European School of Oncology (ESO) and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). Consensus recommendations for the management of breast cancer in young women were updated from BCY4 with incorporation of new evidence to inform the guidelines. Areas of research priorities as well as specificities in different geographic and minority populations were identified. This manuscript summarizes the ESO-ESMO international consensus recommendations, which are also endorsed by the European Society of Breast Specialists (EUSOMA).

Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults Optimized by Geriatric Assessment and Intervention: A Non-Comparative Analysis

The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is recommended to guide treatment choices in older patients with cancer. Patients ≥ 70 years referred to our oncology service with a new cancer diagnosis are screened using the G-8. Patients with a score of ≤14 are eligible to attend the Geriatric Oncology and Liaison (GOAL) Clinic in our institution, with referral based on physician discretion. Referred patients undergo multidimensional assessments at baseline. CGA domains assessed include mobility, nutritional, cognitive, and psychological status. Chemotherapy toxicity risk is estimated using the Cancer Aging and Research Group (CARG) calculator. We undertook a retrospective analysis of patients attending the GOAL clinic over a 30-month period to April 2021. The objective was to determine rates of treatment dose modifications, delays, discontinuation, and unscheduled hospitalizations as surrogates for cytotoxic therapy toxicity in these patients. These data were collected retrospectively. Ninety-four patients received chemotherapy; the median age was 76 (70–87) and 45 were female (48%). Seventy-five (80%) had an ECOG PS of 0–1. Seventy-two (77%) had gastrointestinal cancer, and most had stage III (47%) or IV (40%) disease. Chemotherapy with curative intent was received by 51% (n = 48) and 51% received monotherapy. From the CGA, the median Timed Up and Go was 11 s (7.79–31.6), and 90% reported no falls in the prior 6 months. The median BMI was 26.93 (15.43–39.25), with 70% at risk or frankly malnourished by the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Twenty-seven (29%) patients had impaired cognitive function. Forty-three (46%) had a high risk of toxicity based on the baseline CARG toxicity calculator. Twenty-six (28%) required dose reduction, 55% (n = 52) required a dose delay, and 36% (n = 34) had a hospitalization due to toxicity. Thirty-nine patients (42%) discontinued treatment due to toxicity. Despite intensive assessment, clinical optimization and personalized treatment decisions, older adults with cancer remain at high risk of chemotherapy toxicity.

Association Between Adherence to Clinical Practice Guidelines for Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer and Survival in a Resource-Limited Setting

PURPOSE

Addressing unwarranted clinical variation in oncology practices is expected to lead to improved cancer outcomes. Particularly, the application and impact of treatment guidelines on breast cancer outcomes are poorly studied in resource-limited settings. We measured adherence to a set of locally developed adjuvant treatment guidelines in a middle-income setting. Importantly, the impact of guidelines adherence on survival following breast cancer was determined.

METHODS

Data of 3,100 Malaysian women with nonmetastatic breast cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 were analyzed. Adherence to the Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Breast Cancer second Edition was measured. Outcomes comprised overall survival and event-free survival.

RESULTS

Guideline adherence for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy were 61.7%, 79.2%, 85.1%, and 26.2%, respectively. Older age was generally associated with lower adherence to guidelines. Compared with patients who were treated according to treatment guidelines, overall survival and event-free survival were substantially lower in patients who were not treated accordingly; hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 1.69 (95% CI, 1.29 to 2.22), 2.59 (95% CI, 1.76 to 3.81), 3.08 (95% CI, 1.94 to 4.88), and 4.48 (95% CI, 1.98 to 10.13) for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy, respectively. Study inferences remain unchanged following sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Our study findings appear to suggest that adherence to treatment guidelines that have been adapted for resource-limited settings may still provide effective guidance in improving breast cancer outcomes.

Non-adherence to local breast cancer CPG worsens survival in Malaysia.

A Cohort Study on the Immunogenicity and Safety of the Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) in Patients With Breast Cancer; Does Trastuzumab Interfere With the Outcome?

AIM

To determine the efficacy and safety of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

In this multi- institutional cohort study, a total of 160 breast cancer patients (mean age of 50.01 ± 11.5 years old) were assessed for the SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike IgG and SARS-CoV2 Anti RBD IgG by ELISA after two doses of 0.5 mL inactivated, COVID-19 vaccine (BBIBP-CorV). All patients were followed up for three months for clinical COVID-19 infection based on either PCR results or imaging findings. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events were used to assess the side effects.

RESULTS

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG, SARS-CoV2 anti-RBD IgG, or either of these antibodies was 85.7%, 87.4%, and 93.3%. The prevalence of COVID-19 infection after vaccination was 0.7%, 0% and 0% for the first, second and third months of the follow-up period. The most common local and systemic side-effects were injection site pain and fever which were presented in 22.3% and 24.3% of patients, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) is a tolerable and effective method to prevent COVID-19.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on breast cancer early detection and screening

The COVID-19 pandemic affects mortality and morbidity, with disruptions expected to continue for some time, with access to timely cancer-related services a concern. For breast cancer, early detection and treatment is key to improved survival and longer-term quality of life. Health services generally have been strained and in many settings with population breast mammography screening, efforts to diagnose and treat breast cancers earlier have been paused or have had reduced capacity. The resulting delays to diagnosis and treatment may lead to more intensive treatment requirements and, potentially, increased mortality. Modelled evaluations can support responses to the pandemic by estimating short- and long-term outcomes for various scenarios. Multiple calibrated and validated models exist for breast cancer screening, and some have been applied in 2020 to estimate the impact of breast screening disruptions and compare options for recovery, in a range of international settings. On behalf of the Covid and Cancer Modelling Consortium (CCGMC) Working Group 2 (Breast Cancer), we summarize and provide examples of such in a range of settings internationally, and propose priorities for future modelling exercises. International expert collaborations from the CCGMC Working Group 2 (Breast Cancer) will conduct analyses and modelling studies needed to inform key stakeholders recovery efforts in order to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Estimate of global human papillomavirus vaccination coverage: analysis of country-level indicators

BACKGROUND

Mortality rates from cervical cancer demonstrate deep inequality in health between richer and poorer populations. Over 310 000 women died of this preventable disease in 2018, mostly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) where screening and treatment are beyond the capacity of health systems. Immunisation against human papillomavirus (HPV) offers a primary prevention strategy, but rates of vaccination uptake are unclear. Understanding coverage levels and factors affecting uptake can inform immunisation strategies.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate the status of HPV vaccination coverage from nationally reported indicators and to estimate global coverage in a single year cohort of vaccine-eligible girls.

DESIGN

This study provides quantitative population-level estimates of important global health indicators. Using data from the Global Cancer Observatory and WHO/UNICEF, incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer and HPV vaccination coverage are described for countries, categorised by income group. Characteristics of LMICs achieving high coverage are explored using selected development indicators from World Bank sources. Global HPV immunisation coverage is calculated and its impact on cervical cancer mortality estimated.

RESULTS

Incidence and mortality for cervical cancer correlate with poverty. Whilst all WHO member states report high infant measles vaccination rates, fewer than half report on HPV vaccination. Even amongst high-income countries, coverage varies widely. In upper-middle-income countries, there is a trend for higher coverage with increased health spending per capita. Four LMICs report good coverage levels, all associated with external funding. Global HPV immunisation coverage for 2018 is estimated at 12.2%. Of the global cohort of 61 million 15-year-old girls in 2018, 7000 are likely to die from cervical cancer, almost all in LMICs.

CONCLUSIONS

Countries in all income groups must devise strategies to achieve and maintain higher levels of HPV immunisation. For all but the richest, affordability remains a barrier.

Estimate of global human papillomavirus vaccination coverage: analysis of country-level indicators

BACKGROUND

Mortality rates from cervical cancer demonstrate deep inequality in health between richer and poorer populations. Over 310 000 women died of this preventable disease in 2018, mostly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) where screening and treatment are beyond the capacity of health systems. Immunisation against human papillomavirus (HPV) offers a primary prevention strategy, but rates of vaccination uptake are unclear. Understanding coverage levels and factors affecting uptake can inform immunisation strategies.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate the status of HPV vaccination coverage from nationally reported indicators and to estimate global coverage in a single year cohort of vaccine-eligible girls.

DESIGN

This study provides quantitative population-level estimates of important global health indicators. Using data from the Global Cancer Observatory and WHO/UNICEF, incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer and HPV vaccination coverage are described for countries, categorised by income group. Characteristics of LMICs achieving high coverage are explored using selected development indicators from World Bank sources. Global HPV immunisation coverage is calculated and its impact on cervical cancer mortality estimated.

RESULTS

Incidence and mortality for cervical cancer correlate with poverty. Whilst all WHO member states report high infant measles vaccination rates, fewer than half report on HPV vaccination. Even amongst high-income countries, coverage varies widely. In upper-middle-income countries, there is a trend for higher coverage with increased health spending per capita. Four LMICs report good coverage levels, all associated with external funding. Global HPV immunisation coverage for 2018 is estimated at 12.2%. Of the global cohort of 61 million 15-year-old girls in 2018, 7000 are likely to die from cervical cancer, almost all in LMICs.

CONCLUSIONS

Countries in all income groups must devise strategies to achieve and maintain higher levels of HPV immunisation. For all but the richest, affordability remains a barrier.

Resource stratified guidelines for cancer: Are they all the same? Interguideline concordance for systemic treatment recommendations

A number of organizations are producing resource stratified guidelines (RSGs) for cancer. Despite using similar definitions of resource levels, systemic treatment recommendations often differ between organizations. We systematically searched for RSGs focusing on solid tumors. We qualitatively compared the methods used to generate guidelines using the AGREE-II appraisal tool. We extracted systemic treatment recommendations and assessed interguideline concordance using the Gwet AC₁ coefficient, stratified by resource level, treatment setting and cancer type. We identified 69 RSGs cancer covering 15 solid tumors produced by four organizations. Despite using common resource-level definitions (Basic, Core/Limited, Enhanced and Maximal), recommendations differed between organizations. Concordance for chemotherapy recommendations was poor in Basic (58.3%, Gwet 0.20), fair in Core (58.3%, Gwet 0.32) and excellent in Enhanced (92.4%, Gwet 0.92) and Maximal settings (95.4%, Gwet 0.95). Concordance rates for endocrine therapy were good in Basic (80% Gwet 0.61), and excellent in Core (90%, Gwet 0.87), Enhanced (90%, Gwet 0.89) and Maximal settings (90%, Gwet 0.89). There was moderate to excellent concordance in targeted therapy recommendations across all resource levels. Differences in recommendations appeared driven by different opinions among the chosen panel of experts regarding what is resource appropriate. Overall, we found that countries looking to base treatment and health-policy on RSGs will find conflicting information depending on which guidelines are used, particularly for chemotherapy in Basic and Core settings. Improved transparency regarding the methods used to determine the value of a therapy for a given resource level is needed.

Breast cancer treatment: A phased approach to implementation

Optimal treatment outcomes for breast cancer are dependent on a timely diagnosis followed by an organized, multidisciplinary approach to care. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, effective care management pathways can be difficult to follow because of financial constraints, a lack of resources, an insufficiently trained workforce, and/or poor infrastructure. On the basis of prior work by the Breast Health Global Initiative, this article proposes a phased implementation strategy for developing sustainable approaches to enhancing patient care in limited-resource settings by creating roadmaps that are individualized and adapted to the baseline environment. This strategy proposes that, after a situational analysis, implementation phases begin with bolstering palliative care capacity, especially in settings where a late-stage diagnosis is common. This is followed by strengthening the patient pathway, with consideration given to a dynamic balance between centralization of services into centers of excellence to achieve better quality and decentralization of services to increase patient access. The use of resource checklists ensures that comprehensive therapy or palliative care can be delivered safely and effectively. Episodic or continuous monitoring with established process and quality metrics facilitates ongoing assessment, which should drive continual process improvements. A series of case studies provides a snapshot of country experiences with enhancing patient care, including the implementation of national cancer control plans in Kenya, palliative care in Romania, the introduction of a 1-stop clinic for diagnosis in Brazil, the surgical management of breast cancer in India, and the establishment of a women's cancer center in Ghana.

Is Independent Clinical Research Possible in Low- and Middle-Income Countries? A Roadmap to Address Persistent and New Barriers and Challenges

Cancer is an increasing and significant problem for both high- and low- and middle-income countries. Basic, translational, and clinical research efforts have been instrumental in generating the outstanding improvements we have witnessed over the last few decades, answering important questions, and improving patient outcomes. Arguably, a substantial portion of currently ongoing research is sponsored by the pharmaceutical industy and specifically addresses questions under industry interests, most of which apply to high-income countries, leaving behind problems related to the much larger and underserved population of patients with cancer in low- and middle-income countries. In this scenario, discussing independent academic research is an important challenge, particularly for these countries. Although different countries and institutions face different problems while establishing independent research agendas, some generalizable barriers can be identified. A solid regulatory and ethical framework, a strong and sustainable technical supporting infrastructure, and motivated and experienced investigators are all paramount to build a viable and productive academic research program. Securing funding for research, although not the only hurdle, is certainly one of the most basic hurdles to overcome. Noticeably, and as an added impediment, public and governmental support for cancer research has been decreasing in high-income countries and is almost nonexistent in the rest of the world. We propose an initial careful diagnostic assessment of the research resource scenario of each institution/country and adjustment of the strategic development plan according to four different research resource restriction levels. Although not necessarily applicable to all situations, this model can be helpful if adjusted to each local or regional situation.

Advancing Breast Cancer Advocacy in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: Findings From Women's Empowerment Cancer Advocacy Network (WE CAN) Summits

PURPOSE

Breast cancer civil society organizations have emerged in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to raise awareness about cancer as a survivable disease and provide patient support. We explored the experiences and priorities of these organizations with the goal of making recommendations to advance cancer advocacy and improve cancer care.

METHODS

We conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with representatives of civil society organizations attending the 7th Women's Empowerment Cancer Advocacy Network Summit in Romania in 2015. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for key themes. Findings were discussed at the 8th Women's Empowerment Cancer Advocacy Network Summit in Ukraine in 2017 to ensure accuracy.

RESULTS

We conducted nine in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions with a total of 36 participants. Survivor- and oncologist-led organizations played an important role in filling existing gaps in public health care systems through awareness raising, patient support, and advocacy to improve early detection and access to treatment. Barriers to these efforts included persistent stigma, mistrust of patients toward the public health care system, limited access to evidence-based guidelines, difficulty adapting existing best practices to their setting, and insufficient involvement of policymakers. Key facilitators of advocacy efforts included effective local and international partnerships with physicians, like-minded organizations, and policymakers to facilitate access to educational resources, improve breast cancer early detection and care, and catalyze meaningful policy change.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the value of providing opportunities for advocates to connect and share experiences. To advance cancer advocacy and improve cancer care, the following needs were identified: dissemination of resource-adapted information for improving outcomes; needs assessments; improved program-monitoring practices; and fostering and promotion of collaboration between advocates, medical professionals, and local governments.

Microscale nonlinear electrokinetics for the analysis of cellular materials in clinical applications: a review

This review article presents a discussion of some of the latest advancements in the field of microscale electrokinetics for the analysis of cells and subcellular materials in clinical applications. The introduction presents an overview on the use of electric fields, i.e., electrokinetics, in microfluidics devices and discusses the potential of electrokinetic-based methods for the analysis of liquid biopsies in clinical and point-of-care applications. This is followed by four comprehensive sections that present some of the newest findings on the analysis of circulating tumor cells, blood (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets), stem cells, and subcellular particles (extracellular vesicles and mitochondria). The valuable contributions discussed here (with 131 references) were mainly published during the last 3 to 4 years, providing the reader with an overview of the state-of-the-art in the use of microscale electrokinetic methods in clinical analysis. Finally, the conclusions summarize the main advancements and discuss the future prospects.

The Breast Health Global Initiative 2018 Global Summit on Improving Breast Healthcare Through Resource-Stratified Phased Implementation: Methods and overview

BACKGROUND

The Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI) established a series of resource-stratified, evidence-based guidelines to address breast cancer control in the context of available resources. Here, the authors describe methodologies and health system prerequisites to support the translation and implementation of these guidelines into practice.

METHODS

In October 2018, the BHGI convened the Sixth Global Summit on Improving Breast Healthcare Through Resource-Stratified Phased Implementation. The purpose of the summit was to define a stepwise methodology (phased implementation) for guiding the translation of resource-appropriate breast cancer control guidelines into real-world practice. Three expert consensus panels developed stepwise, resource-appropriate recommendations for implementing these guidelines in low-income and middle-income countries as well as underserved communities in high-income countries. Each panel focused on 1 of 3 specific aspects of breast cancer care: 1) early detection, 2) treatment, and 3) health system strengthening.

RESULTS

Key findings from the summit and subsequent article preparation included the identification of phased-implementation prerequisites that were explored during consensus debates. These core issues and concepts are key components for implementing breast health care that consider real-world resource constraints. Communication and engagement across all levels of care is vital to any effectively operating health care system, including effective communication with ministries of health and of finance, to demonstrate needs, outcomes, and cost benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Underserved communities at all economic levels require effective strategies to deploy scarce resources to ensure access to timely, effective, and affordable health care. Systematically strategic approaches translating guidelines into practice are needed to build health system capacity to meet the current and anticipated global breast cancer burden.