Improved access to the innovative anticancer therapies in resource-limited countries: call for global action

Cancer remains a global health challenge, with an over-whelming increase in the incidence and prevalence in recent decades, pushing health systems and scientists to propose more effective strategies for cancer management [1] . Innovative anticancer therapies, such as novel immunotherapies, protein kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies


Improved access to the innovative anticancer therapies in resource-limited countries: call for global action
Yosra Vaez-Gharamaleki, MD a,b , Mohammad-Salar Hosseini, MD, MPH c,d,e, * Dear Editor, Cancer remains a global health challenge, with an overwhelming increase in the incidence and prevalence in recent decades, pushing health systems and scientists to propose more effective strategies for cancer management [1] .Innovative anticancer therapies, such as novel immunotherapies, protein kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and antimetabolic drugseither as mono-or combination therapyhave shown promising advancements in cancer treatment, exhibiting solid potential in enhancing therapeutic efficacy and improving patient outcomes [2] .Recent evidence unravels 'dramatic disparities' in treatment outcomes among people with cancer globally, part of which is undeniably due to disparities in access to efficient treatments [3,4] .MohanaSundaram et al. [5] have recently addressed critical issues with medication provision in low-and middleincome countries.We aim to delve deeper into the disparities affecting the health outcomes of patients in low-and middleincome countries, either by lack of specialties, failure of interprofessional collaboration, substandard medications, or, most importantly, lack of access to effective treatments [6] .
The significance of promoting access to innovative anticancer therapies and medications is particularly pronounced in resourcelimited countries, where life-limiting diseases, such as cancer, pose a double burden on the healthcare systems [7] .These nations often face barriers to the adoption of recently developed treatment strategies due to economic constraints, limited healthcare infrastructure, and disparities in research and development investments.Addressing this issue is essential, given the potential of innovative anticancer drugs to revolutionize treatment outcomes and enhance the patients' quality of care and survival rates [8] .
There are several aspects to this issue, most important of them being: ( Cancer knows no borders, and promoting access to novel anticancer therapies contributes to global health security.This process not only facilitates the distribution of anticancer agents, but also establishes a foundation for sustainable healthcare systems in resource-limited countries.Access to innovative medicines improves the patients' survival and enhances the quality of life for people with cancer due to fewer side effects.
Addressing these obstacles requires a comprehensive and context-specific approach, involving collaborations between governments, international organizations, healthcare providers, and the pharmaceutical industry.Implementing expanded access programs, public-private partnerships, compulsory licensing, patent pooling, and healthcare financing reforms could be considered as some of the initial steps toward these obstacles.Global initiatives should advocate for the availability and access to anticancer agents in developing countries.
By acknowledging and actively working to overcome these challenges, progress can be made in ensuring that patients from developing countries are not deprived of the frontline achievements in the field.Such efforts contribute not only to the wellbeing of affected individuals but also to the overall advancement of cancer care on a global scale.
1) Health disparities: Resource-limited and developing countries often face disparities in healthcare provision, exacerbating the challenges associated with cancer.Ensuring access to innovative anticancer drugs is essential for addressing these disparities and promoting health equity.
(2)Economic constraints: Considering the expenditure on cancer care as a high proportion of the overall healthcare budget, developing countries often have limited financial resources and face economic challenges, making it difficult to afford the high costs associated with research, development, and production/import of innovative cancer treatments.Besides, patented medications, which are often prevalent among innovative drugs, might result in high prices, creating financial barriers for both healthcare