Independent clinical research may alleviate disparities in cancer treatment

Abstract

Disparities in cancer care are a reality of the modern world. Unfortunately, current clinical research is in the hands of for-profit pharmaceutical companies and of researchers from the developed world. Problems specific to cancer care in developing countries and among deprivileged populations are ignored. Independent clinical research can offer new valuable knowledge and identify affordable and cost-effective treatments. As such, research not depending on commercial sponsors should become one of the important avenues to alleviate the problem of cancer disparities.

Challenges, hurdles and possible approaches to improve cancer care in developing countries – A short breakdown of the status quo and future perspective

“…Also, 65% of cancer deaths have occurred in developing countries [1] . Furthermore, the incidence of cancer-related mortality in developing countries all over the world is expected to even rise significantly in the near future, due to lifestyle changes and multiple environmental factors, and it has recently been projected that in 2020 more than 60% of cancer cases will occur in developing countries causing more deaths than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis together [2][3][4] . Despite this data, there is no doubt that there are significant disparities in access to cancer care and cancer control between developing nations and higher income countries.…”