Diverging EU health regulations: The urgent need for co ordination and convergence
Publication date: Available online 16 July 2017Source: Journal of Cancer PolicyAuthor(s): Anastassia Negrouk, Denis Lacombe, Françoise MeunierAbstractAt the time of mayor breakthroughs in knowledge of molecular biology leading to change in design and conduct of innovative clinical research, there is a clear need for optimal co-operation at the EU level as well as with each Member States. The current legal framework for health research is developed and revised by several DGs dealing with clinical trials, data protection, in-vitro diagnostic tests and biomarkers. Also medical devices and advanced therapy directive / regulat...
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Increasing access to immuno-oncology therapies in Brazil
Publication date: June 2018Source: Journal of Cancer Policy, Volume 16Author(s): Carlos G. Ferreira, Andreia C. De Melo, Stephen Stefani, Denizar Vianna, Gustavo Fernandes, Carlos G. GadelhaAbstractImmuno-therapeutics have revolutionized the field of oncology. The Brazilian cancer population would unquestionably benefit from an increase in the availability of cost-effective immuno-oncologic drugs. The challenge is how to incorporate these into the toolbox of health professionals, given the complexity and inequities of the Brazilian healthcare system, limiting financial resources and numerous health needs. We provide a seri...
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

From here to 2025: Personalised medicine and healthcare for an immediate future
Publication date: June 2018Source: Journal of Cancer Policy, Volume 16Author(s): Denis HorganAbstractTaking real advantage of Europe’s excellence to improve citizens’ lives presents challenges that Europe’s policymakers have not yet fully met. The European Union and Member States have shown some clarity of assessment in recognising the needs, and some laudable determination to improve the situation, and it has intermittently taken some real steps to deliver on its ambitions to turn its excellence into valuable innovations for the benefit of citizens. But as we move towards the third decade of the 21st century, Europe...
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Colorectal neoplasia: Are young and female individuals remain at low risk for it?
ConclusionThe influence of age and gender on CRC development may not have the same power as before. These findings suggest that firstly, the threshold of colonoscopy needs to be increased, and then a screening program should be decided upon for this region regardless of age and gender. (Source: Journal of Cancer Policy)
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Cancer research for better public health policy – A personal view on the role of the International Agency for Research on Cancer in cancer control
Publication date: June 2018Source: Journal of Cancer Policy, Volume 16Author(s): Elisabete Weiderpass (Source: Journal of Cancer Policy)
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Evaluating the frequency of breast cancer risk factors in women referred to mammography center for breast cancer screening: A report from south part of Iran
ConclusionDue to the low performance of women in using screening methods such as mammography and breast self-examination, it seems necessary to design programs in order to educate women about methods of breast cancer screening. Also, it appears essential to establish changes in lifestyle such as changing diet and pay more attention to physical activity that can reduce the risk of breast cancer. (Source: Journal of Cancer Policy)
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Socioeconomic changes in Brazil impacted breast cancer indexes at the beginning of the 21st century?
ConclusionsHuman Development Index was related to increases in breast cancer mortality in Brazil. Besides, the changes in income inequality indexes occurred in Brazil were not sufficient to impact the age-standardized mortality and hospital admission rate due to breast cancer. (Source: Journal of Cancer Policy)
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Trends in mammography use in the Brazilian public healthcare system
ConclusionsScreening mammography rates were much lower than recommended in target age groups for mammography in Brazil and both types of mammograms were recorded for women younger than usually recommended. More appropriate use of mammography and better use of resources, will likely improve the outcomes of breast cancer in Brazilian women in a country with wide socio-economic differences, as well as minimise the potential risks associated with mammography in younger women. (Source: Journal of Cancer Policy)
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Poor physical function, relationship problems and alcohol use are predictors of increased overall mortality in Swedish cancer patients: 27-years follow-up study in Stockholm County
ConclusionsPoor physical function is a predictor of increased mortality among subjects with diagnosis of cancer. (Source: Journal of Cancer Policy)
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Projections of burden of cancers: A new approach for measuring incidence cases for India and its states – Till 2025
ConclusionIn view of increasing burden of cancers, there is burning need to initiate focused on control measures to combat the same. (Source: Journal of Cancer Policy)
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Resource utilization and disaggregated cost analysis for initial treatment of melanoma
ConclusionPatterns of resource utilization and costs for initial treatment of melanoma are changing, particularly due to systemic therapy. Understanding these patterns and forecasting of future changes are critical for sustainable budgetary planning. (Source: Journal of Cancer Policy)
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

African cervical cancer prevention and control plans: A scoping review
ConclusionA comprehensive picture of African CCPC efforts will require engagement with Ministry of Health (MoH) in each country. Extant evidence suggests that lack of resources is a major barriers to plan development and deployment. (Source: Journal of Cancer Policy)
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

The US Food and Drug Administration’s use of pathologic complete response as regulatory endpoint: Did it pay off?
Publication date: June 2018Source: Journal of Cancer Policy, Volume 16Author(s): Jia Luo, Vinay PrasadAbstractIn 2013, the US FDA granted pertuzumab (Perjeta, Genentech/Roche) accelerated approval (AA) for the neo-adjuvant treatment of HER2 positive breast cancer. Approval was later extrapolated to the adjuvant setting by the NCCN and many providers. Pertuzumab remains the first and only drug to utilize an improvement in the rate of pathologic complete response (pCR), as the endpoint for regulatory approval. At the time the FDA utilized pCR as the basis for approval, their own analysis had suggested no correlation at the t...
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Development of paediatric oncology shared-care networks in low-middle income countries
Publication date: June 2018Source: Journal of Cancer Policy, Volume 16Author(s): Elizabeth Burns, Meg Collington, Tim Eden, Piera Freccero, Lorna Renner, Vivian Paintsil, Mae Dolendo, Afiqul islam, Aye Aye Khaing, Jon RosserAbstractIn order to reach out and offer optimum access for children with cancer across each country the development of networks of paediatric oncology units rather than just a single centre in one city has been the practice in high income countries over the last 30–40 years and is now being considered by developing countries. At a workshop bringing delegates from 4 countries in Africa and Asia to shar...
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Call for action to end discrimination against cancer survivors
Publication date: September 2018Source: Journal of Cancer Policy, Volume 17Author(s): Helen Saul, Lifang Liu, Françoise MeunierAbstractThe growing number of cancer survivors in Europe is a tribute to the success of advances in diagnosis and treatment. But many who have survived the disease go on to face discrimination in the workplace and in their financial affairs. Survivors of cancer may have ongoing physical and psychosocial needs but with appropriate support, many can return to active and fulfilled lives, often including work and travel. Long term collaborative research is needed to monitor the late effects of the dis...
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - July 10, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research