Improving access to cancer clinical research in Brazil: recent advances and new opportunities. Expert opinions from the 4th CURA meeting, São Paulo, 2023

• DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2024.1698
• Publication Date: 2024-04-18T09:59:27Z
• Authors: Heloisa Resende; Roberto J Arai; Carlos H Barrios; Fernanda Schwyter; Nelson L S Teich; Andre Gomes; Analluza B Dallari; Laís A S Bonilha; Claudiosvam M A S...; Fernando R Francisco; Rodrigo R Munhoz; Gustavo Werutsky; Marisa Madi; Paulo Fernandes; Jose M Figueiredo; Fabio Fedozzi; Lilian Arruda; Vinícius Q Aguiar; Andreia C Melo

Clinical research is the cornerstone of improvements in cancer care. However, it has been conducted predominantly high-income countries with few clinical trials available Brazil and other low-and-middle-income (LMIC). Of note, less than one-third registered addressing some most commonly diagnosed cancers (breast, lung cervical) recruited patients from LMIC last years. The Institute Project CURA promoted fourth meeting, discussing barriers to proposing potential solutions. A meeting was held São Paulo, Brazil, June 2023 representatives different sectors: Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa), National Commission Ethics Research (CONEP), non-governmental organisations, such as Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group, Society (SBOC), Contract Organisations, pharmaceutical companies investigators. total 16 experts pointed out achievements shortening time regulatory processes involving Anvisa CONEP, development staff training programs, maintenance Program Oncological Attention (PRONON), foundation qualified centres North Northeast regions. Participants also highlighted need be more competitive field, which requires optimising ongoing policies implementing new strategies decentralisation centres, public awareness campaigns, community-centered approaches, collaborations partnerships, expansion physicians-directed policies, exploring role steering committee. Active consistent reporting initiatives might help propagate advances, increasing participation research. Engagement all players crucial maintain continuous progress further critical points including timelines increments human resources aligned educational focused on physicians general population will expand access Brazil.