Abstract
Purpose
The post-COVID-19 funding landscape for cancer research globally has become increasingly challenging, particularly in resource-challenged regions lacking strong research ecosystems. We aimed to produce a list of priority areas for cancer research in countries with limited resources, informed by researchers and patients.
Methods
Cancer experts in lower resource healthcare systems (as defined by the World Bank as low- and middle-income countries) (n=151) were contacted to participate in a modified consensus-seeking Delphi survey, comprising two rounds. In Round 1, participants (n=69) rated pre-determined areas of potential research priority (ARPs) for importance and suggested missing ARPs. In Round 2, the same participants (n=49) rated an integrated list of pre-determined and suggested ARPs from Round 1, then undertook a forced choice priority ranking exercise. Composite voting scores (T-scores) were used to rank the ARPs. Importance ratings were summarised descriptively. Findings were discussed with international patient advocacy organisation representatives.
Results
The top ARP was ‘Research into strategies adapting guidelines or treatment strategies in line with available resources (particularly systemic therapy)’ (T=83). Others included: cancer registries (T=62); prevention (T=52); end-of-life care (T=53); and value-based and affordable care (T=51). The top COVID-19/cancer ARP was ‘Strategies to incorporate what has been learned during the pandemic that can be maintained posteriorly’ (T=36). Others included: treatment schedule interruption (T=24); cost-effective reduction of COVID-19 morbidity/mortality (T=19); and pandemic preparedness (T=18).
Conclusion
Areas of strategic priority favoured by cancer researchers in resource-challenged regions are related to: adaptive treatment guidelines; sustainable implementation of cancer registries; prevention strategies; value-based and affordable cancer care; investments in research capacity building; epidemiological work on local risk factors for cancer; and combatting inequities of prevention and care access.
The post-COVID-19 funding landscape for cancer research globally has become increasingly challenging, particularly in resource-challenged regions lacking strong research ecosystems. We aimed to produce a list of priority areas for cancer research in countries with limited resources, informed by researchers and patients.
Methods
Cancer experts in lower resource healthcare systems (as defined by the World Bank as low- and middle-income countries) (n=151) were contacted to participate in a modified consensus-seeking Delphi survey, comprising two rounds. In Round 1, participants (n=69) rated pre-determined areas of potential research priority (ARPs) for importance and suggested missing ARPs. In Round 2, the same participants (n=49) rated an integrated list of pre-determined and suggested ARPs from Round 1, then undertook a forced choice priority ranking exercise. Composite voting scores (T-scores) were used to rank the ARPs. Importance ratings were summarised descriptively. Findings were discussed with international patient advocacy organisation representatives.
Results
The top ARP was ‘Research into strategies adapting guidelines or treatment strategies in line with available resources (particularly systemic therapy)’ (T=83). Others included: cancer registries (T=62); prevention (T=52); end-of-life care (T=53); and value-based and affordable care (T=51). The top COVID-19/cancer ARP was ‘Strategies to incorporate what has been learned during the pandemic that can be maintained posteriorly’ (T=36). Others included: treatment schedule interruption (T=24); cost-effective reduction of COVID-19 morbidity/mortality (T=19); and pandemic preparedness (T=18).
Conclusion
Areas of strategic priority favoured by cancer researchers in resource-challenged regions are related to: adaptive treatment guidelines; sustainable implementation of cancer registries; prevention strategies; value-based and affordable cancer care; investments in research capacity building; epidemiological work on local risk factors for cancer; and combatting inequities of prevention and care access.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-16 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | JCO Global Oncology |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Aug 2023 |
