CTFMT outlines the oncology program in Cuba, specifically focusing on medical oncology and the services offered to patients suffering from cancer. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
- Medical Oncology and Interdisciplinary Approach: Medical oncology involves the medical aspects of cancer care for both children and adults. It is integrated into a broader interdisciplinary framework that includes other clinical oncology branches such as surgery and radiotherapy.
- Multidisciplinary Teams: Patients undergoing treatment for cancer are evaluated and managed by multidisciplinary teams comprising various specialists, including internists, radiologists, pathologists, hematologists, surgeons, and clinical oncologists. The clinical oncologist leads the team and determines the optimal treatment plan based on the patient’s diagnosis.
- National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology (INOR): The cancer treatment program is conducted at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology (INOR), which has achieved noteworthy results in treating cancer patients. The institute’s performance is on par with other renowned scientific centers worldwide that specialize in cancer treatment.
- Contribution of Cuban Scientists: The program’s success is also attributed to the involvement of Cuban scientists from the Molecular Immunology Center (CIM). These scientists have developed therapeutic vaccines that have demonstrated high efficiency in treating specific types of tumors, including those in the lungs, head and neck, and brain.
- Services Provided by the Program:
- Hospitalization: Patients receive hospitalization services as part of their cancer treatment.
- Multidisciplinary Consultancies: The program offers consultations involving multiple specialists to ensure comprehensive care.
- Research with Diagnosis Means: Research involving diagnostic methods and technologies is conducted to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- New Treatments:
- THERAPY AGAINST LUNG CANCER WITH MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES (CIMAVAX EGF): This therapy involves the use of monoclonal antibodies to treat lung cancer.
- THERAPY AGAINST LUNG CANCER WITH MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES (VAXIRA): Another therapy utilizing monoclonal antibodies for lung cancer treatment.
- THERAPY AGAINST HEAD AND NECK CANCER WITH MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES (NIMOTUZUMAB): Monoclonal antibody therapy targeting head and neck cancer.
The Cuban oncology program seems to be focused on a comprehensive and collaborative approach to cancer care, with a strong emphasis on research, multidisciplinary expertise, and innovative treatments such as monoclonal antibody therapies and therapeutic vaccines developed by Cuban scientists.