Global Health Perspective in Sarcomas and Other Rare Cancers

Abstract

Sarcomas, rare and heterogenous malignancies that comprise less than 1% of all cancers, have poor outcomes in the metastatic and refractory setting. Their management requires a multidisciplinary approach that consists of medical and surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists as well as ancillary support. In addition to systemic treatments, most patients will require surgical resection and radiation therapy, which mandates the use of the latest technologies and specialized expertise. Management guidelines have been developed in high-income countries, but their applicability in low-income countries, where resources may be limited, remains a challenge. In this article, we propose the best possible evidence-based practices specifically for income-constrained settings to overcome this challenge. In addition, we review the different methods that can be used in low-income countries to access new and expensive treatments, which often times carry prohibitive costs for these areas.