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Review
. 2025 Aug 12:61:101660.
doi: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101660. eCollection 2025 Aug.

What is the role of common sense oncology in the Western Pacific?

Samuel Xavier Stevens  1   2   3 , Christopher G C A Jackson  4   5 , Deme Karikios  2   6
Affiliations
Review

What is the role of common sense oncology in the Western Pacific?

Samuel Xavier Stevens et al. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. .

Abstract

Established in 2023, Common Sense Oncology (CSO) is a grass roots initiative uniting cancer clinicians, policymakers, academics, patients and their advocates that calls for a 'recalibration' of cancer care to focus on outcomes that matter to patients. CSO emphasises treatments that substantially improve survival and quality of life, and advocates for equitable global access to effective cancer therapies. This article examines the potential of CSO principles to improve cancer care in the Western Pacific, a geographically and culturally diverse region that shoulders one-third of the global cancer burden. We review early progress of CSO working groups and identify regional challenges, such as engaging diverse membership, fostering local change, and evaluating impact. Unique regional strengths, such as longstanding cooperative trial group and China's growing influence in global drug development, are highlighted.

Keywords: Cancer care; Clinical trials; Common Sense Oncology (CSO); Health equity; Healthcare costs; Healthcare policy; Value; Western Pacific.

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Conflict of interest statement

SS is employed by Common Sense Oncology as a Clinical Research Fellow in Cancer Policy. DK is a member of the Common Sense Oncology Leadership Group. He discloses payment/honoraria from Merck Sharp & Dohme Pty Ltd, Roche, AbbVie, AstraZeneca Australia, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd. CJ is a member of the Common Sense Oncology Leadership Group.

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