Brazil updates cancer treatment protocols and expands diagnostic testing

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has published 18 updated documents to guide the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of various cancers within the Unified Health System (SUS). These updates, coordinated by the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in SUS (Conitec), establish new Clinical and Therapeutic Guidelines (PCDT) for conditions including breast, prostate, ovary, stomach, and thyroid cancers, as well as various leukemias and lymphomas.

This initiative is part of the implementation of the Oncology Pharmaceutical Assistance Component (AF-Onco), which aims to reorganize the financing, acquisition, and distribution of oncological medications. The updated protocols include specific medications such as olaparib, trastuzumab, and pembrolizumab.

In parallel, Brazil is expanding access to advanced diagnostic tools. The DNA-HPV molecular test, used for the early detection of infections associated with cervical cancer, is being gradually implemented across the country. In Rio Grande do Sul, the test is already available in 34 municipalities, while the state of Paraná has launched a tracking panel to monitor the rollout of this technology, which is expected to reach 256 municipalities by 2026.

Additionally, the Brazilian Senate has approved the “Setembro em Flor” campaign, a legislative initiative designed to raise public awareness regarding the prevention and early diagnosis of gynecological cancers.