Global oncology trends emphasize patient quality of life and specialized care

The landscape of oncology is shifting toward a holistic approach that prioritizes both survival rates and patient quality of life. A new report titled ‘Vivir más y mejor’ (Live more and better), developed by AstraZeneca in collaboration with the Alianza frente a la Metástasis (Almia), advocates for integrating structured quality-of-life measurements into clinical research, medical practice, and drug financing decisions. The goal is to account for factors such as treatment toxicity, side effects, and a patient's ability to maintain autonomy and emotional well-being.

Globally, several medical institutions are recognized for excellence in cancer care. In the United States, the Mayo Clinic is noted for its comprehensive NCI-designated centers, while City of Hope is ranked among the top hospitals for specific surgeries. In Europe, institutions like the IOB Barcelona and Clínica Universidad de Navarra lead in clinical trials and immunotherapy. In the Middle East, King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia has achieved significant cost reductions in CAR-T manufacturing. In Latin America, facilities such as Auna in Peru and Radioterapia Siglo XXI in Costa Rica are noted for holding international certifications.