Current status of urologic oncology clinics in Mexico

Abstract

Background: Most genitourinary (GU) neoplasms have several treatment options should be discussed by a multidisciplinary team. In Mexico, the status of urologic oncology clinics (UOCs) is unknown. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the current status of UOC, determine the existence of GU-MTB, and define the resource disparities among centers in Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on an online survey developed by the Genitourinary Mexican Cooperative Research Group in Oncology. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: Twenty UOCs were identified and were located in 8 of 32 states. Only 50% reported having a multidisciplinary tumor board (MTB). Medical oncology, urology, and radiation oncology participated in 90% of UOCs; nursing, social work, and research staff participation were absent. Ninety percent of MTBs reported discussing all GU neoplasms, one center exclusively discussed kidney cancer cases. Conclusions: There are 20 institutions with these clinics in the country, they are located in only 3 of 32 states. The uneven geographical distribution and the unequal availability of resources reflect the disparity in access to health care services.