From National to International Collaboration in Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Hurdles and Possibilities

Abstract

Background: Today, most women with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) can expect to be cured, particularly if they live in middle- to high-income countries with access to GTD centres. In contrast, countries lacking organized GTD care achieve lower survival rates. Objectives: The aim of the study was to review and consider some of the successes and areas for improvement in GTD care that have been achieved through national and international collaborations. Methods: The authors searched PubMed and used their own knowledge of working nationally and internationally in GTD to write this review. Conclusions: The establishment of expert centres and national systems for managing GTD is associated with the best disease outcomes. National and in particular international collaboration is most likely to result in further optimisation of management protocols and outcomes. Outlook: It remains crucial for countries lacking GTD centres to try to establish such facilities with support from national agencies and international expert societies.