Are There Strategies to Integrate the Continuum of Care for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer When Resources Are Limited?

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent neoplasias worldwide, affecting both men and women. Patients with inoperable or metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) are candidates for palliative treatment with chemotherapy, which can significantly prolong survival. The number of active drugs has progressively increased over the past years, as well as available techniques directed towards resection or ablation of metastasis. Consequently, patients are able to live longer, with better quality of life. As new technologies become available, the treatments are becoming increasingly complicated, and the cost has increased in a proportion that most health systems can hardly afford. While the price of new therapies poses a challenge in more economically developed countries, it has a much greater impact in emerging and underdeveloped economies. In this article, we will discuss some strategies that could help dealing with this major problem, while reasonably maintaining the benefits of newer drugs and technologies to patient treatment.