Readiness for Access to Breast Cancer Oncology Medicines in Paraguay

Between 20% and 25% of all breast cancer patients are classified as HER2-positive. This means they express high levels of the HER2 protein, which causes the cancer to grow and spread faster than in patients negative to this expression. Breast cancer identified as HER2-positive tends to grow faster, spread and recur, but is also known to respond better to targeted treatment. 

Due to the fragmented nature of the health system in Paraguay, diagnosis for these patients is slow as care coordinators must provide accurate data to several institutions at once, reach the entire cohort of patients that meet the therapy’s inclusion criteria and rely on a coordinated workflow.

To implement a quality control structure that strengthens the public healthcare system, encompassing diagnostics, treatment, drug delivery and data systems, so care chains flow efficiently and effectively. This is to help Her-2/neu protein breast cancer patients achieve a faster diagnosis and access targeted therapy. 

The project works with five institutions: the National Institute of Cancer (INCAN), the Clinic Hospital from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the National University of Asuncion (HC-UNA), the National Hospital of Itaugua (HNI), the San Pablo Women and Childrens’ Hospital (HSP) and the Central Laboratory of Anatomic Pathology. Readiness for access focuses on improving information systems and processes through implementing a patient tracking software, standardising sample handling and reports, the donation of medical supplies, facility renovations, the provision of equipment and the training of human resources.

This project is in collaboration with leading biotechnology company Amgen. Humanitarian aid organisation Direct Relief will provide logistical support to the programme with logistics and delivery of medicines.