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Clinical trials with medications for the treatment of cancer in primary health care

Abstract:

Cuba exhibits a promising development in the production of biotechnological products for the cancer treatment. The introduction of these products in the medical practice requires a rigorous evaluation of safety, efficacy and effectiveness through clinical trials. The objective of the study was to provide an approach to the state of art in the conduction of clinical trials with pharmaceuticals for the cancer treatment in the primary health care in Cuba. Information search was made in PubMed/Medline, SciELO and Google databases till November 2015. The website of the Cuban Public Registry of Clinical Trials was also consulted. The current situation of conducting clinical trials internationally, with emphasis in oncology studies was described. The development of oncologic clinical trials in Cuba was analyzed in terms of number, most relevant research areas, chronological order of performance and main promoting centers. The strengths and barriers of the primary care system for the conduction of these investigations and their perspectives were also considered. The development of oncologic clinical trials in primary health care in Cuba is still incipient. It is possible and necessary to incorporate more institutions of the system to these investigations, in order to benefit a larger number of patients and the development of infrastructure and clinical practices which are typical of these studies. Success depends on the adoption of strategies that allow its efficient and sustainable implementation in this setting.