Maria Natalia Gandur Quiroga: Pioneering Equity in Cancer Treatment: A Model Worth Emulating
Maria Natalia Gandur Quiroga shared on LinkedIn:
“Pioneering Equity in Cancer Treatment: A Model Worth Emulating.
1) Introduction:
In the battle against cancer, ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge therapies is paramount. The Duncan Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine is setting an inspiring example in this regard.
2) Distinguished Leaders:
This initiative is led by renowned experts in the field:
– Hoda Badr
– Rayne Rouce
– Pavan Reddy
These professionals are driving progress toward eliminating disparities in cancer care.
3) The Challenge in Numbers:
To grasp the magnitude of the issue:
Minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations are underrepresented in clinical trials leading to cancer therapy approvals.
Promising CAR T cell therapy barely reaches these communities.
Economic and insurance hurdles hinder access for the disadvantaged.
4) Baylor’s Vision:
The Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center uniquely addresses these challenges, serving a diverse population in Houston/Harris County, where 65% of residents are from minority groups.
5) A Holistic Approach:
What makes this program exceptional:
Community Outreach: Building trust and credibility in minority communities.
Patient and Community Engagement: Identifying and addressing specific barriers.
Tailored Patient Education: Ensuring accessible information.
Cultural Sensitivity: Training staff for high-quality care.
Patient Navigation: Guiding patients through enrollment.
Research-Community Collaboration: Ensuring community voices shape the program.
Impact and Future:
This model could serve as a national beacon for reducing cancer care disparities.
6) Conclusion:
Equity in cancer care is a shared goal. The Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center demonstrates that overcoming barriers to advanced therapies is possible. It’s time for cancer centers nationwide to follow suit, working collectively to improve care and reduce disparities. Together, we can make a lasting impact.”
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Source: Maria Natalia Gandur Quiroga/LinkedIn
Maria Natalia Gandur Quiroga is a Medical Oncologist and Chief of the Division of Genitourinary Medical Oncology at the Instituto de Oncología Ángel H. Roffo in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Buenos Aires at the Oncologists Post Graduates Studies.
Her research focuses on clinical trials with aims to improve the treatment of patients with urologic tumors. She is an active member of the European Association for Cancer Research, Argentinian Medical Association and American Society of Clinical Oncology.