In Brazil, it is estimated that there are 400 – 600 annual cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM)1. Before 2020, treatment of these diseases with cytoreductive surgery (CRS)/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was not reimbursed by the Brazilian Public Health System.
The Annals of Surgical Oncology article, “Global Forum of Cancer Surgeons: Support for the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology Journey towards Implementation of Cytoreductive Surgery/Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Brazil,” steps through the process that the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology (BSSO) undertook to gain approval by the public health system to reimburse this procedure. The process spanned several years and in 2019 the topic was discussed with the Global Forum of Cancer Surgeons. In accordance with the mission of this group, to improve surgical care for cancer patients, a statement of support was developed for the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology and was presented, along with other documents, to the Brazilian Public Health System. BSSO President, Dr. Alexandre Ferreira Oliveira said, “The support of GFCS was very important to the recognition of cytoreductive surgery/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in Brazil contributing to a large number of Brazilians who depend on our public health system.” CRS/HIPEC is now included in the list of procedures reimbursed and efforts are underway to identify Centers of Excellence. Chandrakanth Are, MD, GFCS Director said, “The GFCS was pleased to support the BSSO in its laudable endeavor and was even more delighted with the positive outcome. Cancer surgeons speaking in one voice through a forum as powerful as GFCS can bring about beneficial changes to cancer surgery and policy not only in Brazil but across the entire world.” Click here to read the full article.
The Global Forum of Cancer Surgeons
(GFCS) was formed under the auspices of the Society of Surgical Oncology in 2017 and is comprised of 15 oncology societies from across the globe. Since its inception, the GFCS has published several manuscripts to promote equitable cancer care. Click here to view a listing of these manuscripts.
- Oliveria AF, Quadros CA, Castro Ribeiro, HS, et. al. “Global Forum of Cancer Surgeons: Support for the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology Journey towards Implementation of Cytoreductive Surgery/Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Brazil.” Ann Surg Oncol (2021). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09527-x