ABSTRACT
Introduction 1039 Magnitude of problem 1039 Epidemiologic differences 1039 Patterns of presentation of differences in the biology 1040
of the disease Geographic variations in histologic subtypes 1041 Presence of retroviral infections and other infections 1041 Limitations in ‘the less economically sound or 1042
privileged nations’ Financial resources 1042 Other factors apart from finances 1042 Availability of drugs 1043 Minimal requirements for diagnosis 1043 Requirements for supportive care 1043
Treatment strategies 1043 Management of hematolymphoid disease – how 1044
to proceed? Establishment of comprehensive cancer care units 1044
or teaching hospitals Shared care model 1044 Training of professionals and health care community workers 1045 Twinning program 1045 Therapeutic alliances 1046 Creating national cooperative groups 1046 Research opportunities 1046 Conclusions 1046 Key points 1047 References 1047
Medical oncology is witnessing an exciting era in terms of better understanding of biology of disease process at the molecular level, improved diagnostics, and better treatment strategies, including biological therapies. This has translated to better quality of life and improved survival. However, there is a vast discrepancy in the overall patient survival in the developed nations as against the developing ones.
