Access to lung cancer therapy in the Mexican population: opportunities for reducing inequity within the health system.

Abstract

Lung cancer is a major global public health problem, yet the disease is highly stigmatized, which impairs the opportunities to get optimal treatment for these patients. Globally, as well as locally in Mexico, lung cancer is the main cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite this, it is the only one among the five deadliest cancers in Mexico which is not covered by Popular Health Insurance. Lung cancer treatment is a complex algorithm, which requires fully trained personnel to assess each patient in order to determine standard-of-care therapy based on several factors associated with the molecular profile of the tumor, as well as patient characteristics and their financial capabilities. Coupled to this, in the recent decade, several breakthrough therapies have been launched, shifting the outlook for certain patient subgroups. However, none of these novel therapies are currently available to patients who have public-based health insurance. In this paper, we review the inequities present in the Mexican health system and highlight the importance of addressing these opportunities.