Current and future challenges of the use of precision medicine in cancer diagnosis and treatment in Brazil

Abstract

This study seeks to culturally and ethically reflect on the current and future challenges of incorporating new biotechnologies to diagnose and treat cancer in Brazil and assess their impact on cancer control. To this end, this study begins by problematizing the literature on the subject and the results of a study that conducted a web survey with medical specialists from the Brazilian public and private sectors; the latter associated with the ten most representative cancer societies in the country, working in clinical practice, surgery, radiotherapy, pathology, and diagnosis. We discussed this study around three thematic axes: knowledge and expectations on the advent of new technologies to diagnose and treat cancer; structural and ethical considerations in the current and future use of new technologies; and possible scenarios associated with the use and application of new technologies to diagnose and treat cancer. We have raised some questions: will new technological paradigms benefit all Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) users, or will they be the privileges of the few? Will they reduce discrepancies regarding the distribution of technological services and resources and cancer diagnosis and treatment? How can different segments of society participate and influence this process? What scenarios can still compose this picture? Aiming to contribute to planning the future of cancer care in Brazil, this study proposes the development of future actions from five strategic dimensions: economy; science, innovation and technology; structure; culture; and regulation.