Improving Cancer Outcomes Through International Collaboration in Developing Countries: King Hussein Cancer Center As a Unique Experience

Abstract

Background and context: The need for international and regional collaboration in cancer care has grown stronger as we have made progress in both cancer treatment and screening. We sought to share our unique and successful experience at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) in Jordan and to identify those efforts already underway, which facilitate such collaboration and lead to raise up the cancer care in Jordan to highest levels. Aim: To strengthen cancer care in Jordan. Strategy/Tactics: Over 15 years, KHCC succeeded in binding with well reputed international cancer centers, like MD Anderson Cancer Center, Princess Margret Hospital, St June Cancer Center, Sick Hospital Cancer Center and Moffit Cancer Center, through twinning programs and collaborative agreements to improve capacity building, holding joint scientific activities like joint telemedicine tumor boards, symposia, workshops, and clinical research. Outcomes: Through such international collaboration, KHCC could reach a highest level of cancer care and considered as a hub in the region for cancer treatment, training and research. This great achievement was not possible without this effective collaboration with these international cancer centers. Many clinical programs have been initiated at KHCC because of this collaboration, which lead to joint clinical research work and publication. What was learned: International collaboration between cancer centers in developing countries and developed countries is very beneficial and can reduce the gap in cancer care. The successful experience of KHCC in this regard should admire cancer centers in developing countries to consider it and adopt it.