Keyword: Health Care
4 results found.
Congress Abstract
Oncology, Nuclear Medicine and Transplantology, 2(3, Suppl. 1), 2026, onmt_A35, https://doi.org/10.63946/onmt/19315
ABSTRACT:
Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard of care after radical resection of stage III colon cancer. Key process quality indicators include the use of standard regimens, timely treatment initiation, treatment completion, and documentation of reasons for deviations. In Kazakhstan, data on these indicators and regional patient pathways remain limited.
Objective: To assess process quality indicators of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical surgery, taking into account subsequent treatment provided at the patients’ place of residence.
Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 45 patients aged ≥18 years with morphologically confirmed stage III colon cancer who underwent radical resection at the National Scientific Oncology Center between January 9, 2021, and December 5, 2023. Patients with distant metastases at surgery, prior neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or rectal cancer were excluded. Subsequent treatment was mainly provided at the patients’ place of residence, and data were retrieved from medical records. We assessed treatment administration, reasons for non-initiation, use of standard regimens, time to treatment initiation, proportion of planned cycles completed, and reasons for non-completion. Descriptive statistics were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Interregional comparisons were not performed due to small and uneven subgroup sizes.
Results: Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 36/45 patients (80.0%). Among nine untreated patients, one had medical contraindications, one refused treatment, and the reason was undocumented in seven. Standard regimens were used in 34/36 patients (94.4%). Among 34 patients with available timing data, median time to treatment initiation was 5.4 weeks (range, 1.0–11.7), and 31 (91.2%) started within 8 weeks. Among 34 patients with data on planned cycles, the median proportion of completed cycles was 70.8% (range, 25.0–100.0%); 15 (44.1%) completed the full course and 17 (50.0%) received ≥75% of planned cycles. Among 19 patients who did not complete treatment, reasons included progression in seven, toxicity in three, and coronavirus infection, drug unavailability, and death due to stroke in one case each; the reason was undocumented in six. Patients represented 12 regions, with subgroup sizes of 1–18 patients.
Conclusions: Most patients received standard adjuvant chemotherapy and initiated treatment within the recommended timeframe; however, fewer than half completed the full planned course. Reasons for non-completion were heterogeneous and should not be interpreted as a single marker of inadequate quality of care. Incomplete documentation and interregional patient pathways limited the assessment. Expansion of the registry and standardized data exchange are required for further analysis.
Objective: To assess process quality indicators of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical surgery, taking into account subsequent treatment provided at the patients’ place of residence.
Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 45 patients aged ≥18 years with morphologically confirmed stage III colon cancer who underwent radical resection at the National Scientific Oncology Center between January 9, 2021, and December 5, 2023. Patients with distant metastases at surgery, prior neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or rectal cancer were excluded. Subsequent treatment was mainly provided at the patients’ place of residence, and data were retrieved from medical records. We assessed treatment administration, reasons for non-initiation, use of standard regimens, time to treatment initiation, proportion of planned cycles completed, and reasons for non-completion. Descriptive statistics were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Interregional comparisons were not performed due to small and uneven subgroup sizes.
Results: Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 36/45 patients (80.0%). Among nine untreated patients, one had medical contraindications, one refused treatment, and the reason was undocumented in seven. Standard regimens were used in 34/36 patients (94.4%). Among 34 patients with available timing data, median time to treatment initiation was 5.4 weeks (range, 1.0–11.7), and 31 (91.2%) started within 8 weeks. Among 34 patients with data on planned cycles, the median proportion of completed cycles was 70.8% (range, 25.0–100.0%); 15 (44.1%) completed the full course and 17 (50.0%) received ≥75% of planned cycles. Among 19 patients who did not complete treatment, reasons included progression in seven, toxicity in three, and coronavirus infection, drug unavailability, and death due to stroke in one case each; the reason was undocumented in six. Patients represented 12 regions, with subgroup sizes of 1–18 patients.
Conclusions: Most patients received standard adjuvant chemotherapy and initiated treatment within the recommended timeframe; however, fewer than half completed the full planned course. Reasons for non-completion were heterogeneous and should not be interpreted as a single marker of inadequate quality of care. Incomplete documentation and interregional patient pathways limited the assessment. Expansion of the registry and standardized data exchange are required for further analysis.
Congress Abstract
Oncology, Nuclear Medicine and Transplantology, 2(3, Suppl. 1), 2026, onmt_A27, https://doi.org/10.63946/onmt/19311
ABSTRACT:
Background: The rapid population growth of Astana has been accompanied by an increasing demand for specialized cancer care. Cancer prevention, early diagnosis, improvement of treatment strategies, and enhancement of patients’ quality of life and survival remain key priorities of the oncology service.
Objective: To assess major changes in the organization, capacity, and technological development of the oncology service in Astana over a 15-year period.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the main organizational indicators of the State Enterprise on the Right of Economic Management “Multidisciplinary Medical Center” of the Akimat of Astana over a 15-year period was performed. Changes in patient volume, staffing, implementation of modern diagnostic and treatment technologies, screening, and cancer prevention activities were evaluated.
Results: Over 15 years, the nearly threefold increase in the population of Astana was accompanied by a substantial rise in the workload of the oncology service. Despite a planned outpatient capacity of 380 visits per day, the actual number reached up to 1,300 patients daily. The total number of employees increased from 250 to 864, including 177 physicians and 318 nursing professionals. Modern laboratory and radiation diagnostic methods, immunohistochemical and cytochemical testing, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy were introduced into clinical practice. Linear accelerators, angiographic systems, and video endoscopic equipment expanded the capabilities of radiation therapy, diagnostic procedures, and minimally invasive treatment. Cancer screening, follow-up programs, and public cancer awareness initiatives were further developed to support early detection of malignancies.
Conclusions: Over the 15-year period, the oncology service in Astana substantially expanded its workforce and technological capacity while responding to rapid population growth and increasing demand for cancer care. The implementation of modern diagnostic and treatment technologies, development of screening programs, and strengthening of human resources provide a foundation for further improvements in the accessibility and quality of oncology care.
Objective: To assess major changes in the organization, capacity, and technological development of the oncology service in Astana over a 15-year period.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the main organizational indicators of the State Enterprise on the Right of Economic Management “Multidisciplinary Medical Center” of the Akimat of Astana over a 15-year period was performed. Changes in patient volume, staffing, implementation of modern diagnostic and treatment technologies, screening, and cancer prevention activities were evaluated.
Results: Over 15 years, the nearly threefold increase in the population of Astana was accompanied by a substantial rise in the workload of the oncology service. Despite a planned outpatient capacity of 380 visits per day, the actual number reached up to 1,300 patients daily. The total number of employees increased from 250 to 864, including 177 physicians and 318 nursing professionals. Modern laboratory and radiation diagnostic methods, immunohistochemical and cytochemical testing, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy were introduced into clinical practice. Linear accelerators, angiographic systems, and video endoscopic equipment expanded the capabilities of radiation therapy, diagnostic procedures, and minimally invasive treatment. Cancer screening, follow-up programs, and public cancer awareness initiatives were further developed to support early detection of malignancies.
Conclusions: Over the 15-year period, the oncology service in Astana substantially expanded its workforce and technological capacity while responding to rapid population growth and increasing demand for cancer care. The implementation of modern diagnostic and treatment technologies, development of screening programs, and strengthening of human resources provide a foundation for further improvements in the accessibility and quality of oncology care.
Congress Abstract
Oncology, Nuclear Medicine and Transplantology, 2(3, Suppl. 1), 2026, onmt_A28, https://doi.org/10.63946/onmt/19308
ABSTRACT:
Background: A multidisciplinary approach is an important component of high-quality cancer care, enabling collaborative decision-making on diagnostic and treatment strategies in accordance with clinical protocols and recommendations of international oncology societies. In accordance with the national Standard for the Organization of Cancer Care in the Republic of Kazakhstan, multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) covering the main areas of oncology have been established at the State Enterprise on the Right of Economic Management “Multidisciplinary Medical Center” of the Akimat of Astana.
Objective: To evaluate the organization of multidisciplinary team activities and their role in collaborative clinical decision-making in cancer care.
Materials and Methods: Six specialized MDTs were established: thoracic surgery, abdominal surgery, head and neck oncology, gynecologic oncology, urologic oncology, and medical oncology, along with a chemotherapy council. MDT meetings review newly diagnosed patients with histologically verified malignancies, patients with diagnostic challenges, recurrent or progressive disease, treatment-related complications or contraindications, and cases requiring modification of the treatment strategy. Decisions are made collaboratively based on medical records, diagnostic findings, clinical protocols, and recommendations of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). MDT protocols are continuously monitored for compliance with established requirements.
Results: In 2025, a total of 4,142 patient cases were reviewed at MDT meetings. The MDT process included collaborative selection of diagnostic and treatment strategies, determination of further patient management, assessment of the need to modify previously prescribed treatment, referral for specialized and highly specialized medical care, and evaluation of indications for targeted therapy. MDT decisions were documented in meeting protocols and incorporated into patients’ medical records. The established MDT process ensured systematic multidisciplinary review of clinical cases and continuous monitoring of clinical decisions.
Conclusions: The implementation of specialized multidisciplinary teams provides a structured framework for collaborative decision-making in cancer care and promotes a consistent approach to diagnostic and treatment strategies. Regular monitoring of MDT protocols supports compliance with established requirements. Further assessment using quantitative indicators of adherence to MDT recommendations, treatment modifications, and patient outcomes is warranted to objectively evaluate the impact of MDTs on the quality and outcomes of cancer care.
Objective: To evaluate the organization of multidisciplinary team activities and their role in collaborative clinical decision-making in cancer care.
Materials and Methods: Six specialized MDTs were established: thoracic surgery, abdominal surgery, head and neck oncology, gynecologic oncology, urologic oncology, and medical oncology, along with a chemotherapy council. MDT meetings review newly diagnosed patients with histologically verified malignancies, patients with diagnostic challenges, recurrent or progressive disease, treatment-related complications or contraindications, and cases requiring modification of the treatment strategy. Decisions are made collaboratively based on medical records, diagnostic findings, clinical protocols, and recommendations of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). MDT protocols are continuously monitored for compliance with established requirements.
Results: In 2025, a total of 4,142 patient cases were reviewed at MDT meetings. The MDT process included collaborative selection of diagnostic and treatment strategies, determination of further patient management, assessment of the need to modify previously prescribed treatment, referral for specialized and highly specialized medical care, and evaluation of indications for targeted therapy. MDT decisions were documented in meeting protocols and incorporated into patients’ medical records. The established MDT process ensured systematic multidisciplinary review of clinical cases and continuous monitoring of clinical decisions.
Conclusions: The implementation of specialized multidisciplinary teams provides a structured framework for collaborative decision-making in cancer care and promotes a consistent approach to diagnostic and treatment strategies. Regular monitoring of MDT protocols supports compliance with established requirements. Further assessment using quantitative indicators of adherence to MDT recommendations, treatment modifications, and patient outcomes is warranted to objectively evaluate the impact of MDTs on the quality and outcomes of cancer care.
Review Article
Oncology, Nuclear Medicine and Transplantology, 1(2), 2025, onmt009, https://doi.org/10.63946/onmt/17451
ABSTRACT:
Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it disproportionately affects women due to late-stage diagnoses. Despite the availability of preventive measures such as screening and HPV vaccination, uptake remains critically low. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and identify key predictors of cervical cancer screening uptake across Sub-Saharan Africa. A comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online (AJOL) and ScienceDirect identified 27 studies involving a total of 357,586 women. Our results revealed that the overall prevalence of cervical cancer screening uptake was 21.2% (95% CI: 16.2%, 27.2%). Key predictors of uptake included education, healthcare access, awareness of cervical cancer, age, and integration with other health services like HIV care. This study underscores the urgent need for tailored interventions to address barriers such as lack of awareness, financial constraints, and cultural stigma. The findings provide crucial evidence to guide policy and public health strategies aimed at increasing screening rates and reducing the cervical cancer burden in the region.