Editor's Choice Main Category: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry;Cancer / Oncology Article Date: 04 Feb 2013 - 9:00 PST

Current ratings for: Cuba - Investing In Biotechnology To Battle Cancer

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The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 31,000 new cancer diagnoses are made in Cuba each year, and that 21,000 patients die of the disease annually.

Dr Jos Luis Di Fabio, the head of the WHO Country Office in Cuba, said:

WHO says that Cuba followed up its recommendations by setting up a "comprehensive national cancer plan" to make sure all Cubans have access to all levels of health service - from prevention, diagnosis, to palliative care.

According to Cuban health authorities, their anti-cancer plan is based on a strong primary health care system that allows patients to see their GP (general practitioner, primary care physician) regularly, so that health problems, including cancer are spotted early on during the disease.

When the primary care physician suspects cancer, the patient is referred to specialized centers for diagnosis and suitable treatment.

A vaccine for the treatment of advanced lung cancer which was developed by the Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba, was registered by the Ministry of Health in 2008. WHO described the vaccine as "one of the biotechnology spearheads in Cuba that is focusing on cancer treatments and vaccines. A second vaccine against the same type of cancer was patented in the beginning of 2013."

Dr. Augstin Lage Davila, General Director of the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), said "Biotechnology is key to transforming cancer from a deadly disease into a chronic one. Our drugs make chemo and radiation therapies more effective and less toxic. This helps us to achieve our ultimate goal: a longer life and a better quality life for our patients."

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Cuba - Investing In Biotechnology To Battle Cancer