Regional landscape of access, availability, and quality of essential pediatric oncology medicines in Latin America: Results from a multicountry survey

Regional landscape of access, availability, and quality of essential pediatric oncology medicines in Latin America: Results from a multicountry survey | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 23 October 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Regional landscape of access, availability, and quality of essential pediatric oncology medicines in Latin America: Results from a multicountry survey Authors : Liliana Vasquez 0000-0002-9584-3208 [email protected] , Edith Grynszpancholc , Diana Valencia , Milena Villarroel , Soad Fuentes , Claudia Sampor , and Mauricio Maza Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176120652.20783358/v1 Published Pediatric Blood & Cancer Version of record Peer review timeline 203 views 191 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Background: Equitable access to essential pediatric oncology medicines is critical for improving childhood cancer outcomes in Latin America. However, persistent disparities in availability, affordability, and quality of these medicines threaten treatment continuity and survivalThis study aimed to assess the regional landscape of access, availability, and quality of essential pediatric oncology medicines from the perspective of frontline healthcare professionals, and to identify structural barriers and opportunities for system-level improvement. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 148 health professionals involved in the care of children and adolescents with cancer across 137 institutions in 19 Latin American countries. Respondents included national focal points for childhood cancer, responsible for supporting the implementation of the WHO CureAll framework at country level, and country delegates from the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP), ensuring participation of professionals with recognized leadership and technical expertise. A structured online questionnaire collected data on the availability, access, financing, and quality of essential pediatric oncology medicines, as well as procurement mechanisms and civil society involvement. Key outcome measures were stratified by country income level, geographic subregion, and institution type. Results: While 70% of respondents reported government-financed medicines, barriers such as administrative delays, coverage denial, and out-of-pocket payments remained widespread, especially in Central America and Mexico. Professionals in low- and middle-income countries were 2.9 times more likely to report medicine unavailability (p=0.0008) and 3.5 times more likely to request family purchases (p=0.002). Quality concerns, particularly with asparaginase, were reported by half of respondents. Civil society organizations played a pivotal role in bridging supply gaps and advocating for access, with notable engagement in countries with weaker health coverage. Conclusions: The study highlights structural and geographic inequities in pediatric oncology medicine access and quality across Latin America. Strengthening procurement systems, regulatory oversight, and civil society partnerships is essential. Regional initiatives like GPACCM and CureAll, which promote centralized purchasing and health system strengthening, are critical to ensuring equitable and sustainable access to safe and effective childhood cancer treatment. Supplementary Material File (figures and tables.pptx) Download 1.04 MB File (manuscrito_meds_latam_vf.docx) Download 3.33 MB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 23 October 2025 Peer review timeline Published Pediatric Blood & Cancer Version of Record 5 Apr 2026 Published Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords chemotherapy hematology medical medical oncology Authors Affiliations Liliana Vasquez 0000-0002-9584-3208 [email protected] Pan American Health Organization View all articles by this author Edith Grynszpancholc no affiliation View all articles by this author Diana Valencia Hospital Internacional de Colombia Instituto de Cancer View all articles by this author Milena Villarroel no affiliation View all articles by this author Soad Fuentes St Jude Children's Research Hospital Department of Oncology View all articles by this author Claudia Sampor Pan American Health Organization View all articles by this author Mauricio Maza Pan American Health Organization View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 203 views 191 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Liliana Vasquez, Edith Grynszpancholc, Diana Valencia, et al. Regional landscape of access, availability, and quality of essential pediatric oncology medicines in Latin America: Results from a multicountry survey. Authorea . 23 October 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176120652.20783358/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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