425P - The humanitarian PACT for advanced breast cancer: A multi-stakeholder collaboration to improve access to treatment in low- and middle-income countries

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Access to effective therapies remains limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where most BC deaths occur. The Max Foundation (Max) and its Humanitarian PACT for Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) partners, including the ABC Global Alliance, the American Society for Clinical Pathology, Cepheid, and Novartis AG, launched a multi-stakeholder program in 2023 to provide treatment access for ABC patients in select LMICs. The program will provide medication free-of-charge while addressing other health systems barriers and patient needs.

Methods

The program provides access to CDK4/6 inhibitors and aromatase inhibitors for patients with HR+/HER2- ABC in select LMICs. Additionally, health system strengthening and social determinants of health programs, including clinical training, diagnostics, and patient education and support, were implemented to address quality of care and other healthcare barriers.

Results

In the first 7 months of the program, 54 post-menopausal HR+/HER2- ABC patients from the Bahamas, Cambodia, Jamaica, Mozambique, and Nepal were enrolled. On-site and virtual clinical training was provided to healthcare providers, covering diagnosis, pathology, clinical decision-making, medication management, and disease monitoring. Site visits focused on stakeholder engagement were conducted in select countries. Patient education and support were provided through patient group meetings and personalized support from the Max team. A transportation program offering monetary grants to patients was implemented in select countries to address practical barriers.

Conclusions

The program’s early outcomes show the feasibility of its approach and present a scalable model for addressing global healthcare disparities in ABC treatment. Implementing programs to address healthcare access barriers beyond the availability of medicines is fundamental for sustained benefits in LMICs.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The Max Foundation.

Funding

Novartis AG.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.