Disparities in Cancer Control in Central America and the Caribbean.

Central America and the Caribbean is a highly heterogeneous region comprising more than 30 countries and territories with more than 200 million inhabitants. Although recent advances in the region have improved access to cancer care, there are still many disparities and barriers for obtaining high-quality cancer treatments, particularly for those from disadvantaged populations, immigrants, and rural areas. In this article, we provide an overview of cancer care in Central America and the Caribbean, with selected examples of issues related to disparities in access to care and suggest solutions and strategies to move forward.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies pre- and post-vaccination behavior in health workers from a Guatemalan cancer center.

Introduction: The study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies allows asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 to be identified, and post-infection and post-vaccination immunity status to be evaluated.

Objective: To know the behavior of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies before and after vaccination in workers of a cancer center.

Methods: Prior to the application of the vaccine, the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies (n = 171) was analyzed by evaluating anti-N IgG antibodies; post-vaccination, after receiving the second dose, anti-S IgG antibodies were evaluated (n = 60).

HOLA COVID-19 Study: Evaluating the Impact of Caring for Patients With COVID-19 on Cancer Care Delivery in Latin America.

Purpose: The HOLA COVID-19 study sought to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on oncology practices across Latin America (LATAM), challenges faced by physicians, and how practices and physicians adapted while delivering care to patients with cancer.

Methods: This international cross-sectional study of oncology physicians in LATAM included a 43-item anonymous online survey to evaluate changes and adaptations to clinical practice. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of caring for patients with COVID-19 and changes to clinical practice.

The role of gut microbiome in modulating response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in cancer.

Immunotherapy has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of several cancers. There have been significant efforts to identify biomarkers that can predict response and toxicities related to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICPI) therapy. Despite these advances, it has been challenging to tease out why a subset of patients benefit more than others or why certain patients experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs).

Years of Potential Life Lost Because of Breast and Cervical Cancers in Guatemala.

Purpose: Worldwide cervical and breast cancers are among the most commonly diagnosed cancers and are leading cause of cancer deaths among females in low- and middle-income countries. In Guatemala, breast and cervical cancers are the main cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the years of potential life lost (YPLL) as an indicator of premature deaths as a result of breast and cervical cancers.

Liver Cancer in Guatemala: An Analysis of Mortality and Incidence Trends From 2012 to 2016.

Purpose: Guatemala has the highest mortality and incidence of liver cancer in Central and South America. The aim of this study is to describe the extent of liver cancer in the country from 2012 to 2016 and the associated risk factors.

Methods: A secondary analysis was performed using liver cancer mortality and morbidity data and data on risk factors, such as hepatitis B virus infection, cirrhosis, and alcoholism.