Publications by authors named "T Puertolas"

Background: Novel and highly effective drugs for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) improve patient outcomes, but their high cost strains healthcare systems. Spain's decentralized public health system, managed by 17 autonomous communities (AaCc), raises concerns about equitable access.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey (July-September 2023) was sent to Spanish Multidisciplinary Melanoma Group (GEM Group) members to assess access to new drugs.

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Background: Encorafenib plus binimetinib (EB) is a standard-of-care treatment for advanced BRAFV600-mutant melanoma. We assessed the efficacy and safety of encorafenib plus binimetinib in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma and brain metastasis (BM) and explored if radiotherapy improves the duration of response.

Methods: E-BRAIN/GEM1802 was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial that enrolled patients with melanoma BRAFV600-mutant and BM.

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Background: The development of highly active drugs has improved the survival of melanoma patients, but elevated drug prices place a significant burden on health care systems. In Spain, the public health care system is transferred to the 17 autonomous communities (AACC). The objective of this study is to describe the situation of drug access for melanoma patients in Spain and how this decentralized system is affecting equity.

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Immunotherapy improves the survival of patients with advanced melanoma, 40% of whom become long-term responders. However, not all patients respond to immunotherapy. Further knowledge of the processes involved in the response and resistance to immunotherapy is still needed.

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