July 2, 2024, PHARMACIA, the multidisciplinary journal for pharmaceutical and allied sciences, published “Proton Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Real-World Data Case Study from Bulgaria.” Sqilline Health contributed as a co-author with the real-world data analyses powered by the innovative technology of Danny Platform.
Introduction: Head and neck cancers (HNC) are a significant health concern in Europe, making up nearly 4.5% of all cancer cases. Proton and photon therapies are both available treatment approaches for head and neck cancer, as each has its own unique advantages, characteristics, and considerations. Proton therapy is the newest one and is considered safer among both. However, Bulgaria currently lacks a proton therapy center, requiring patients to travel abroad, which is costly and inconvenient. The country also faces challenges in securing the necessary funding and political support. Therefore, this study, utilizing real-world data (RWD) from patient registries analyzed by Sqilline’s Danny Platform, explores the feasibility of establishing a national proton therapy center in Bulgaria. It aims to assess the current landscape and propose strategies for improving access to advanced cancer treatments.
Key Summary Points:
Objectives:
- To assess the access to proton therapy for HNC patients using RWD analyzed by Sqilline’s Danny Platform.
- To evaluate the feasibility of establishing a national proton therapy center in Bulgaria.
- To analyze strategic policy documents to understand the level of support and potential challenges for implementing proton therapy in Bulgaria.
Challenges:
- Bulgaria currently lacks a proton therapy center, forcing patients to travel abroad for treatment, which leads to high costs and logistical difficulties.
- There is insufficient political will and financial support to establish such a facility.
- Access to proton therapy is limited due to high costs and resource constraints, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
Solutions:
- Utilize Danny Platform to RWD on patient demographics, treatment patterns, and outcomes, revealing significant gaps in the access to proton therapy in Bulgaria.
- Conduct a comprehensive financial assessment to evaluate the costs of building and maintaining a proton therapy center, including expenses for construction, equipment, staff training, and ongoing operations.
- Develop a supportive policy framework that includes proton therapy in national healthcare plans and seeks funding through public-private partnerships to ensure sustainable financing.
- Invest in training specialized medical personnel, such as radiation oncologists and medical physicists, and upgrade existing oncology facilities to support the integration of new technology.
- Collaborate with international organizations and healthcare providers to share knowledge, reduce costs, and improve treatment quality, facilitating access to the latest technology and best practices.
- Prioritize proton therapy access for vulnerable groups, especially children, by implementing policies that cover all associated costs, including treatment, transportation, and accommodation, ensuring comprehensive patient support.
Results:
- From 2020 to 2022, only ten children with head and neck cancer were referred abroad for proton therapy, underscoring the lack of local facilities. These patients, with an average age of 9.8 years, received treatment in Germany, Italy, Austria, and Russia.
- The National Health Strategy 2030 acknowledges the need for proton therapy, but there is insufficient funding and political will to implement it. The proposal for a proton therapy center was excluded from the Recovery and Sustainability Plan due to financial risks.
- Proton therapy abroad costs approximately €20,000 per procedure, primarily covered by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for children. Additional expenses for travel and accommodation are borne by families. A national center could significantly reduce these costs and provide comprehensive care.
- Building a national proton centre is a feasible investment but needs additional detailed budget impact analysis.
Benefits:
- A national proton therapy center could provide better access to advanced treatments, particularly for children, reducing the need for costly and challenging international travel. However, additional detailed budget impact analysis is needed.
- RWD analysis by analytics platforms like Danny Platform is crucial for making informed decisions.
- Establishing a proton therapy center could enhance Bulgaria’s healthcare capabilities, potentially attracting international patients and positioning the country as a leader in advanced cancer care.
- The center could facilitate the training of specialized medical professionals and encourage research and innovation in cancer treatments, leading to improved healthcare outcomes and new treatment protocols.
Authors:
Prof. Maria Dimitrova, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
Nezabravka Tsvetanova, Sales Manager, Sqilline, Bulgaria, Sofia, Bulgaria
Daniel Penchev, Co-Founder, Sqilline, Bulgaria, Sofia, Bulgaria
Prof. Guenka Petrova, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
