Improving survival rates of glioma patients in developing countries

Background: Gliomas represent one of the most challenging brain malignancies with historically poor survival outcomes, particularly in developing countries where healthcare infrastructure limitations significantly impact patient care and treatment accessibility.

Objective: To identify evidence-based strategies that developing countries can implement to improve survival rates and clinical outcomes for glioma patients through systematic review of current literature and best practices.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted covering publications from 2000 to 2025, focusing on glioma management strategies, treatment protocols, and healthcare system improvements in resource-limited settings.

Results: Our analysis identified a multifaceted approach to improve glioma survival rates encompassing five key domains:(1) Diagnostic and Treatment Infrastructure - expanding access to MRI and CT imaging for early accurate diagnosis, establishing molecular pathology laboratories for IDH mutation and 1p/19q co-deletion testing, and improving neurosurgical capacity through specialist training and advanced surgical equipment; (2) Treatment Protocol Standardization - adopting global best practices such as NCCN guidelines recommending maximal safe resection followed by chemoradiation, introducing targeted therapies including temozolomide and bevacizumab, and supporting clinical trials for emerging therapies; (3) Research and Data Infrastructure - creating national glioma registries for outcome tracking and establishing academic partnerships with international research institutions;

(4) Professional and Public Awareness - training general practitioners for early symptom recognition and implementing awareness campaigns to reduce stigma; (5) Access and Affordability - subsidizing treatment costs through public health programs and expanding telemedicine services for underserved populations.

Conclusion: Implementation of these integrated strategies can significantly improve glioma outcomes in developing countries, enabling alignment with global treatment standards and ultimately enhancing patient survival rates through comprehensive healthcare system strengthening.

Dr. Yasmeen Idrees is a medical graduate of Fatima Jinnah Medical University Lahore, Pakistan. Following her graduation, she pursued postgraduate training in General Internal Medicine and completed MRCP (UK) as her postgraduate qualification. She is keen to explore research in medical field and collaborated with Professor Patricia Tai in Canada for the same.