07/08/2026
Advancing HER2‑positive breast cancer care in Brazil: innovation must translate into access
Brazil’s health regulatory agency, ANVISA, has approved earlier use of a targeted therapy for patients with early‑stage HER2‑positive breast cancer who still have invasive residual disease after neoadjuvant treatment and surgery. This milestone aims to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve cure rates for women at higher risk of their cancer returning.
At the Americas Health Foundation (AHF), we have worked for years at the intersection of oncology, scientific evidence, and health policy in Latin America. Our projects in breast cancer and other complex tumors bring together multi-sectoral key opinion leaders to inform guidelines and support evidence‑based decisions on health technology adoption.
Under the leadership of our Chairman of the Board, Stephen Stefani, AHF has actively contributed to regional conversations on access to innovative therapies, equity in cancer care, and the sustainability of health systems: although regulatory approval is a critical first step, it is not the end of the journey.
The key challenge now is ensuring that innovation translates into real‑world access for patients in the public health system, through transparent, evidence‑driven and sustainable processes.
AHF remains committed to generating technical analysis, fostering multi‑stakeholder dialogue, and strengthening medical communications so that regulatory decisions effectively become better, more equitable cancer care across the region.
📌 Original news article (in Portuguese): g1 “Anvisa aprova uso precoce de terapia contra câncer de mama HER2‑positivo by Talyta Vespa. Access here: https://lnkd.in/ePx8FE_f
