Results promising for Cuban cancer treatment

Nimotuzumab, a humanized immunoglobulin produced by the Center for Molecular Immunology (CIM), in Cuba, improves survival and quality of life in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, when used in combination with conventional chemotherapy.

Some benefits of the product are observed when added to other therapies such as chemotheraphy and radiation therapy in pediatric patients with malignant tumors of the central nervous system, said Doctor Patricia Piedra, medical manager on regulatory affairs at the CIM. Nimotuzumab has been part of the basic approach since 2010, although its health registration in the island dates from 2012, representing wide coverage for the Cuban population, said Dr Piedra at a press conference.

Between 400 and 500 patients have benefited annually since then from the oncology network in the country, as well as having access to other services, such as otolaryngology and neurosurgery, she said.

The monoclonal antibody is an example of the technological sovereignty of the Cuban biotechnological industry. The medicine has been registered in 24 nations, and used on some 47,000 patients worldwide with good results.

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