The oncology initiative seeks to enhance the quality of cancer care, addressing the acute and long-term oncology needs identified through extensive assessments by leveraging the expertise of MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The initiative focuses on crucial aspects, such as palliative treatment, symptom management, patient education, multidisciplinary tumor boards, and the development of standardized protocols, improving patient outcomes and easing the burden on the healthcare system. 

Assess strengths and gaps in treatment capacity within Ukraine. Together with Ukrainian oncologists and MD Anderson (MDA), co-develop a program to improve the quality of cancer care in Ukraine.

Ukraine Clinical Oncology Project ECHO (U-COPE): oncologists and hematologists in Ukraine are mentored in management of cancer.  12 biweekly virtual sessions. Simultaneous Ukrainian translation. CME credits through Ministry of Health (MOH).

Develop and translate patient educational materials about chemotherapy drug side-effects and create short videos for the management of each symptom.  U-COPE conclusion.

U-COPE evaluation and results presentation. GMKA presentation of WHO cancer care in Ukraine. Needs assessment preliminary results to the European Commission, Ukraine MOH. Conceptualization of Breast Cancer Centers of Excellence.

Selection of COE partners.  Co-design of pilot initiatives at Breast COEs together with MD Anderson.  Launch program to enhance cancer care aligned with available resources and evidence at COE.