IMSS advances in the fight against childhood cancer, benefiting 6,685 minors.

The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) has taken a significant step in the fight against childhood cancer in Mexico throughout 2024, achieving an unprecedented milestone by benefiting 6,685 children in its medical units. This initiative is part of the National Strategy of the 36 State Reference Centers for the Care of Children with Cancer, known as OncoCREAN, and is directed by the general director of IMSS, Zoé Robledo. This comprehensive effort aims not only to ensure effective diagnosis and treatment but also to provide a personalized approach that addresses the unique needs of each child. From 2022 to November 2024, IMSS has diagnosed and treated a total of 3,838 new cases of childhood cancer. The strategy has not only allowed for the care of a high number of patients but has also sought to standardize treatments across the country, ensuring that all children have the same opportunities for healing, regardless of their geographic location. This equitable approach is crucial in a country where disparities in access to healthcare can be pronounced. One of the highlights of this strategy has been the training of medical personnel and the implementation of innovative practices that enhance care. With the completion of 6,187 micro-lessons on the Golden Hour strategy and over 5,000 training sessions on the Early Warning Assessment Scale (EVAT), the capacity of staff to identify complications in their early stages has been strengthened. This early attention is fundamental to increasing survival rates and improving patients' quality of life. Additionally, IMSS has conducted 2,232 studies at the Eastern Biomedical Research Center (CIBIOR), allowing for a thorough analysis of immunophenotype samples and minimal residual disease. This type of research is essential for personalizing treatments and providing more accurate monitoring of patients' conditions, ensuring that each child receives the most appropriate treatment for their specific case. Telemedicine has proven to be an invaluable tool in this process. Throughout the year, 110 clinical cases have been analyzed through 174 virtual sessions, facilitating collaboration among specialists from various parts of the country. This modality has not only allowed for an exchange of knowledge and experiences but has also optimized the care of complex cases that require a multidisciplinary approach. In the past two years, IMSS has performed 209 bone marrow transplants in patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, reaffirming its commitment to children's health and the fight against cancer. These transplants are often a critical component in the treatment of this disease, and their implementation is an indicator of the progress in the healthcare system's capacity to address severe cases. The OncoCREAN model has managed to concentrate 95% of hospital discharges of children with cancer, demonstrating its effectiveness and reach. This model not only focuses on traditional treatments but also promotes the development of immunotherapies that enhance the patients' immune system response, potentially resulting in less invasive treatments with fewer side effects. Collaboration with patients' families has been another fundamental pillar of this strategy. In the working group sessions, it has been agreed to closely monitor the supply of medications and reinforce the Golden Hour strategy. Including parents in these discussions ensures that their concerns and needs are addressed, creating a support network that benefits everyone involved. Isaac Mejía Montes de Oca, head of Digital Services at IMSS, has shared that the oncology treatment platform has registered 19,102 patients, of which 35% are children. The existence of this platform underscores IMSS's commitment to maintaining a comprehensive and accessible registry of patients, allowing for more effective follow-up and better distribution of available resources. Looking to the future, it has been established that follow-up meetings will resume on January 8, 2025. This reaffirms IMSS's commitment to comprehensive and universal care for children with cancer in Mexico. The fight against childhood cancer is a challenge that requires continuous collective effort, and the actions implemented so far are a clear indication that progress is being made in the right direction.