Introduction: Access to specialized oncological care remains a major challenge in remote areas of the Brazilian Amazon, particularly for riverside ribeirinho communities. Geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and a shortage of specialized professionals contribute to delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment, increasing morbidity and mortality rates. Telemedicine emerges as a strategic alternative by enabling remote consultations, diagnostic support, and professional training at a distance. Objectives: To assess the impact of telemedicine on oncological care in ribeirinho communities in the Brazilian Amazon, identifying its benefits, challenges, and implementation strategies. This revised version also aims to address methodological limitations of the included studies, potential biases, and a comparison with systematic reviews in other geographic settings. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in the PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, EMBASE, and CAPES Journals databases. Studies published between 2010 and 2024 were included if they addressed telemedicine in rural or remote Amazonian communities, focusing on oncology, diagnostic support, remote consultations, and professional training. Articles in Portuguese, English, or Spanish were considered. Studies published before 2018 or with low methodological quality were excluded. Four studies met the eligibility criteria and were evaluated according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: The selected studies demonstrated that telemedicine can expand access to oncological consultations, second opinions, and early diagnostic services in underserved areas. Health promotion and tele-education initiatives proved effective in increasing health literacy and community engagement. Nonetheless, logistical and technological barriers such as limited internet connectivity, cultural and language differences, and lack of continuous professional support were reported. Although the studies consistently pointed to benefits of telemedicine, they had important limitations. Three out of four studies were observational, with small samples and no control groups, limiting causal inferences. Most relied on self-reported or qualitative data, introducing potential perception bias. Methodological heterogeneity among studies also compromised direct comparisons. When compared to systematic reviews conducted in other remote regions—such as rural areas of Canada and isolated parts of India—the findings align in terms of the effectiveness of telemedicine in improving access and reducing delays in cancer care. However, the nature of barriers differs in high-income countries, challenges revolve around clinical protocols and technological adoption, whereas in the Amazon, structural and sociocultural constraints predominate. Conclusion: Telemedicine is a feasible and promising strategy to reduce disparities in oncological care access for ribeirinho communities. By enhancing early detection and facilitating access to specialized evaluation, it can positively influence cancer outcomes. However, effective and sustainable implementation requires overcoming structural, technical, and cultural barriers. Context-specific strategies, ongoing training of health teams, and targeted public policies are essential to ensure long-term success of tele-oncology in remote regions.
It is with great enthusiasm that we present the Annals of the Oncology International Symposium 2025, an event that continues to solidify its significance in the oncology landscape of northern Brazil. Held in Belém, Pará, Oncology 2025 centered around the theme "The cancer control challenge: better knowing it to best facing it," dedicating itself to exploring the latest frontiers in cancer treatment and prevention.
This year, the symposium provided a deep dive into the essential role of knowledge in the fight against cancer, presenting new perspectives and scientific advancements across various areas of oncology. Renowned global experts gathered to share their most recent research and innovative approaches, offering participants a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and patients worldwide.
Presentations and discussions during the event focused on critical topics such as the use of new technologies, advancements in personalized therapies, and more effective prevention strategies. Additionally, particular attention was given to the unique challenges faced by the Amazon region, with efforts aimed at developing region-specific solutions to meet local needs.
Beyond being a high-caliber academic event, Oncology 2025 stood out as a moment for integration and professional networking, with the warm hospitality of the city of Belém offering participants a unique experience. This event became a platform for exchanging ideas, where science, culture, and humanity came together in pursuit of a common goal: to improve cancer control both in Brazil and globally.
This collection of abstracts and articles presented during the event reflects the ongoing dedication to research and the development of innovative solutions, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge in the fight against cancer.
General Submission Guidelines:
The presenting author, who does not have to be the first author, must be registered for Oncology 2025.
Each abstract may have up to 10 authors, including the main author and co-authors.
Only original, unpublished work will be accepted.
Submissions must be related to oncology. However, project descriptions, work proposals, experience reports, and literature reviews will not be considered.
Clinical case reports are allowed, provided the abstract addresses scientific questions, details clinical observations, and includes primary scientific data.
The abstract must be written in English, but presentations may be given in Portuguese.
Abstracts must be between 300 and 500 words.
Comissão Organizadora
Comissão Científica
See Annals of Oncology 2023 at:
https://www.even3.com.br/anais/oncology-2023-international-symposium/
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