Challenges and Opportunities in Accessing Surgery for Glioblastoma in Low-Middle Income Countries: A Narrative Review

Simple Summary Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive type of brain tumor that is very difficult to treat, and surgery is crucial for improving patient survival. However, there are significant differences in access to brain tumor surgery based on factors like income, location, and available healthcare resources. People in low- and middle-income countries often struggle to receive the surgery they need due to a lack of specialized doctors, inadequate healthcare facilities, and financial challenges. As a result, patients in these regions are often diagnosed later, receive less effective treatment, and have lower survival rates compared to those in wealthier countries. This not only affects the patients but also adds economic and social burdens to their communities. The study calls for urgent actions to address these inequalities through international cooperation, better healthcare policies, and fair distribution of resources, with the goal of improving access to brain tumor surgeries for everyone, no matter where they live. Abstract Glioblastoma: a highly aggressive brain tumor, presents substantial challenges in treatment and management, with surgical intervention playing a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes. Disparities in access to brain tumor surgery arise from a multitude of factors, including socioeconomic status, geographical location, and healthcare resource allocation. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often face significant barriers to accessing surgical services, such as shortages of specialized neurosurgical expertise, limited healthcare infrastructure, and financial constraints. Consequently, glioblastoma patients in LMICs experience delays in diagnosis, suboptimal treatment, and poorer clinical outcomes compared to patients in high-income countries (HICs). The clinical impact of these disparities is profound. Patients in LMICs are more likely to be diagnosed at advanced disease stages, receive less effective treatment, and have lower survival rates than their counterparts in HICs. Additionally, disparities in access to surgical care exacerbate economic and societal burdens, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions and health policy reforms to address healthcare inequities. This review highlights the importance of addressing global disparities in access to brain tumor surgery for glioblastoma through collaborative efforts, policy advocacy, and resource allocation, aiming to improve outcomes and promote equity in surgical care delivery for all glioblastoma patients worldwide.