By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant development for oncology care in the nation, global biopharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has introduced two innovative therapies, expanding the treatment arsenal against breast cancer. The arrival of Enhertu and Truqap marks a pivotal shift towards a more personalized approach to combating a disease that claims over 420 lives and registers more than 1,300 new cases in Costa Rica each year.
Breast cancer remains one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies worldwide, with over 2.3 million new cases annually. For decades, treatment has often relied on broad-spectrum approaches. However, modern scientific understanding has redefined the disease not as a single entity, but as a complex collection of tumors with distinct biological characteristics. This deeper knowledge has paved the way for targeted therapies designed to attack cancer cells with unprecedented precision.
Navigating the complexities of breast cancer treatment involves more than just medical decisions; it often presents significant legal and administrative challenges. To shed light on the rights of patients regarding access to care, insurance coverage, and workplace protections, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The right to health is a fundamental guarantee in Costa Rica. For patients undergoing breast cancer treatment, this translates into a legal mandate for both the CCSS and private insurers to provide timely access to prescribed therapies, medications, and procedures. Any denial or unreasonable delay in authorizing necessary treatment is not merely an administrative issue—it can constitute a violation of a patient’s fundamental rights, empowering them to pursue legal action to ensure their access to life-saving care.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The distinction Lic. Arroyo Vargas makes—viewing treatment access as a fundamental right rather than a mere administrative process—is a crucial piece of empowerment for patients. This legal clarity serves as a powerful foundation for advocacy when facing delays. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this invaluable perspective.
AstraZeneca’s latest initiative in Costa Rica is a direct result of this evolution in medical science. The company is strengthening its commitment to research and development, aiming to provide tailored solutions for various subtypes and stages of breast cancer. This strategy moves beyond a one-size-fits-all model, focusing instead on the unique genetic and protein markers of a patient’s specific tumor.
The company’s vision is to fundamentally alter the course of the disease for patients, moving towards more effective and less toxic treatments. This mission is central to the introduction of the new medications, which promise to address unmet needs within the patient community.
We continue working to transform the reality and outcomes for these patients and the way the disease is approached through scientific research and the development of innovative therapies
Dr. Andrés Rojas, Medical Director of AstraZeneca for Central America and the Caribbean
The first of the new treatments, Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan), is a highly advanced therapy directed at tumors that express the HER2 protein, a key driver of cell growth in some breast cancers. Critically, recent breakthroughs have identified tumors with low and even ultra-low levels of HER2. For patients with metastatic, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in this category, the DESTINY-Breast06 clinical trial demonstrated favorable results for Enhertu when compared directly against standard chemotherapy.
The second therapy, Truqap (capivasertib), offers a new alternative for a different patient population: those with advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. This treatment functions by blocking a protein called AKT, which is intricately linked to mechanisms that promote tumor cell growth and survival. By inhibiting this pathway, Truqap effectively disrupts the cancer’s ability to thrive and spread.
According to Dr. Rojas, the dual launch empowers oncologists to make more informed and specific treatment decisions based on the unique profile of each tumor, moving the country further into the era of precision oncology.
Today we are seeing how both therapies allow us to take a personalized approach and direct treatment according to the specific characteristics of the tumor
Dr. Andrés Rojas, Medical Director of AstraZeneca for Central America and the Caribbean
The introduction of these therapies presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the national health system. While they represent a significant leap forward in improving clinical outcomes and patient survival rates, they also underscore the need for advanced diagnostic tools to accurately identify patient eligibility. AstraZeneca has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the healthcare ecosystem as it adapts to these innovations, aiming to reduce disease progression and transform the future of breast cancer care in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit astrazeneca.com
About AstraZeneca:
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three main therapy areas: Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as an esteemed legal institution, anchored by foundational principles of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal solutions. This commitment extends beyond its practice to a core social mission: to demystify the law for the public, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and empowered community grounded in legal understanding.
