Guide for investigators conducting international cancer research involving developing nations.

International medical collaborations, previously known as ‘‘medical missionary work,’’ have existed for centuries. As aptly described by Panosian and Coates, historical motivations for this type of outreach included the desire to spread ‘‘religion as well as compassionate care.’’ The term ‘‘medical missionary’’ has endured over the years because of this history, and is therefore used in this commentary, but it is not intended to carry any paternalistic implications. Today, we see many programs (although one easily could argue that the supply is nowhere near close to meeting the demand), coordinated by individuals as well as by entire healthcare institutions and schools, that feature students, trainees, nurses, and physicians from developed areas of the world donating their time, expertise, and resources to medically underserved communities. These programs are mutually beneficial and enlightening. Medical missionary-based efforts have witnessed a recent increase in activity related to oncology. Global partnerships in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and research are expanding in both scope and volume. This growth has been fueled by strengthened recognition of the following issues: