A preliminary study of the rate of hospitals and satellite clinics worldwide for top US cancer centers.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare is a globalized endeavor. With an increasing number of overseas collaborations being announced as profit-driven business structures, we sought to investigate the prevalence of the top-ranked United States (US) cancer hospitals investing in overseas hospitals. METHOD: We conducted a web search of publicly available information to determine the frequency in which US hospitals with top-ranked cancer centers expand into offshore markets. RESULTS: Of the 53 offshore entities identified, 17 (32 %) are in China. Other tops locations include Italy (9%), United Arab Emirates (8%), and Saudi Arabia (8%). DISCUSSION: Our findings show many international US-partnered clinics are located in countries designated as either high-income or upper-middle-income economies. Further research is needed to understand the full scope of US hospitals abroad and the impact it may have on the global cancer care landscape. POLICY SUMMARY: The business-model for globalized US healthcare should be investigated for implications to local and foreign cancer care.