Radiotherapy resources in central Asia: An International Atomic Energy Agency update
Faculty and Abstracts
Purpose: Radiation therapy is an important component of cancer treatment. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where more than two-thirds of cancer mortality occur, the lack of radiation oncology resources is becoming more pressing. Asia has 60% of the world's population and bears half of the global cancer burden. Due to its wide terrain and varied healthcare systems, Central Asia, which includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, presents special difficulties in providing effective medical imaging and radiotherapy radiation services.
Methodology: We conducted a longitudinal review of the state of radiation oncology resources in Central Asia to analyze the region's growth, existing condition, and future needs. Information was supplemented through the Directory of Radiotherapy Centers, available from the International Atomic Energy Agency's most recent report. The GLOBOCAN 2020 database of the International Agency for Research on Cancer was used to determine current cancer incidence rates and make projections for the future. The goal of this analysis is to provide an updated overview of radiation resources in Central Asia as well as to examine the gaps, challenges, and needs in these countries.
Results: Results and conclusions
Conclusions: Results and conclusions: As of December 2022, all of these countries had at least one teletherapy machine; only one Republic of Tajikistan) still lacked any linear accelerator and had only one brachytherapy machine. While significant progress has been made, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to radiation services throughout Central Asia. Continued efforts, including infrastructure investment, personnel training, and international collaboration, are required to meet the region's evolving cancer care needs.
