Faculty Collaboration Database

The Unique Issues With Brachytherapy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Semin Radiat Oncol 2017 Apr;27(2):136-142

Date

03/23/2017

Pubmed ID

28325239

Pubmed Central ID

PMC6661890

DOI

10.1016/j.semradonc.2016.11.005

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85010843464 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   30 Citations

Abstract

Gynecologic carcinomas, including cervical cancer, present a significant burden on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Brachytherapy plays an integral role in the treatment of gynecologic carcinomas, as it is essential for both curative and palliative treatment. However, there are numerous geographic and economic barriers to providing brachytherapy to cancer patients in LMICs. This article examines the role and delivery of brachytherapy in gynecological cancer treatment; brachytherapy capacity in LMICs, including infrastructure, equipment, and human resources considerations; commissioning, training, and clinical implementation of brachytherapy in LMICs; other challenges, and strategies for improvement in brachytherapy delivery in LMICs, including innovation and current and upcoming international initiatives.

Author List

Grover S, Longo J, Einck J, Puri P, Brown D, Chino J, Mahantshetty U, Yashar C, Erickson B

Authors

Beth A. Erickson MD Professor in the Radiation Oncology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
John Maclou Longo MD Associate Professor in the Radiation Oncology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Brachytherapy
Developing Countries
Female
Genital Neoplasms, Female
Humans
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms