The state of gynecologic radiation therapy in low- and middle-income countries.
Rohini K BhatiaKatie E LichterLavanya GurramEmily MacDuffieDorothy Chilambe LombeGustavo R SarriaSurbhi GroverPublished in: International journal of gynecological cancer : official journal of the International Gynecological Cancer Society (2022)
A disproportionate burden of gynecologic malignancies occurs in low- and middle-income countries. Radiation therapy is an integral component of treatment for gynecologic malignancies both from a curative (locally advanced cervical cancer) and palliative (bleeding cervical or pelvic mass) standpoint. Critical to understanding how better to serve patients in this regard is understanding both the extent of disease epidemiology and the radiotherapy infrastructure to treat these diseases. In this review, we explore various geographic regions and how they address a unique set of challenges specific to the peoples and culture of the region. We identify common threads across regions, including sparse distribution of radiation equipment, geographic access, and specialized training. We also highlight examples of success in the use of telemedicine and cross-cultural partnerships to help bolster access to training to ensure increased access to adequate and appropriate treatment of gynecologic malignancies.
Keyphrases
- radiation therapy
- locally advanced
- rectal cancer
- endometrial cancer
- squamous cell carcinoma
- end stage renal disease
- neoadjuvant chemotherapy
- radiation induced
- ejection fraction
- prognostic factors
- early stage
- chronic kidney disease
- clinical trial
- risk factors
- atrial fibrillation
- phase ii study
- virtual reality
- public health
- open label
- peritoneal dialysis
- lymph node