Making a Compelling Case to Procure LINACs & Leveraging Existing Resources in the Region Workshop
Tbilisi, Georgia: September 10-12, 2024
The International Cancer Expert Corps hosted the workshop, Making a Compelling Case to Procure LINACs & Leveraging Existing Resources in the Region, in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The workshop aimed to support representatives from across the region in identifying current challenges faced and the resources required to gain support for the procurement of linear accelerators (linacs) to treat people with cancer, and to promote awareness of existing education and training resources that can be easily accessed across the region.
International experts from around the globe provided important information regarding the importance of engaging government representatives, including regulatory bodies, ministries of health and finance, institutional representatives, and other government agencies in procuring LINACs. Attendees gained valuable insights on these topics with the goal to leverage lessons learned to improve access to important resources to support developing radiotherapy programs.
The regional workshop was funded by the US Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Radiological Security.
Access the workshop agenda here
Attendees at the regional workshop in Tbilisi, Georgia, September 2024
ICEC has developed a catalog of resources designed to address cancer care gaps in the region, from educational curriculums to connections with regional and global organizations, as well as grants, internships, and training opportunities.
Participants shared updates on the status of cancer care in their countries—including workforce, facilities, and equipment—and identified critical needs. ICEC is committed to supporting the region by providing key resources and fostering dialogue among participants to gain diverse perspectives and strategies for the effective procurement of linear accelerators (linacs).
The original ART (Access to Radiotherapy Technologies) study, conducted in 2022, aimed to better understand the barriers to and plans for the adoption of LINACs while reducing reliance on cobalt-60 external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) machines for cancer treatment in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucuses. The study emphasized the importance of addressing disparities in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy technologies across the region. By narrowing these gaps, the region can enhance healthcare services, enabling earlier cancer detection, more effective treatment, and improved survival outcomes.
Learn more about the ART study here. The study was conducted by ICEC in collaboration with Oxford University and included participation from global experts from the following institutions and organizations:
- International Cancer Expert Corps (ICEC)
- Oxford University, UK
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Austria
- King Hussein Cancer Center, Jordan
- Cyril and Methodius University, North Macedonia
- University of Abuja, Nigeria
- Swansea University and Medical School, UK
Individuals who contributed to the ART Study represented countries including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The Lancet Oncology article, which is available through open access, details the 2022 study which highlights the disparities in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy technologies access across the participating ART study countries.