Mobilising Expertise and Resources to Close the Radiotherapy Gap in Cancer Care.

Closing the gap in cancer care within low- and middle-income countries and in indigenous and geographically isolated populations in high-income countries requires investment and innovation. This is particularly true for radiotherapy, for which the global disparity is one of the largest in healthcare today. New models and paradigms and non-traditional collaborations have been proposed to improve global equity in cancer control. We describe recent initiatives from within the radiation oncology community to increase access to treatment, build the low- and middle-income countries' radiation oncology workforce, mobilise more professionals from within high-income countries and raise awareness of the global need for equitable cancer care.

Rodin D ，Longo J ，Sherertz T ，Shah MM ，Balagun O ，Wendling N ，Van Dyk J ，Coleman CN ，Xu MJ ，Grover S ... -  《-》

Global Workforce and Access: Demand, Education, Quality.

Grover S ，Court L ，Amoo-Mitchual S ，Longo J ，Rodin D ，Scott AA ，Lievens Y ，Yap ML ，Abdel-Wahab M ，Lee P ，Harsdorf E ，Khader J ，Jia X ，Dosanjh M ，Elzawawy A ，Ige T ，Pomper M ，Pistenmaa D ，Hardenbergh P ，Petereit DG ，Sargent M ，Cina K ，Li B ，Anacak Y ，Mayo C ，Prattipati S ，Lasebikan N ，Rendle K ，O'Brien D ，Wendling E ，Coleman CN ... -  《-》

Radiation therapy infrastructure and human resources in low- and middle-income countries: present status and projections for 2020.

Datta NR ，Samiei M ，Bodis S 《-》

Equity should know no borders: The role of Australasian radiation oncologists in supporting radiation oncology services in low- and middle-income countries in the Asia-Pacific.

The rapid rise in cancer incidence within the world's poorest nations highlights the need for equitable access to evidence-based cancer care. It has been previously demonstrated that radiotherapy is a cost-effective and necessary tool in cancer treatment. However, globally there is a growing divide between demand and supply of radiotherapy services. In low- and middle-income countries, this resource gap is particularly problematic. By region, the Asia-Pacific has been demonstrated to have the highest absolute deficit in radiotherapy services. Radiation oncologists in Australia and New Zealand are geographically well positioned to assist departments within the Asia-Pacific to help to reduce these inequities. The Asia-Pacific Radiation Oncology Special Interest Group (APROSIG) aims to support oncology professionals in the Asia-Pacific to develop safe and sustainable cancer services. Members have already contributed to multiple projects throughout the region, supported by grants and departmental funding. However, the backbone of support comes from volunteers sharing their time and expertise. The Australasian oncological community has the skills and knowledge to help not only those within our borders but also beyond. Such efforts provide the potential to develop valuable clinical, educational, research and leadership experiences whilst establishing networking opportunities throughout the most populated regions of the world. More options for growth and work in global health must be investigated, encouraging future trainees to consider a role within the global cancer community. Without prompt and continued action, the resource deficit is likely to grow and the inequity in accessing radiotherapy and other cancer services further magnified.

Hassan S ，Oar A ，Ward I ，Koh ES ，Shakespeare TP ，Yap ML ... -  《-》

Global pediatric radiation therapy in resource-limited settings.

This report provides a summary of the global burden of childhood cancer morbidity and mortality, which disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries as well as low- and middle-income communities within high-income countries. We review past successes and current challenges to improving clinical pediatric radiotherapy, education, and research in these regions. The Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society Taskforce in Low- and Middle-Income Countries recently outlined specific aims: (a) to increase access and quality of radiotherapy for children and adolescents afflicted with cancer; (b) to enumerate, engage, and educate a global community of providers of childhood and adolescent radiotherapy; and (c) to create evidence establishing the outcomes of setting-specific treatment standards of care when first-world standards are not achievable. This report will improve awareness of these disparities and promote attempts to correct them.

Hess CB ，Parkes J ，Janssens GO ，Lin C ，Wong K ，Zaghloul MS ，Marconi DG ，Boterberg T ，Esiashvili N ... -  《-》