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Optimisation of Radiotherapy in Low Resource Settings: Paediatric Cancer Patients
Closed for proposals
Project Type
Project Code
E33031CRP
1550Approved Date
Status
Start Date
Expected End Date
Completed Date
6 August 2014Description
This CRP is the first global initiative by an UN organization to target paediatric malignancies treated with radiotherapy. Ten-year survival rates approach 80% for cancer children treated in high income countries, whereas children in many LMI countries do not have access to the benefits of evidence based protocols and the survival rates in such countries are around 30%. The objective is to improve the quality of radiotherapy provided for children with cancer in low and middle income countries (LMI) by improving the quality assurance requirements and supportive care guidelines to control weight loss. Participation in this CRP will include educational components and networking to strengthen knowledge transfer and applications of good quality radiotherapy with evidence based supportive care. The data collected during this study will enable to evaluate and improve practices in paediatric radiation oncology. This will help to improve the strategies and pattern of radiotherapy practice in Member States.
Objectives
To enhance MS capabilities to establish sound policies concerning radiotherapy and cancer treatment for children, and ensuring effective and efficient utilization of current and future advanced cancer radiotherapy treatment technologies
Specific objectives
To improve management of symptoms and quality of radiotherapy
To study current practices and problems in optimization of treatment protocols/procedures in radiotherapy for paediatric cancer patients.
Impact
Created awareness among oncologists, radiation oncologists and the medical community at large of the problems faced by the specific discipline of paediatric radiation oncology.
Relevance
High relevance. Children are treated with radiation therapy across the world, but in low income countries, the levels of quality and adherence to international standards is low. This CRP aims at supporting with evidence data, the needs and priorities of this discipline.