Is there a role for 3D dosimetry in low- and middle-income countries?

[摘要] Low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges in developing comprehensive cancer programs. In some cases this involves opening radiation therapy centres in countries where patients have had almost no access to radiotherapy. In additiona to many political and administrative hurdles, staff and equipment shortages are significant. It is these shortages, perhaps, that researchers in high-income countries can have an impact. Perhaps we can adapt our technologies or processes to improve simplicity, robustness and efficiency, or perhaps we can redesign them to reduce cost. The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the challenges to the 3D dosimetry community, and to promote discussion on whether 3D dosimetry systems can be redesigned or newly developed to help address some of these.

[发布机构] Departments of Radiation Physics and Imaging Physics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1420, 1400 Pressler Street, Houston; TX; 77030, United States^1

[关键词] Low and middle income countries;Reduce costs