Empowering radiation therapists: The role of an African Community of Practice in developing radiation Therapist education curriculum.

Objectives: Supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training (AFRA) invited African Member States (MS) with a radiation therapy facility to engage in a 3-day workshop to develop a robust road map for educational standards in radiation therapist (RTT) training. The aim of the paper was to make recommendations of how the African MS could drive forward high educational standards in RTT training and education in Africa. Methods: A pre-workshop survey was developed and sent to the participants to gather background information on each MS's national RTT training standards. An online survey was sent to all African MS with a radiation therapy facility. Two international RTT education-training experts were tasked by the IAEA to support and facilitate the workshop, which consisted of presentations and discussions around the current RTT training schemes in African MS and aspects of modern training methodology. The agenda of the workshop was structured with the aim to simulate discussions on RTT education and training standards among participants from African MS. Results: Sixteen African MS completed the pre-workshop survey. The median number of radiotherapy centres within a MS was 3 (range 1--15). All MS provided two-dimensional radiation therapy services as a minimum while 75 % (12/16) MS could offer three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy service. Thirty-eight percent (6/16) reported that they had no radiation therapy machine service maintenance contracts with vendors and 56 % (9/16) MS had no biomedical engineers on site for unplanned and planned machine maintenance. The median number of RTTs at national level among MS was 23 (range 7-73). Fifty-six percent (9/16) MS had a RTT specific national training programme with 75 % (12/16) MS having clinical attachments for 6 months or more. Representatives from 12 African MS attended the AFRA workshop. An African Community of Practice (CoP) in developing Education Curriculum for RTT was established as an outcome of the workshop with the aim to facilitate knowledge exchange and drive quality initiatives among participating African MS. Four work streams were proposed to form the CoP: RTT academic qualifications, core competencies in RTT education and training, RTT education faculty composition and peer review process in RTT education curricula among African MS. Conclusion: By fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and advocating for improved policies, the African COP in developing Education Curriculum for RTT can make significant strides toward developing a RTT education curriculum that not only meets the unique challenges of the African continent but also aligns with global standards.

Brachytherapy Workflow Practices: Analysis of Different Workflow Scenarios in Patients With Cervical Cancer and Impact on IGBT Implementation-An IAEA Study.

PURPOSE: The workflow of brachytherapy (BT) is an essential aspect of treatment to consider in image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT). It has an overarching effect influencing patient throughput and the number of cancer treatments that can be performed as it occupies equipment, space, and personnel. There is limited research addressing this issue. Under the International Atomic Energy Agency's Coordinated Research Activity titled IGBT for cervix cancer: An implementation study, our study analyzes various scenarios in the clinical workflow of BT delivery for cervical cancer. It aims to determine the extent to which these scenarios allow the routine implementation of IGBT. With this information, current barriers and individualized adaptations to efficient workflows can be identified to enhance the global application of IGBT, leading to better cervical cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based poll of questions regarding practices in BT workflow was presented to 62 participants from low-, lower middle-, upper middle-, and high-income countries (19 countries). RESULTS: This study highlighted diversity in BT practices across countries, income levels, and regions. It identified variations in workflow, patient throughput, and resource availability, which can have implications for the efficiency and quality of BT treatments. Scenario A, utilizing multiple locations for the steps of the BT procedure, was the most commonly used. The availability of resources, such as imaging devices and trained personnel, varied among the participating centers and remained challenging for IGBT implementation and sustainability. CONCLUSION: The design of the BT facility plays a vital role in improving efficiency, with a dedicated BT suite contributing to an efficient workflow but limiting patient throughput, especially for high-volume centers. Although IGBT is effective, its implementation requires consideration of various logistical challenges and should be individualized.

Education and training of clinical oncologists-experience from a low-resource setting in Zimbabwe.

As the burden of cancer increases worldwide, more so in low- and middle-income countries, one of the greatest challenges is human resource capacity development. Addressing this is critical in reducing the burden of cancer in the African continent. Other challenges include socio-economic demographics and disparities in the overall cancer care. Lack of sufficient numbers of qualified staff has been one of the obstacles in developing adequate and modern cancer treatment centres in Africa. Training in clinical oncology in Zimbabwe was established in 1990 through the collaboration between the Government of Zimbabwe and the WHO as a regional project. The training is offered by the University of Zimbabwe through the established Master of Medicine in Radiotherapy and Oncology (MMed Rad & Onco) postgraduate programme. Regional and local fellows have been trained, yielding more than 20 clinical oncologists over the years, who have initiated cancer treatment facilities in Africa and beyond. They have continued to train others, fulfilling the original WHO programme target of transfer of skills in sub-Saharan Africa. Collaborations with external partners have complemented efforts by the local faculty in addressing deficiencies in training, in areas where experts in the subject are lacking and in supporting nationals working abroad to come and teach newer technologies and techniques. The curriculum continues to evolve from knowledge-based training to competency-based training. However, there is a need to expand the current infrastructure to keep up with changing technology. Clinical oncology training in Zimbabwe continues and remains a regional resource. Emphasis on subspecialising seems to be the next natural step in progression. Strengthening of other disciplines, including surgical oncology and medical physics, would be complementary to the training. The programme is an example of a sustainable initiative born out of collaborative partnership and is sustained by local resources. The greater majority of qualified oncologists have remained in Africa.

Working title: high dose rate intra-cavitary brachytherapy with cobalt 60 source for locally advanced cervical cancer: the Zimbabwean experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cervical cancer is the fourth commonest cancer in women in the world with the highest regional incidence and mortality seen in Southern, Eastern and Western Africa. It is the commonest cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among Zimbabwean women. Most patients present with locally advanced disease that is no longer amenable to surgery. Definitive concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT), which is the use of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and weekly cisplatin, includes use of intracavitary brachytherapy, as the standard treatment. In the setting of this study, cobalt-60 (Co60)-based high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) has been in use since 2013. This study sought to review practices pertaining to use of brachytherapy in Zimbabwe, including timing with external beam radiotherapy, adverse effects and patient outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from records of patients with histologically confirmed cervical cancer treated with HDR-BT at the main radiotherapy centre in Zimbabwe from January 2013 to December 2014 was done. Outcome measures were local control, overall survival as well as gastro-intestinal and genito-urinary toxicity. RESULTS: A total of 226 patients were treated with HDR-BT during the study period, with a 97% treatment completion rate. All patients received between 45-50Gy of pelvic EBRT. Seventy-four percent received concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy. In 52% of the patients, HDR-BT was started when they were still receiving EBRT. The commonest fractionation schedule used was the 7Gy × 3 fractions, once a week (87%). Clinical complete tumour response was achieved in 75% at 6 weeks post treatment, 23% had partial response. Follow-up rates at 1 year and 2 years were 40 and 19% respectively. Disease free survival at 1 year and 2 years was 94 and 95% respectively. Vaginal stenosis was the commonest toxicity recorded, high incidence noted with increasing age. Four patients developed vesico-vaginal fistulae and two patients had rectovaginal fistulae. CONCLUSION: One hundred and seventeen patients patients started HDR-BT during EBRT course, with a treatment completion rate of 97%. The overall treatment duration was within 56 days in the majority of patients. Early local tumour control was similar for all the HDR-BT fractionation regimes used in the study, with a high rate (75%) of complete clinical response at 6 weeks post-treatment. Prospective studies to evaluate early and long-term outcomes of HDR-BT in our setting are recommended.

American Society of Clinical Oncology Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Course: Connecting Lives, Cancer Care, Education, and Compassion in Zimbabwe-A Pilot for Efforts of Sustainable Benefit?

The burden of cancer in low- to middle-income countries is growing and is expected to rise dramatically while resources to manage this disease remain inadequate. All authorities for the management of cancer recommend multidisciplinary care. Educational efforts by international organizations to assist local professionals in caring for their patients tend to have a lasting impact because they empower local professionals and enhance their skills. A multidisciplinary cancer management course was designed by American Society of Clinical Oncology staff and local experts to provide a roadmap for cross-specialty interaction and coordination of care in Zimbabwe. The outcome of the course was measured through feedback obtained from participants and impact on local workforce. The cancer management course was relevant to daily practice and fostered long-lasting partnerships and collaborations. Furthermore, it resulted in a more motivated local workforce and strengthened existing multidisciplinary practices. Cancer care is in a critical state in low- to middle-income countries. Educational efforts and collaborative partnerships may provide a cost-effective strategy with sustainable benefits. A multidisciplinary approach to optimize therapy is desirable. Evaluation of the course impact after a period of 6 months to 1 year is needed to determine the sustainability and impact of such efforts.

Evaluation of the radiotherapy management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in a high HIV prevalence setting- a retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: This article evaluates a single institute's radiotherapy management of OSSN, a previously regarded as rare malignancy, for possible future development of strategies to clearly define the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in improving treatment outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 153 patients treated from January 2003 to December 2009. RESULTS: There was no difference in OSSN prevalence by gender (male to female ratio 1.07). Of 80/153 patients tested 79 (98.8 %) were HIV positive. Most patients (62.9 %) had prior orbital exenteration. Moderately and poorly differentiated grade (82.3 %) was associated with significantly higher stage and incidence of positive regional lymph nodes. External beam therapy dose mostly used was 60Gy in 30 fractions at 200 cGy per fraction in 5 fractions per week (34.8 %). (90)Strontium therapy was given to 13.5 % (60Gy in 6 fractions at 10Gy per fraction weekly). Favourable response (complete and partial) was seen in about 80 % of patients associated with higher total doses. Regional lymph node positivity was associated with poorer outcome. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant radiotherapy could have an important role in the management of patients presenting with locally advanced OSSN who are mostly HIV positive in developing countries. Prospective studies to evaluate the role of radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy in the management of OSSN in these settings are warranted.