Overview of radiotherapy resources in Latin America: a survey by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Background and purpose: An analysis of the resources for radiotherapy in Latin America was done to establish a baseline to help plan future development in the region. Patients and methods: The data from 19 countries were obtained during three International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regional meetings. The survey covered radiotherapy centres, major equipment and personnel. The centres were categorised into four different levels. Data were related to economic and population indices. Results: Four hundred and seventy centres were identified in 18 countries. Centres were divided into 4 levels: half were included in level 1, 25% in level 2 and 18% in level 0 (stand alone teletherapy machines). Human resource represents 933 radiation oncologists, 357 physicists and 2326 radiation therapy technologists. In general, availability of equipment and personnel was related to economic status of the country. Conclusions: Although there is a shortfall of equipment, the major restriction to patient service is an insufficient number of specialists in 16 of the 18 countries. An upgrade of standards in many centres is required to offer a comprehensive radiation oncology service. The information provided in this paper represents a useful base to plan future development in terms of equipment installation and training programs. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.