Radiotherapy in conflict: lessons from Ukraine

Radiation Therapy Under the Falling Bombs: A Tale of 2 Ukrainian Cancer Centers

“…Even if the war were to stop today, the long-lasting effect of the decimated healthcare system in Ukraine will last for years to come. It's imperative that the effective cancer recovery plan in Ukraine should have radiotherapy at its heart with precise coordination between governing bodies, professional organization, multidisciplinary professionals, volunteers, and industry (20). However, all these efforts start with individuals, and the individual power and the will of Ukrainians to fight for their people, including their cancer patients, is truly inspiring.…”

“…It is imperative that the effective cancer recovery plan in Ukraine should have radiation therapy at its heart, with precise coordination between governing bodies, professional organizations, multidisciplinary professionals, volunteers, and industry. 20 However, all of these efforts start with individuals, and the individual power and will of Ukrainians to fight for their people, including their cancer patients, is truly inspiring. Let's help these Ukrainian doctors and heroes to win over 2 evils: cancer and the war.…”

Residents Across the Globe: A Call for Education, Advocacy, and Collaboration

“…Unfortunately, our efforts have been hampered by a range of global challenges preventing us from ripping through the COVID-19 backlog and collaborating effectively to serve Ukrainian patients (while trying to avoid duplicative efforts). 1 And we have seen this in the United States as well. Our ambitions for early diagnosis and efficient treatment for patients are failing due to funding cuts, insurance denials, and political stagnation.…”

“…An estimated 13 million Ukrainian citizens remain stuck in eastern conflict areas without functional radiation therapy while 7.7 million have been internally displaced (largely to western Ukraine). 1 Many males have remained in Ukraine (those 18-60 years of age are required to by law), and doctors are sheltering in hospitals where it is safer while taking on both the roles of provider and soldier. 2 Meanwhile, we suspect there are many displaced female trainees and doctors among the 5.1 million refugees who have crossed the border 1 and are in need of mentoring and training.…”

“… 1 Many males have remained in Ukraine (those 18-60 years of age are required to by law), and doctors are sheltering in hospitals where it is safer while taking on both the roles of provider and soldier. 2 Meanwhile, we suspect there are many displaced female trainees and doctors among the 5.1 million refugees who have crossed the border 1 and are in need of mentoring and training. Efforts are being made to locate these physicians and continue their training in other countries, with hopes that they may return to Ukraine for a fellowship at some point so that they may care for the Ukrainian population after the war.…”