Time to change radiation therapy’s role in cancer care

Today, as we commemorate World Cancer Day, let us make it a reminder of the urgent need for transformative change in cancer care. The most crucial change is probably in how the public, policymakers, and even some health professionals think about radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy (RT) has been part of revolutionizing the fight against cancer over the last decades. With its unparalleled precision, minimal side effects, and cost-effectiveness, RT is an essential treatment modality. Although it should be employed as a primary or adjuvant treatment for over 60 percent of all cancer cases worldwide, today many patients do not have access both in emerging and mature countries. As one of the most effective treatments for cancer, RT has the potential to save millions of lives, improve quality of life, and reduce health care costs. I’m convinced that that RT deserves more recognition and investment.

One way to appreciate the value of RT is to imagine that it were a drug. Then it would be hailed as a breakthrough innovation, with multiple indications, high efficacy, low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness. It would be widely prescribed, accessible, and affordable for patients who need it. Despite its proven benefits, radiation therapy is often underutilized, unavailable, or unaffordable in many parts of the world. According to the Lancet Oncology Commission on Radiotherapy, there is a global shortfall of 36 percent in the optimal use of radiation therapy, resulting in 2.5 million avoidable cancer deaths and 24.9 million life-years lost every year.

Moreover, there is a huge disparity in access to radiation therapy between mature and emerging countries. The population in emerging countries lacks access to this essential service. This disparity is unacceptable and helped drive development of Elekta’s ACCESS 2025 strategy. Our vision is a world where everyone has access to the best cancer care.

But it isn’t only emerging countries that are suffering from the effects of an underinvestment in radiation therapy devices and healthcare professionals. Payments for radiation therapy services have been cut by 23 percent since 2013 in the U.S. This is threatening patient access to cancer care, according to a recent article on the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) website, entitled "Radiation oncology physician groups unite to ensure patient access to cancer care". But the article in itself – cosigned by four of the leading oncology organizations in the U.S. – highlights the growing momentum among oncologists to advocate for improved access to this essential treatment. This united front is a powerful force that can bring about real change.

The time to challenge those in power and demand universal access to radiation therapy is now. Let us work together to ensure that every cancer patient has the opportunity to receive this life-saving treatment. Together, we can create a future where radiation therapy is the cornerstone of cancer care, offering hope and healing to all.

Gustaf Salford

President & CEO of Elekta

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