Hypofractionation could expand radiotherapy access for 2.2 million patients

Between 2015 and 2035, the economic benefits of radiotherapy investments range from $278.1b to $365.4b.

Hypofractionation could expand global radiotherapy access to an additional 2.2 million cancer patients and potentially offer $4.41b in cost savings with 80% substitution of conventional methods, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The IAEA-led “Lancet Oncology Commission” report revealed that economic benefits from radiotherapy investments between 2015 and 2035 range from $278.1b to $365.4b.

May Abdel-Wahab, Director of the IAEA Division of Human Health, noted that technologies such as stereotactic body radiation therapy, a form of hypofractionation, may prove cost-effective over the course of patient care compared to conventional methods.

Meanwhile, access to radiotherapy remains limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Up to 70% of patients require the treatment, with more than half residing in LMICs. 

The workforce is urged to expand by over 60% to meet the rising demand for radiotherapy, driven by a projected surge in cancer cases by 2050.