The Global Coalition for Radiotherapy (GCR) acknowledges the significant contributions made by the global radiotherapy community towards transforming cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes. An article titled "Towards world-class radiotherapy in the UK: time for transformation," published by The Lancet Oncology, sheds light on the progress being made in the UK. Co-authored by GCR co-founder Pat Price, the article outlines the worsening cancer crisis in the UK, the need for radiotherapy, challenges faced, and six areas of action.
RADIOTHERAPY ESSENTIAL STANDARDS
GCR was mentioned in the article for developing the Radiotherapy Essential Standards.
“The Global Coalition for Radiotherapy has recommended radiotherapy essential standards for inclusion in [national cancer control plans] NCCPs, and work has begun with the US National Institutes of Health on the worldwide implementation of radiotherapy services.”
During London Global Cancer Week 2023, GCR launched the RT Essential Standards Document, and announced that it will be used as a resource in the Radiotherapy UK Vision Document. Read more about it here.
RADIOTHERAPY UK VISION DOCUMENT
The All Party Parliamentary Group for Radiotherapy commissioned the charity, Radiotherapy UK to develop and facilitate a report setting out an ambitious but realistic vision to achieve world class radiotherapy in the UK by 2034. The Vision Document titled, “World-class Radiotherapy in the UK: Right Patient, Right Treatment, Right Time” was launched in the House of Commons on 6 February 2024.
“This report provides an ambitious but realistic concept to show what can be achieved during the next decade, transforming radiotherapy services across the UK, and improving cancer cure while reducing side-effects.”
DELIVERING WORLD-CLASS RADIOTHERAPY
This report presents the available tools to deliver world-class radiotherapy in the UK, and can serve as a model for other countries. The Lancet article urges politicians, NHS leaders, and health-care commissioners in the UK to utilize these tools to plan and take action now.