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Strengthening education and training for gynecologic radiation oncology specialists in LMICs.
Radiotherapy is an essential part of gynecologic cancer treatment, alongside surgery and chemotherapy. But many countries have limited access to radiotherapy and medical imaging facilities. Over the last several decades, international agencies have been working through collective action to introduce and advance radiotherapy services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As such, there is a growing need for education and mentorship and training opportunities for the radiotherapy personnel in these regions.
The International Gynecologic Radiation Oncology Consortium was assembled in 2023 to formalize and strengthen radiotherapy education and training for radiation oncology specialists who deliver gynecologic care in LMICs. In partnership, these organizations leverage their global reach, resources, and expertise. This collaboration allows for more efficient use of resources, including funding, research data, and technological tools, which can be especially valuable in resource-limited settings.
Training Sites
Kampala, Uganda
Training initiated 2024
The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) was selected as the pilot site for the International Gynecologic Radiation Oncology Consortium’s mentorship and training program. Following a highly competitive application process, the traveling mentoring team completed its inaugural site visit to UCI in September 2024, laying the groundwork for a year of ongoing mentorship and tailored educational support.
Uganda Traveling Mentoring Team
Dr. Alexandra Taylor
IGRO Consortium Chair
Clinical Oncologist
Royal Marsden Hospital
UK
Dr. Anuja Jhingran
Radiation Oncologist
The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center
USA
Dr. Taran Annette Paulsen Hellebust
Medical Physicist
Oslo University Hospital
Norway
Dr. Surendra Prajapati
Medical Physicist
The University of Texas MD
Anderson Cancer Center
USA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Training initiated: 2025
The traveling mentoring team completed its first in-person site visit October 7–9, 2025, meeting with the local multidisciplinary faculty to assess needs and align the program with the center’s established infrastructure and strong clinical foundation. Over the coming year, Black Lion will engage in ongoing mentorship through structured learning, group sessions, and individualized guidance—strengthening its capacity to deliver high-quality gynecologic radiotherapy care.
Black Lion Traveling Mentoring Team
Dr. Kjersti Bruheim
Radiation Oncologist
Olso University Hospital
Norway
Dr. Junzo Chino
Radiation Oncologist
Duke Cancer Center
USA
Dr. Taran Annette Paulsen Hellebust
Medical Physicist
Oslo University Hospital
Norway
DaNang, Vietnam
Training initiated: 2025
Da Nang Hospital was chosen as an early partner site for the Consortium’s mentorship initiative, reflecting its commitment to advancing gynecologic cancer care in the region. IGCS volunteer mentors conducted their in-person site visit August 19–21, 2025, collaborating closely with Da Nang’s dedicated specialists to tailor educational plans that build on the hospital’s existing expertise and vision. Through continued virtual touchpoints and a comprehensive curriculum—including self-directed learning and personalized mentoring—Da Nang Hospital will receive sustained support to expand treatment capabilities and enhance outcomes for patients with gynecologic cancers.
DaNang Traveling Mentoring Team
Dr. Remi Nout
Radiation Oncologist
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Netherlands
Dr. Supriya Chopra
Radiation Oncologist
Tata Memorial Centre
India
Dr. Muhammed Anaz RC
Medical Physicist
Tata Memorial Hospital,
Mumbai
"Radiation therapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. Through mentorship, training, and peer collaboration, we support these teams in advancing their practice—such as safely transitioning from 2D to 3D brachytherapy—helping them build on their existing strengths and further elevate the standard of care for women in their regions. It’s very exciting to see and hear the progress as these techniques are being successfully implemented."
Radiation Oncology Mentorship and Training Program Overview
Mentorship & Training Program
Ongoing
Support
Global
Network
Gold-Standard
Example
1 Year
Program
Mentor
Matching
Team
Site Visits
Virtual
Education
Thank you all, for spending time with us, it was a rich learning encounter that will positively change our approach to cervical cancer radiotherapy. We look forward to this mentorship program with optimism toward improving patient outcomes.
Organizations involved in the International Gynecologic Radiation Oncology Consortium*
- The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM)
- The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS)
- The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
- The International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS)
- The European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO)
*The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), while not officially part of the consortium, has made a practical arrangement with the IGCS to cooperate in IAEA’s Rays of Hope Initiative and provide support to the IAEA Anchor Centers. The main focus of the practical arrangement is on integration of radiation oncology into training programs in LMICs in line with the IAEA guidance, development of educational and training materials to support the professional aspects of radiation oncology, imaging, and medical physics.
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