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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.
2025 Update: The Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology (FARO) Joins the International Gynecologic Radiation Oncology Consortium
We are pleased to announce that the Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology (FARO) has joined the International Gynecologic Radiation Oncology Consortium. Representing 14 Radiation Oncology Member Organizations throughout Asia, FARO facilitates collaboration and communication among radiation oncology professionals within the region and around the world. Their contribution to this international consortium will broaden and strengthen our collective efforts to advance radiotherapy education and training for specialists delivering gynecologic cancer care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
As part of this collaboration, Dr. Supriya Chopra (India) will represent FARO within the consortium, bringing her expertise and leadership to advance educational initiatives and mentorship programs across Asia and beyond.
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
Training Sites
Uganda Cancer Institute: Pilot Site
Kampala, Uganda
Training initiated 2024
Black Lion Hospital
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Training initiated: 2025
DaNang Hospital
DaNang, Vietnam
Training initiated: 2025
This mentorship opportunity is designed to strengthen radiation oncology services at selected centers in low- and middle-income countries that have the necessary infrastructure, patient volume, and a dedicated radiotherapy team. These centers will work in partnership with our mentors to strengthen the delivery of life-saving radiation treatments for patients affected by gynecologic cancers.
Over the course of a year, the radiotherapy personnel at each site will participate in a customized education and training program tailored to their team and resources. The curriculum includes external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, imaging, and research. Hands-on learning and ongoing support provide the ideal environment to help safely develop new techniques utilizing the resources already available to them at their institution.
Traveling Mentoring Team for Uganda Cancer Institute
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
Traveling Mentoring Team for Black Lion Hospital
Dr. Kjersti Bruheim
Radiation Oncologist
Olso University Hospital
Norway
Dr. Junzo Chino
Radiation Oncologist
Duke Cancer Center
USA
Dr. Taran Paulsen Hellebust
Medical Physicist
Oslo University Hospital
Norway
Traveling Mentoring Team for DaNang Hospital
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
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.
"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."
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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