Establishment of Twinning Partnership to Improve Pediatric Radiotherapy Outcomes Globally

Pediatric radiotherapy is a necessary and challenging component of oncologic care for children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Collaboration between institutions in LMICs and high-income countries (HICs) has been shown to be effective in improving oncologic treatment outcomes; however, literature regarding pediatric radiotherapy twinning partnerships is limited.

Emory University has a long-standing twinning collaboration with Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) for certain medical specialties. After securing institutional funding, a faculty member and a resident from the Emory University Department of Radiation Oncology set out to establish a twinning program with TASH for pediatric radiotherapy.

Emory and TASH faculty and residents established initial communications virtually via email and video correspondence. TASH residents and faculty completed surveys regarding pediatric radiotherapy institutional and educational needs to outline goals of collaboration. Five lectures and case-based practicums were identified focused on Wilms tumor, medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and palliative radiotherapy. The Emory team then conducted a visit to TASH during which lectures and practicums were delivered. The Emory team directly observed and guided simulation and treatment planning procedures. TASH residents practiced decision making, simulation, contouring, and field placement for Wilms tumor cases on the basis of didactics and feedback provided by the Emory team. Additionally, a needs assessment regarding pediatric oncologic resources was completed. Clinical care pathways and standard operating procedures were drafted by collaborators. Virtual peer-review sessions were established to continue collaborations abroad and plan for next in-person visit.

Collaborative efforts by global experts have helped to establish and improve treatment protocols for childhood cancer. The presented twinning experience may serve as a model for other LMIC and HIC centers for establishing similar partnerships.