Current availability of radiotherapy devices in Peru and artificial intelligence-based analysis for constructing a...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Physics
• Health Systems Research

Background:

• Radiotherapy (RT) is crucial for cancer treatment.
• Peru faces challenges in RT access due to limited equipment.
• A strategic plan is needed to address RT deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a situational diagnosis of radiotherapy resources in Peru.
• To propose an AI-assisted nationwide implementation plan for RT.
• To address urgent needs in cancer care delivery.

Main Methods:

• Collected data from Peruvian government databases and GLOBOCAN for cancer incidence.
• Assessed existing external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (BT) devices, noting obsolescence.
• Developed an AI algorithm to identify optimal resource allocation based on population, incidence, geography, and travel time.

Main Results:

• Eight additional EBRT and seven BT devices are needed in 2023.
• The AI algorithm identified priority regions for resource allocation.
• Demand is projected to increase by 22% by 2030, requiring 23 EBRT and 16 BT devices.

Conclusions:

• Increased investment is necessary to meet Peru's RT demand.
• AI-assisted analysis aids in prioritizing resource allocation for cancer treatment.
• The methodology is shareable for replication in other developing economies.