Robustness of the coverage of megavoltage equipment in radiotherapy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35954/SM2025.44.1.2.e301Keywords:
particle accelerators, neoplasms, radiation, ionizing, cobalt radioisotopes, radiotherapy, public healthAbstract
Introduction: The number of equipment per number of inhabitants is an indicator used to evaluate the coverage of radiotherapy treatments. The International Atomic Energy Agency recommends 1 equipment per 250,000 inhabitants. In 2024 in Uruguay the age of usable equipment will be limited by a standard and in this work we analyze the loss of coverage when applying such a philosophy.
Methodology: Coverage in Europe, Latin America and Uruguay was analyzed. The data of the equipment are from the International Atomic Energy Agency, their age was assigned to the middle of the range represented. The equipment presented without age was assigned maintaining the age spectrum. The impact of 3 limits of use is evaluated: 10, 15 and 30 years. Coverage of the different regions of the Americas, Western Europe and Uruguay are compared.
Results: The loss of coverage in America and Europe depends on the cut-off age, going from an uncontrolled age to one limited by 15 years (equipment/inhabitants): Europe from 1 in 158,000 to 240,000, Latin America from 1 in 582,000 to 1,300,000, Uruguay from 1 in 219,000 to 389,000.
Discussion: With a cut-off date of 15 years, the coverage in Uruguay is almost half of the current one, which complies with the recommendation of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The impact on coverage of including an age limit in megavoltage equipment cannot be assimilated by Uruguay.
This article was approved by the Editorial Committee.
Received for review: October 2024.
Accepted for publication: December 2024.
Correspondence: Héctor Gutiérrez Ruiz 1210, C.P. 11100. Montevideo, Uruguay. Tel: (+598) 097212868.
Contact e-mail: gpiriz@clinicaleborgne.com
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