Observational studyActa oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)2026
Radiotherapy and diagnostic capacity in relation to the changing cancer burden in the Baltic States.
Observational study in Acta oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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17 authors.
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Abstract
background and purposeCancer mortality rates in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) exceeds the European Union (EU) average, in part due to limited access to radiation therapy (RT). We updated RT capacity and utilization to inform regional planning. Patient/material and methods: We conducted a census of all 11 RT centres (2016-2023) via a standardized questionnaire, cross-validated with national registries and international databases. We compared technology availability, workforce, and utilization with EU countries in relation to the present cancer burden and projections to 2050. This multicentre observational study adhered to STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.
resultsOnly 35-42% of cancer patients received RT, below the 50% recommendation. Linear accelerator availability ranged from 3.8 to 5.1 per million inhabitants, figures that are almost half those seen in EU countries with higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. While the use of intensity modulated RT, volumetric modulated arc therapy and stereotactic RT increased, staffing levels has remained static in recent years. Mortality-to-incidence ratio correlated negatively with GDP (r = -0.7) and RT capacity (r = -0.7).
interpretationDespite technological progress in the Baltic States, major gaps persist in RT access and workforce levels. Baltic States still underperform compared to EU countries with higher GDP per capita in terms of equipment availability, workforce capacity, and overall cancer outcomes. Future-oriented strategic investments, based on regional collaboration and shared infrastructure are urgently needed, including the development of a regional particle therapy centre, to ensure equitable access to state-of-the art advanced cancer care across the Baltic States.
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