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Carmen Uscatu about Urgent Need for Pediatric Radiotherapy in Romania

Photo taken from Carmen Uscatu/LinkedIn

Sep 30, 2024, 09:54

Carmen Uscatu about Urgent Need for Pediatric Radiotherapy in Romania

Carmen Uscatu, Founding Member, President at Give Life (Dăruiește Viață), shared on LinkedIn:

“Reflections from this weekend while I’m writing my master’s thesis:

The hope is to open soon the radiotherapy department in the hospital built by Give Life at Marie Curie Children’s Hospital. A crucial step towards enhancing survival rates and improving the quality of care for our children.

Romania currently lacks a comprehensive pediatric cancer center (a hospital that provides all medical disciplines necessary for the treatment of pediatric cancer). Why am I saying that? Because the radiotherapy department at the hospital built by Dăruiește Viață remains non-functional. For many reasons.

A 2024 survey revealed alarming statistics: Romania ranked 29th out of 31 countries in some general radiotherapy items, like a child-friendly environment within the radiotherapy department, presence of educational or informational tools to prepare children for radiotherapy, and availability of radiation oncologists for emergencies or urgent questions, ahead of only Latvia and Macedonia.

It placed 30th in radiotherapy-specific items, like use of head and neck and/or body fixation when indicated, availability of 3D-treatment planning and 4D imaging, use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) when indicated, just above Croatia.

Additionally, another study from 2023 found that only one center offers anesthesia for children, and only one participates in clinical trials. Access to mentors, training opportunities, and multidisciplinary tumor boards is limited.”

Carmen Uscatu