Nataliya Kovalchuk, Clinical Professor at Stanford Radiation Oncology, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Brachytherapy Awareness Day in Ukraine.
Today, the Collegium of Ukrainian Brachytherapy proudly joins the global observance of Brachytherapy Awareness Day. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to advancing education, innovation, and the implementation of modern brachytherapy techniques to improve cancer care in Ukraine.
Ukrainian oncology centers are actively practicing brachytherapy for the treatment of cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, skin cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, ocular tumors, and other malignancies. While much of the current practice is based on well-established conventional brachytherapy techniques, these treatments remain available to patients across the country and continue to play an essential role in cancer care.
Despite the ongoing war, radiotherapy departments throughout Ukraine continue to modernize in accordance with the National Strategy of the Ministry of Health. At the same time, the unwavering support of Help Ukraine Group (HUG), Brachyterra, Rayos Contra Cancer, AMERICAN BRACHYTHERAPY SOCIETY, European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), American Association of Physicists in Medicine, American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), Elekta Brachytherapy Academy, Australasian Brachytherapy Group and leading international experts in both external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy has expanded access to educational programs, facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experience, and promoted the adoption of best clinical practices.
These collective efforts are helping build a new generation of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists equipped with modern knowledge, skills, and a shared vision for the future of cancer care in Ukraine.
A systematic transition toward image-guided brachytherapy using MRI, CT, and ultrasound, together with the wider adoption of interstitial techniques, represents an important step forward. These advances will make brachytherapy even more precise, more effective, and safer, ultimately improving outcomes and preserving quality of life for our patients.
On this Brachytherapy Awareness Day, we celebrate the dedication of multidisciplinary teams across Ukraine and around the world who continue to advance this life-changing treatment and improve the lives of patients with cancer.”
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