Strengthening cancer care in the Asia-Pacific region

Background

Cancer incidence is rising rapidly worldwide, with projections estimating 24 million new cases annually by 2035. Low- and middle-income countries are expected to bear over 70% of this burden, with the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) particularly affected. In 2020, APAC accounted for nearly 60% of global cancer deaths, and cancer remains the second leading cause of mortality in the region, responsible for approximately 4.5 million deaths in 2016. A significant challenge in APAC is the shortfall in radiotherapy services, with projections indicating that over 5 million cancer patients annually will require radiotherapy by 2035. Despite technological advancements, audits of radiotherapy services across the region have highlighted gaps in quality and accessibility, underscoring the urgent need for investment in infrastructure and data-driven improvements.

A key factor in enhancing radiotherapy services is the effective use of information systems, which can store and analyse crucial data on patient demographics, cancer diagnoses, and treatment outcomes. However, the adoption and utilization of these systems vary significantly across APAC, with many centres lacking the necessary training and standardization for optimal data collection. The implementation of a standardized minimum dataset is essential for generating reliable, country-specific data to guide quality improvement efforts and inform cost-effective cancer care strategies. Strengthening data collection and analytics in radiotherapy is imperative for addressing regional disparities, refining treatment protocols, and ensuring equitable access to care.

Aim

This project aims to establish standards for radiation oncology data collection in the Asia-Pacific and support their implementation. The findings will help guide future training initiatives and enhance data collection practices to support better research and patient outcomes.

Research Methodology

The project will utilise a comprehensive survey distributed to radiation oncology professionals across 19 countries, capturing current data collection practices, barriers, and priorities. Findings from the study will inform the development of a proposed guideline, which will undergo an iterative Delphi panel analysis. Representatives from key stakeholder countries and organizations will engage in multiple rounds of structured feedback to achieve consensus on key data elements and implementation strategies. In the final phase, the guideline will be disseminated, with targeted engagement to support adoption across the region.

Current Status

The recruitment and initial survey phase have been completed with responses from across _ countries. The Delphi analysis component is currently planned to commence. Work is also underway on development of a training workshop planned for August 2025.