Worldwide Access to Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Publication Date

2019

Journal Title

World Neurosurg

Abstract

© 2019 Elsevier Inc. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a safe and effective technology that can address a variety of neurosurgical conditions, but in many parts of the world, access remains an issue. Although the technology is increasingly available in the United States, Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia, poor access to central nervous system (CNS) imaging and inadequate treatment equipment in other parts of the world limit the availability of radiosurgery as a treatment option. In addition, epidemiologic data about cancer and CNS metastases in low-income countries are sparse and much less complete than in more developed countries, and the need for radiosurgery may be underestimated as a result. Current radiosurgical platforms can be expensive to install and require a substantial amount of personnel training for safe operation. Socioeconomic and political forces are relevant to limitations to and opportunities for improving access to care. Here we examine the current barriers to access and propose areas for future efforts to improve global availability of radiosurgery for neurosurgical conditions.

Volume Number

130

Pages

608 - 614

Document Type

Article

Status

Faculty

Facility

School of Medicine

Primary Department

Radiation Medicine

PMID

31581410

DOI

10.1016/j.wneu.2019.04.031

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