#2–2026
Anchor Centres making cancer care sustainable Bringing cancer care to more women Nuclear technologies shaping the future of cancer care
How nuclear science and technology are making a difference in cancer care
?
Do you know... nuclear quiz
1
How many countries have already benefitted from Rays of Hope? a. over 30 b. over 60 c. over 90
3
In high-income countries, one radiotherapy machine (such as a linear accelerator) serves on average 140 000 people. How many does it serve on average in low-income countries? a. 900 000 people
b. 3 million people
c. 15 million people
2
How many countries have Rays of Hope Anchor Centres? a. 12 b. 20 c. 24
Contents
Bridging the global gap in cancer care, p. 2
Find the answers in this edition (and at the bottom of page 32)
Making cancer care sustainable, p. 8
Driving radiopharmaceutical innovation, p. 24
Rays of Hope: Delivering on our promise ........... 1
Rays of Hope by the numbers .............................16
Bridging the global gap in cancer care .............. 2
Dosimetry and quality assurance .........................18
Assessing cancer care needs so no one is left behind ............................................................ 6
Nuclear technologies are shaping the future of cancer care ..............................................20
Making cancer care sustainable ......................... 8
Driving radiopharmaceutical innovation .............24
Bringing cancer care to more women ...............12 Paediatric cancer: Leveraging partnerships to give every child a chance .............................14
Nuclear Jobs ........................................................... 26 IAEA News ............................................................... 28 From the IAEA Archives ..........................................30
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Rays of Hope: Delivering on our promise By Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director General
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s I visit cancer clinics in countries around the world, I see first-hand both the need for support and its arrival, including the delivery of radiotherapy equipment and training that give patients a better chance of surviving cancer and living longer, healthier lives. Real progress is being made, from the opening of the first public radiotherapy centre in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the launch of new nuclear medicine services at Black Lion Hospital in Ethiopia, and the expansion of radiotherapy services in Malawi, Botswana and more. But around the world there continue to be persistent gaps in access to modern diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services, which are essential for detecting, treating and managing cancer. For millions of people with cancer, where they live can determine whether they survive cancer. The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative directly addresses these inequalities through its mission to expand access to safe, effective and affordable cancer care for people in low- and middleincome countries. Rays of Hope provides practical, high-impact support by helping countries strengthen cancer infrastructure, develop skilled workforces and improve access to radiation medicine. Rays of Hope was launched at the 2022 African Union Summit, with an initial focus on Africa, where many countries still lacked even a single radiotherapy machine. Since then, Rays of Hope has delivered tangible results and expanded its scope to other regions. More than 20 cancer centres have been opened, expanded or are being built. Over 150 pieces of diagnostic and treatment
equipment have been procured, including more than 15 linear accelerators and over 80 mammography machines. Today, more than 100 countries have joined the initiative. Rays of Hope has mobilized over EUR 100 million from governments, international partners, private sector donors and other supporters. A critical component of the effort to improve cancer care is developing and sustaining a highly skilled workforce. The IAEA has established 20 Anchor Centres, hubs of excellence that support regional capacity building through training, education and research. These centres have already trained over 800 medical professionals in the safe and effective use of radiation medicine.
“Fighting cancer globally requires long term commitment, collaboration and investment.” — Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director General
Rays of Hope is also bringing together a coalition of governments, universities, private companies, philanthropic organizations, development banks and financial institutions. New partnerships with institutions such as the OPEC Fund and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are helping countries mobilize the expertise, equipment and financing they need to transform national cancer care systems. For more than 60 years, the IAEA has helped countries strengthen cancer care with nuclear science and technology. As you will read in the coming pages, Rays of Hope builds on this experience, bringing greater urgency and scale to the fight against cancer. But this is only the beginning. Fighting cancer globally requires long term commitment, collaboration and investment. With stronger partnerships and continued investment, Rays of Hope can expand access to care, strengthen health systems and save lives.
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Bridging the global gap in cancer care By Mary Albon
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ach year, cancer claims over 10 million lives worldwide — a toll projected to almost double by 2050. Although many cancers are treatable — especially when detected early — access to timely diagnosis and life saving care remains uneven. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often have limited access to modern medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment, trained oncology professionals, research capacity and essential services. More than half of all cancer cases occur in these countries, and nearly two-thirds of cancer deaths. Gaps in cancer care compound one another. Limited access to diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine leads to late detection and inaccurate staging, meaning that patients may be referred for treatment without the information needed to plan their care properly. Shortages of trained specialists and scant opportunities for training in advanced technologies limit treatment capacity. Underdeveloped research systems slow the adoption of advanced technologies and treatments. Radiotherapy, a cornerstone of cancer care, is needed by about half of all cancer
Advanced equipment at Malawi’s new radiotherapy centre. (Photo: IAEA)
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patients. While most patients in highincome countries who need radiotherapy receive it, in low-income countries, as few as one in ten people with cancer have access to this life-saving treatment. Some countries have no radiotherapy services at all. “The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative is working to reduce these profound disparities by providing high-impact, cost-effective support in underserved regions,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who launched the initiative in 2022. “We are striving to ensure that people with cancer and their doctors have the tools they need to fight the disease no matter where in the world they are.”
Equipment and infrastructure shortages Many people with cancer are never diagnosed, misdiagnosed or only diagnosed when their cancer is at an advanced stage. Even when medical imaging, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy services are available, they are often overstretched, leading to long waiting times and reduced quality
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Opening ceremony for Malawi’s first radiotherapy centre hosted by President Lazarus Chakwera. (Photo: State House Malawi)
of care. In many countries, cancer care is concentrated in large cities, limiting access for people in rural areas and remote regions. In low resource settings, these challenges are compounded by high rates of cancer-related malnutrition and undiagnosed muscle loss, which reduce treatment tolerance and survival. Shortages of radiotherapy equipment put effective treatment out of reach for many patients. Global disparities in equipment availability are stark. According to the IAEA’s global Directory of Radiotherapy Centres, one radiotherapy machine (such as a linear accelerator) serves on average 140 000 people in high-income countries, but in low-income countries, one machine may have to serve over 15 million people. LMICs also suffer from shortages in medical imaging and nuclear medicine equipment, which are used in all phases of cancer care, from detection, diagnosis and staging to treatment planning and response assessment, and long-term follow-up. According to a 2021 Lancet Oncology Commission, scaling up access to medical imaging and nuclear medicine in LMICs would yield significant improvements in cancer survival.
Rays of Hope was launched in 2022 in Africa, where many countries had no radiotherapy machines at all. Since then, the initiative has supported the establishment or expansion of national radiotherapy centres in Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Senegal, Togo and Zambia. Malawi was one of the first countries to join. “I knew that the IAEA was not just talking the talk,” said Malawi’s then President, Lazarus Chakwera, at the inauguration of his country’s first radiotherapy centre in 2025. “And now today, less than three years later, here we are, opening this national cancer centre to all Malawians.” The initiative’s efforts now extend to other underserved regions of the world. In Latin America, Rays of Hope is building up radiotherapy care in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico and Paraguay. It is also expanding nuclear medicine services — including SPECT/CT and PET/CT diagnostic capacity — in Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Senegal and Togo.
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IAEA training course on quality assurance in diagnostic radiology for medical physicists in Mongolia, September 2025. (Photo: IAEA)
Workforce deficits Increasing access to diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy must be matched by investment in the cancer workforce. Shortages of oncology, imaging and nuclear medicine professionals are a significant barrier to cancer care in LMICs. More than 90% of trained cancer professionals are concentrated in higherincome countries, leaving major gaps elsewhere that limit the availability, quality and expansion of cancer services. Workforce constraints are especially acute in radiotherapy and theranostics. An IAEA-led 2024 Lancet Oncology Commission found that a lack of trained and credentialled professionals limits access to radiotherapy, particularly in LMICs. Meeting projected global demand by 2050 would require expanding the 2022 workforce by more than 60% — to around 84 600 radiation oncologists, 47 000 medical physicists and 141 000 radiotherapy technologists. These workforce gaps extend beyond oncology specialists. Many cancer centres in LMICs lack trained clinical
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nutrition professionals despite nutrition’s role in treatment tolerance and recovery. Investing in education and training for oncology professionals is a key pillar of Rays of Hope. Rays of Hope Anchor Centres, regional leaders in cancer care, help build capacity by strengthening specialist skills across their regions while also promoting the exchange of expertise and best practices. Through its technical cooperation programme, the IAEA also supports in-person and online training in medical physics, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine and imaging, and radiopharmacy.
Research and innovation gaps Research underpins innovation in cancer care, producing data, evidence and insights to support the development of effective treatments. Most cancer research is still conducted in high income countries. A review of radiotherapy trials from 2014 to 2017 found that 77% were conducted in high income countries, compared with just
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13% conducted solely in LMICs. LMICs are also underrepresented in cancer studies involving imaging and nuclear medicine. These gaps mean that cancers that are common in LMICs, such as cervical and liver cancer, are often under studied, and research advances do not always address urgent needs. In many low resource settings, limited training in research methods and a lack of funding make it harder for local scientists to carry out studies. Addressing these gaps requires sustained investment in research capacity in LMICs, including clinical trials that reflect local needs. Through Rays of Hope, the IAEA supports regional Anchor Centres with targeted training in oncology and medical physics, helping them build expertise and mentor health professionals across their regions. Complementary initiatives, such as clinical research training programmes supported by the MD Anderson Cancer Center through Rays of Hope, further strengthen local capacity and help ensure that innovation responds to the areas of greatest need. The IAEA also involves Anchor Centres and LMICs in coordinated research projects related to cancer.
Rays of Hope For over 60 years, the IAEA has been helping countries tackle cancer by establishing and expanding access to radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine. IAEA applied research in nuclear science and technology has translated into innovations in imaging, radiotherapy and radiopharmaceuticals that offer safer, more effective diagnosis and treatments. Working closely with governments, academia, the private sector and international financial institutions, the IAEA focuses on the technical backbone of cancer diagnosis and
treatment — radiation medicine, including diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and theranostics — within broader national cancer control efforts. Since 2004, the IAEA Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) has been supporting countries in assessing their capacities and needs, and in developing national cancer control programmes and bankable documents to finance the expansion of radiation medicine services. Rays of Hope works to strengthen and support national cancer control systems. It pulls together all the strands of the IAEA’s efforts to expand cancer care by conducting needs analyses and supporting planning; providing equipment and technology; training oncologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, medical physicists and radiotherapy technologists; and supporting the safety and quality systems that underpin patient care. It also supports research and innovation that mobilize nuclear science and technology to advance cancer care, including to address the needs of women and children with cancer.
Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the opening of the Mombasa Radiotherapy Centre at Kenya’s Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital. Equipped with a linear accelerator through Rays of Hope, this state-of-the-art facility is expected to double the hospital’s radiotherapy treatment capacity. (Photo: IAEA)
“Rays of Hope is reshaping cancer care on the ground — expanding access, building capacity and saving lives,” Director General Grossi said. “But much more needs to be done to ensure that everyone with cancer gets a timely diagnosis and the treatment they need.”
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Assessing cancer care needs so no one is left behind By Ding Feng
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chieving global equity in cancer care requires channelling resources to countries and populations with unmet needs. The first step is to identify gaps in access by mapping available resources and evaluating service capacity and quality. This gives governments, policymakers and other partners the information they need to make targeted, cost-effective investments in cancer care.
Mapping global gaps with big data The IAEA maintains several global databases that track country-level baseline data on radiology and radiotherapy equipment, as well as on the cancer workforce. The Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine Global Resources Database (IMAGINE) and the Nuclear Medicine Database (NUMDAB) track diagnostic imaging capacity. The Directory of Radiotherapy Centres (DIRAC), in use since 1959 and recently enhanced with AI-assisted workflows, collects global data on radiotherapy resources. Insights from these databases reveal stark global disparities in the availability of equipment and skilled personnel for cancer care. “Thanks to these databases, initiatives like the Lancet Oncology Commission on Radiotherapy and Theranostics can pursue more targeted strategies to accelerate access to cancer care,” said May Abdel-Wahab, Director of the IAEA Division of Human Health. The IAEA is building a new database, the Sustainable Unified Network for Radiation Medicine Innovation and Scientific Excellence (SUNRISE), to measure and demonstrate the impact of improvements in radiation medicine. Another IAEA database under development will shed light on links between cancer, body composition,
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energy expenditure, interventions and clinical outcomes.
Field missions: From assessment to action Field missions are also critical for assessing gaps in cancer care. IAEA missions work with countries and individual cancer centres to assess cancer care capabilities and build accessible and sustainable diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy capacities. In partnership with the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the IAEA conducts imPACT review missions to assess national capacities and needs, identify priority interventions and support the development of comprehensive national cancer control plans. “Since 2005, more than 140 imPACT reviews have been conducted, providing governments with a baseline assessment and evidence-based expert recommendations to guide planning and investment, as well as IAEA technical cooperation activities in cancer control,” said Lisa Stevens, Director of the IAEA’s Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT). In May 2026, South Africa completed its first imPACT Review. “We are working to build a resilient, people-centred health system, that is capable of addressing both immediate demands and long-term priorities,” said South Africa’s Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi. “The imPACT review provides an opportunity for honest reflection, constructive engagement and strategic alignment to identify gaps, address bottlenecks and prioritise interventions.” Anchor Centre Expert (ACE) missions work directly with Rays of Hope Anchor
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Members of a 2024 imPACT review mission to Mozambique visited a healthcare centre to find out more about the country’s national cervical cancer screening programme. (Photo: IAEA)
Centres to identify areas for improvement and develop joint action plans to enhance education, quality assurance, research and innovation in their regions. Education missions identify gaps in professional training for cancer professionals and align academic curricula with international standards. Quality assurance audits, such as QUANUM, QUATRO and QUAADRIL, assess gaps in cancer facilities and recommend improvements in quality management systems, clinical and technical practices and the safety, accuracy and effectiveness of nuclear medicine,
radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging services. The IAEA has conducted over 200 quality assurance audit missions since 2003. “Last year, we welcomed an IAEA ACE mission to our institute,” said Artit Ungkanont, Dean of the Ramathibodi Hospital Faculty of Medicine at Thailand’s Mahidol University. “We are able to continuously improve our services and fulfil our role as a Rays of Hope Anchor Centre to promote equitable and sustainable access to cancer care in the region.”
IAEA DATABASES SUPPORTING CANCER CARE IAEA databases are used worldwide for planning nuclear medicine services, advocacy for equity in access to cancer treatment, investment in health care infrastructure, benchmarking of radiotherapy resources and academic research. The Directory of Radiotherapy Centres (DIRAC) collects global data on radiotherapy resources at over 8500 centres in more than 150 countries.
DIRAC
The Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine Global Resources Database (IMAGINE) provides detailed information on medical imaging and nuclear medicine resources in over 190 countries and territories.
The Nuclear Medicine Database (NUMDAB) collects and maintains up-to-date global data on nuclear medicine facilities, workforce, equipment, practices and training needs.
IMAGINE
NUMDAB
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Making cancer care sustainable Rays of Hope Anchor Centres By Ekaterina Harsdorf
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chieving and sustaining equitable access to modern cancer imaging and radiotherapy technologies requires much more than securing equipment. It also calls for medical professionals trained to run clinical programmes safely and effectively, quality assurance to ensure the optimal use of radiation, and research and innovation to improve diagnostic and treatment outcomes for patients. Sustainability is a core pillar of the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, and Anchor Centres are at the heart of that work. As regional leaders in radiation medicine with long track records of collaboration in IAEA human health activities, Anchor Centres strengthen education, training, quality assurance, research and innovation in cancer care across their regions. Since the first five Anchor Centres were designated in 2023, the network has expanded rapidly to include 20 institutions in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Supporting training and education Anchor Centres support the IAEA in building technical capacity and sharing expertise in radiation medicine, both within their regions and beyond. As leading centres for radiation medicine, Anchor Centres have a long history of collaborating with the IAEA to support technical cooperation and training for oncology professionals. Since their designation as Anchor Centres, they have provided in-person and online training in the safe and effective use of radiation medicine for more than 800 clinical staff and supported around 170 short- and long-term IAEA fellowships, including medical internships, residencies and postgraduate studies.
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“With the IAEA’s support, we have already trained fellows in nuclear medicine and radiology, and we are currently placing young doctors from African countries in year-long postgraduate programmes,” said Salah Eddine Bouyoucef, professor emeritus of nuclear medicine at the University Hospital Centre of Bab El-Oued, an Anchor Centre in Algeria. “We also host residencies, internships and technical courses. These programmes are helping us build lasting expertise and improve cancer care capacity across the region.” Anchor Centres also deliver training on advanced technologies to other members of the network, fostering peer-to-peer collaboration and knowledge exchange. For example, Japan’s National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology hosted an IAEA workshop on advanced radiotherapy techniques for radiation oncologists and medical physicists from 12 other Anchor Centres. “I had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from all over the world, exchange ideas and learn from true experts in the field,” said Ajra Šečerov Ermenc, a workshop participant from Slovenia’s Institute of Oncology Ljubljana.
Strengthening quality assurance The IAEA supports the Anchor Centre network with in-person and online training opportunities that strengthen quality assurance skills. In 2025–2026, for example, together with professional societies in radiation oncology, imaging and medical physics, the IAEA conducted a year-long webinar series for Anchor Centre personnel covering radiotherapy quality assurance, clinical audits, nuclear medicine, radiology and the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). Another webinar series addressed machine learning, radiomics, ethical
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ANCHOR CENTRES NETWORK as of August 2026
IAEA Rays of Hope Anchor Centres — with 20 institutions in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America — train fellows, organize training courses for healthcare providers, participate in IAEA coordinated research projects, promote networking, and provide experts and mentorship to other radiotherapy and medical imaging centres in their regions. (Photos: IAEA)
AFRICA
ASIA & PACIFIC
Algeria
University Hospital Centre of Bab EI-Oued and the Pierre and Marie Curie Cancer Centre
Egypt
National Cancer Institute, Cairo University
China
China National Nuclear Corporation Medical Industry Co.
National Institute of Oncology
India
Tata Memorial Centre
Steve Biko Academic Hospital Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure
Japan
Japanese Network of Cooperation in Radiation Medicine for Rays of Hope (16 institutions)
Jordan
King Hussein Cancer Center
Pakistan
Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital, Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute
Morocco South Africa
EUROPE Estonia
North Estonia Medical Centre
Serbia
Oncology Institute of Vojvodina
Slovenia
Institute of Oncology Ljublana
Türkiye
Faculty of Medicine, EGE University
Australia
Qatar
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Hamad Medical Corporation
Republic of Korea
Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences
Thailand
Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
LATIN AMERICA Argentina Brazil Colombia
National Atomic Energy Commission (10 institutions) Clinical Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo National Cancer Institute
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considerations and clinical validation of AI systems, attracting around 3500 medical physicists worldwide. This global exchange is reinforced through in-person training and the participation of Anchor Centre experts in IAEA quality assurance missions and scientific visits.
Advancing research and innovation Medical professionals from Pacific Island countries participated in a regional training course hosted by an Anchor Centre in Japan in 2025. (Photo: IAEA)
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As global cancer incidence continues to rise, innovation is increasingly important for improving access to timely, high-quality care. Anchor Centres play an active role in IAEA efforts to develop resource-efficient, sustainable approaches to radiation medicine — contributing to research, databases,
advanced learning platforms and global collaboration. Anchor Centres also contribute to IAEA coordinated research projects that strengthen evidence-based cancer care, including current studies on nutrition support during radiotherapy, AI-assisted tumour contouring, image-guided brachytherapy and advanced tools for quality assurance and dosimetry in digital radiology.
IAEA support for Anchor Centres The IAEA works closely with each Anchor Centre to develop tailored workplans and support. As of August 2026, the IAEA had sent 13 multidisciplinary Anchor Centre Expert (ACE) missions to help these institutions assess their needs and define
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priorities for training, infrastructure upgrades and research. Further missions are planned in the coming months. The IAEA also supports Anchor Centres through workshops and training tools. For example, an IAEA workshop on developing standardized training for gynaecological cancers featured virtual reality tools for practising brachytherapy procedures. “This innovative tool has the ability to increase confidence and proficiency in brachytherapy, allowing students to work through the model at their own pace, while also saving valuable time for educators and clinicians,” said Krishantha Pillay, a radiation oncologist at the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure facility at South Africa’s Steve Biko Academic Hospital.
“This support has enabled us to jointly adopt a more structured and harmonized training approach, which we now extend to professionals across our region through our Anchor Centre,” added Umesh Mahantshetty, a radiation oncologist at India’s Tata Memorial Centre. “The expansion of the Anchor Centre network exemplifies the IAEA’s commitment to closing the global cancer care gap through Rays of Hope,” said Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications. “Anchor Centres embody what we do best: empowering countries to build sustainable national capacity and to become active partners in advancing solutions.”
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IAEA Bulletin, #2–2026 | 11
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Bringing cancer care to more women By Luciana Viegas Assumpcao
E
very minute, an average of four women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer. Each year, cervical cancer claims more than 350 000 lives globally. Many cancers affecting women, including breast and cervical cancer, can be detected early through routine screening and timely follow-up, significantly improving survival rates. Yet, access to diagnostic tools and treatment remains uneven across regions and income levels: while 9 in 10 women survive breast cancer in high-income countries, survival can drop to 4 in 10 in low- and middle-income countries.
Through Rays of Hope, the IAEA has delivered over 50 mammography units to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including this unit at the Rodolfo Rossi Hospital in La Plata, Argentina. (Photo: National Atomic Energy Commission, Argentina)
The disparities are even more pronounced in access to treatment. Brachytherapy, an effective radiation medicine treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer, remains scarce in many parts of the world. Out of the nearly 3300 brachytherapy systems recorded globally in the IAEA’s DIRAC database, fewer than 1% are in low-income countries. Through Rays of Hope, the IAEA is helping to close gaps in access to cancer services for women worldwide, bringing care closer to those who need it most.
Expanding breast cancer screening in Latin America and the Caribbean Breast cancer cases are projected to rise by nearly 40% in Latin America and the Caribbean by 2040, and the disease remains a major public health challenge. Mammography remains the gold standard for screening and has been shown to significantly reduce mortality. However, many health systems in the region struggle to reach large and geographically dispersed populations. Diagnostic services are often concentrated in major cities or private facilities, limiting access for many women. “Early detection can significantly improve breast cancer outcomes, but access to mammography and timely diagnostic follow-up is often constrained by distance, cost and transport difficulties, particularly for women living outside major urban centres,” said Virginia Tsapaki, an IAEA medical physicist. Through Rays of Hope, the IAEA has delivered more than 50 mammography units to public hospitals across the region. In Honduras, this support is already transforming access to diagnostic care. At the San Felipe Specialty Hospital in Tegucigalpa, two digital mammography units donated by the IAEA are enabling more high-quality breast cancer screenings. “Each day, up to 20 patients can be examined within the public health system, which previously lacked technology of this quality,” reported the Ministry of Health. Additional mammography units were installed in Atlántida and San Francisco. Operational since late 2025, these units are bringing services closer to communities.
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Beyond equipment, the IAEA has strengthened national capacity through training in radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and radiology, helping to ensure that Honduras can expand services sustainably. “By providing modern mammography equipment and the necessary training, we are supporting countries in enhancing early breast cancer detection capabilities and improving access to quality healthcare services for their populations,” said Luis Longoria, IAEA Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Rays of Hope has also expanded support for early breast cancer detection in Africa, procuring mammography units for 26 African countries.
Restoring cervical cancer treatment in Syria For women diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer, access to brachytherapy is essential. The technique allows high doses of radiation to be delivered directly to the tumour, while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. In Syria, years of crisis placed severe strain on cancer care services, leaving many patients without access to this critical treatment. “Cancer services have faced significant challenges related to limited resources, aging equipment and the impact of the prolonged crisis on the healthcare system,” said Hussein Jamal Sabbagh, Head of the Radiotherapy Department at the Al-Bairouni University Hospital in Damascus. “Without brachytherapy, optimal local control and cure rates could not be achieved in many cervical cancer patients.” Through Rays of Hope, the IAEA supported the restoration of brachytherapy services at Al-Bairouni
A modern brachytherapy system supports cervical cancer care at the Al-Bairouni University Hospital in Damascus, Syria. (Photo: Al-Bairouni University Hospital)
University Hospital with the provision of a fully equipped, high dose rate brachytherapy system. Training in the use of the advanced equipment was provided at Jordan’s King Hussein Cancer Centre, a Rays of Hope Anchor Centre, and expert missions supported the hospital in bringing the service into operation. Starting in June 2026, the Al-Bairouni Hospital expects to deliver 150–200 brachytherapy courses annually, with treatment capacity set to increase as the programme develops. “This is an important milestone for the country and will directly benefit women by providing access to modern, high-quality treatment closer to home,” Sabbagh added. The Rays of Hope initiative builds on the IAEA’s six decades of experience in developing national radiation medicine capacities. This assistance has enabled many countries to establish or expand diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy to address cancer. “Through Rays of Hope, we are equipping hospitals with critical tools for diagnostic imaging and the ability to provide lifesaving radiotherapy, so that women everywhere can have access to early diagnosis and better treatment,” said May Abdel-Wahab, Director of the IAEA’s Human Health Division.
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Paediatric cancer: Leveraging partnerships to give every child a chance By Luciana Viegas Assumpcao
A
lthough relatively rare compared with cancer in adults, childhood cancers affect an estimated 400 000 children and adolescents under the age of 20 each year. Most childhood cancers are curable if detected early and treated promptly. In high-income countries, where comprehensive healthcare services are generally accessible and earlier presentations more common, more than 80% of children with cancer survive, but survival drops to around 30% in many low- and middle-income countries. Radiotherapy is essential in the treatment of around half of paediatric cancers, and it is particularly important for treating brain tumours, sarcomas and lymphomas. However, disparities in access persist around the world. According to the IAEA’s most recent research, major challenges in low-resource settings include insufficient or outdated equipment and shortages of specialized radiation medicine professionals. The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative works with partners to bring life-saving radiation medicine services to more children with cancer and trains specialists in paediatric radiation oncology, helping ensure that every child can receive the care they need. “Addressing the global gap in cancer care requires more imaging and
In December 2025, the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology was designated as an IAEA Collaborating Centre to strengthen childhood cancer care worldwide. (Photo: Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology)
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radiotherapy machines. But that is not enough. It also calls for investment in infrastructure, education and training,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “Working together with countries, companies, banks and other key institutions, I am confident we can meet this demand. Fighting cancer globally takes long-term commitment and partnership. That’s what Rays of Hope is all about.”
Building a global workforce for paediatric radiation oncology To step up efforts to build global capacity in paediatric radiation oncology, in June 2025, the IAEA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the United States expanded their longstanding collaboration to address inequalities in childhood cancer care. Supported by a US $4.5 million investment from St. Jude, the effort will develop technical resources, curricula and guidance documents to support education and training for radiation oncologists, radiotherapy technicians and medical physicists in key regions. These efforts will not only help build capacity but also set quality standards to help hospitals develop or improve paediatric radiotherapy programmes. The first guidance document, which will set out a framework for educating multidisciplinary
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paediatric cancer care teams, will be released in September 2026. “Through our collaboration with the IAEA, we have developed practical educational, training, quality assurance and implementation resources that will strengthen paediatric radiation oncology programmes worldwide,” said Thomas E. Merchant, Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “By making these resources globally accessible, we are helping build sustainable capacity, advancing equitable access to treatment and taking an important step towards closing the global gap in childhood cancer care.” Using imPACT Review assessment tools, the IAEA–St. Jude collaboration will also assess health system capacities and needs for childhood cancer care and strengthen national cancer control programmes. Since the agreement was signed in 2025, the IAEA has conducted imPACT Review missions that include a focus on paediatric cancers in Ghana, Moldova and South Africa. “It is inspiring to witness the progress in strengthening childhood cancer care with a growing number of paediatric oncologists, multi-disciplinary teams and dedicated treatment units nationwide,” said Gita Naidu, Director for the Sub-Saharan Africa Region at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, who participated in the Ghana mission.
Multiplying knowledge through regional hubs Rays of Hope is scaling up training, research and the development of professional networks for medical professionals in paediatric oncology through the IAEA’s human health and technical cooperation programmes, IAEA Collaborating Centres and Rays of Hope Anchor Centres. The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in the Netherlands, which the IAEA designated as a Collaborating Centre in December 2025, has already
hosted two courses in paediatric oncology for radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiotherapy technicians from 18 countries in Europe and Central Asia.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi meets a paediatric cancer patient in Peru. (Photo: D. Candano-Laris/IAEA)
Argentina’s Rays of Hope Anchor Centre — a network of 10 national cancer institutions under the National Atomic Energy Commission — brought together multidisciplinary experts and senior radiotherapy professionals to assess paediatric radiotherapy services in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024. They evaluated existing services, infrastructure and workforce capacities, and developed a roadmap to strengthen cancer care for children in the region. The Ege University Faculty of Medicine in Türkiye, one of the first Rays of Hope Anchor Centres, brought together almost 100 medical professionals from Europe and Central Asia in 2024 to exchange experiences, identify gaps and explore practical solutions for improving childhood cancer care. “Through our partnerships with St. Jude, the Princess Máxima Center and the Rays of Hope Anchor Centres, we can translate global expertise into life-saving impact,” said May Abdel-Wahab, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Human Health. “By combining our resources and through coordinated joint actions, we are building a future where high-quality paediatric cancer care is accessible to every child everywhere.”
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have joined the 100+ countries IAEA Rays of Hope initiative.
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have received 90+ countries support from the initiative.
as of August 2026
€100m+
has been contributed, including government cost sharing and private-sector in-kind contributions.
29 Country Donors
16 Other Partners
Albania Australia Belgium Finland
Asian Development Bank Asian Infrastructure
France Germany Honduras Israel Italy Japan Jordan Latvia Lesotho Malawi Malta Mexico Monaco Niger Philippines Republic of Korea
Investment Bank Chiyoda Technol Corporation Elekta General Electric International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations Islamic Development Bank Nihon Medi-Physics
Portugal Russian Federation
OPEC Fund for International Development
Saudi Arabia Spain Sudan
Onchikai Corporation Roche African Research
Sweden United States of America
Foundation St. Jude Children’s Research
Uruguay Uzbekistan
Hospital Siemens Healthineers International Sovereign Order of Malta Sumito Heavy Industries Tokyo Nuclear Services
partnership
30+ agreements have been concluded.
have received 170+ specialists IAEA fellowships.
An MSCFP fellow from Malawi interned in the IAEA Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics section. (Photo: J. Nikhula)
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150 pieces of equipment
have been procured, including: • 15+ linear accelerators • 80+ mammography machines • 10+ PET/CT and SPECT/CT scanners • 20+ brachytherapy systems
Rays of Hope procured a mammography unit for Malawi’s National Cancer Centre. (Photo: IAEA)
20+ cancer centres
have been built, expanded or are under construction.
Mauritius inaugurated a new National Cancer Centre in 2025 with IAEA support. (Photo: GIS Mauritius)
Centres 20 Anchor have been established (see pg 9) professionals have 800+ medical been trained by Anchor Centres.
In 2025, Japan’s Anchor Centre hosted an IAEA training course for other Anchor Centres on the implementation and clinical integration of charged particle therapy and precision techniques. (Photo: IAEA)
Learn more about the IAEA Rays of Hope initiative. SCAN HERE
30+ imPACT Reviews
have been conducted since 2022 to lay the foundation and evidence base for comprehensive cancer control.
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Dosimetry and quality assurance Accuracy and safety in radiation medicine By Aoife McKnight
E
very day around the world, specialized equipment that uses ionizing radiation — such as CT scanners, PET/CT scanners and medical linear accelerators — is used to diagnose or treat cancer. Although these devices are used to help patients, exposure to ionizing radiation always carries some risk. Hospitals keep this risk as low as possible by carefully controlling the radiation dose patients receive and ensuring that it is optimized and remains within internationally acceptable limits. Medical physicists play a vital role in fine-tuning the use of radiation to ensure patient safety, optimum image quality and successful treatment. They do this through effective quality management programmes that include both dosimetry — measuring the radiation dose — and quality assurance to routinely check equipment.
What is dosimetry? Dosimetry is the science of measuring, calculating and assessing radiation doses. It can be performed for any hospital equipment that exposes patients to radiation. In CT imaging, the goal is to produce images suitable for diagnosis while keeping the patient’s radiation exposure as low as possible. When a medical linear accelerator is used for radiotherapy, the dose targeting the tumour is much higher and must be measured as accurately as possible. “Accurate dosimetry in radiation medicine is crucial to ensuring that patients get the required dose while minimizing any risk,” said Mauro Carrara, Head of the IAEA’s Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section. “A well-defined, internationally
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consistent dosimetry framework is key to providing this essential assurance worldwide.” The IAEA supports cancer care globally by publishing guidance on dosimetry in radiation medicine. For more than 60 years, the IAEA Dosimetry Laboratory in Seibersdorf, Austria, has played a central role in supporting the medical uses of ionizing radiation, benefiting millions of patients around the world.
How can we trust the accuracy of the measured dose? Equipment used to measure clinical radiation doses must be regularly calibrated against a national standard at a dosimetry standards laboratory. Calibration ensures that all measurements are consistent with the International System of Units and comparable worldwide. Some primary standards dosimetry laboratories (PSDLs) provide direct calibration services to the end users. In most countries, however, user instruments are calibrated by a secondary standards dosimetry laboratory (SSDL). The IAEA and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly established a global Network of SSDLs in 1976. The IAEA’s Dosimetry Laboratory, which is the central laboratory of the IAEA/WHO SSDL Network, calibrates instruments for SSDLs in the Network. In hospitals, medical physicists are responsible for ensuring that equipment used to measure radiation dose is traceable to a primary standard through the calibration chain. They also ensure that dosimetry measurements are independently verified to catch errors that might otherwise go unnoticed.
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Medical professionals from Anchor Centres in Slovenia and Türkiye took part in a ‘train the trainers’ course on teaching treatment planning held at the IAEA Dosimetry Laboratory in 2024. (Photo: G. Velez/IAEA)
The IAEA’s Dosimetry Laboratory supports over 130 countries with independent dosimetry measurements. Through its calibration and audit services and its dissemination of best practices in dosimetry and quality assurance, the laboratory helps healthcare providers around the world to diagnose and treat cancer safely and accurately. “In radiotherapy, it is essential to deliver an accurate dose — both in the correct quantity and to the precise location of the tumour,” said Jamema Swamidas, Head of the IAEA’s Dosimetry Laboratory. “With the dosimetry audit programme, we verify the accuracy of the dose in reference conditions and anything outside the acceptable range is investigated.”
Is dosimetry the only aspect of quality assurance? In radiotherapy, quality assurance can include verification of a large number of equipment parameters. Even something as simple as the movement of a patient treatment couch needs to be verified.
For radiology, quality assurance includes monitoring the stability of the equipment and image quality over time. “Radiation therapy offers treatment with precision. Dosimetry and quality assurance are the silent guardians that guarantee, at every session, that each patient receives the exact treatment they require — no more, no less,” said Moulay Ali Youssoufi, Head of Medical Physics at Morocco’s National Institute of Oncology, an IAEA Anchor Centre. In a clinical setting, dosimetry and quality assurance are part of a wider quality management programme involving a multidisciplinary team of physicians, medical physicists, radiographers, radiation therapists and nursing staff. The IAEA offers comprehensive on-site clinical audits. For medical physicists, these audits review dosimetry and quality assurance procedures, and cover infrastructure, patient and equipment procedures, radiation protection, staffing levels and professional training. All these factors contribute to safe and effective care.
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Nuclear technologies are shaping the future of cancer care By Mary Albon
N
uclear science and technology are transforming how cancer is detected, diagnosed and treated, moving oncology into a new era of precision medicine and personalized treatment. Advances in medical imaging, radiotherapy and radiopharmaceuticals are making cancer care more precise and efficient. Therapies can be tailored to the genetic and molecular characteristics of individual tumours, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) can further boost this progress, and other advances — in immunotherapy, cancer vaccines, novel drug delivery systems and metabolic health assessments — are also expanding treatment options.
changes at the molecular level, enabling earlier detection and diagnosis and more accurate staging. They can also monitor tumour response to treatment, allowing doctors to make quick adjustments if needed. Applying AI to medical imaging analysis enables even faster and often more accurate analysis.
However, these innovations also highlight a persistent inequity: low- and middleincome countries (LMICs), where the majority of cancer deaths occur, often lack the infrastructure, workforce and resources to benefit from advances in cancer care. The challenge, which the IAEA’s flagship Rays of Hope initiative has taken up, is to bridge this gap and bring hope to people with cancer everywhere.
Advances in metabolic imaging offer opportunities to better understand cancer related malnutrition and muscle loss, which are important outcome indicators in many cancers. A new IAEA research project is advancing the use of routine computed tomography (CT) scans to diagnose malnutrition, enabling more consistent, scalable and practical use of body composition measurements to support patient care in diverse healthcare settings, including in LMICs.
Here are some of the most important advances in cancer care where nuclear science and technology are making a difference.
Advances in imaging technologies Nuclear imaging technologies play a pivotal role in cancer detection and diagnosis, treatment planning and therapeutic monitoring. As image resolution continues to improve, these technologies provide even better diagnostic accuracy. The newest technologies can spot physiological
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An ongoing IAEA international research project aims to improve accuracy in measuring and assessing the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation received by patients during radiopharmaceutical therapy. This work supports personalized cancer treatment and will improve how imaging data are translated into clinical decisions.
Precision gains in radiotherapy Radiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments available for many kinds of cancer. Technological advances in radiotherapy treatments, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, four-dimensional radiotherapy and image-guided brachytherapy, are enabling more precise targeting of tumours while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The increasing use of AI in radiotherapy has helped some high-income countries streamline time-consuming tasks.
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A radiologist examines head and brain images. (Photo: AdobeStock)
Nearly half of all cancer patients need radiotherapy, yet globally, access to this life-saving treatment is uneven. Especially in LMICs, it is underused due to shortages of equipment and trained personnel and unequal access to healthcare services. Recent IAEA-led research has shown that hypofractionation — treating patients with fewer but higher-dose radiotherapy sessions — is as effective as conventional treatment regimens for breast, prostate, and head and neck cancers. Wider adoption of this practice could significantly expand access to radiotherapy and shorten the waiting time for treatment. The IAEA provides training and e-learning to help oncologists around the world use this technique. “Hypofractionated radiotherapy implementation has increased significantly in the last couple of years,” said Jose Hinojosa Gomez, Deputy Director of Radiotherapy at Mexico’s National Cancer Institute, who has supported IAEA trainings on this
technique in Latin America. “This allows countries to optimize the treatment time per patient, which positively impacts the overall output of the machines.”
Theranostics: Combining diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy Theranostics is helping redefine the future of cancer by combining diagnostic imaging with targeted therapy in a single, more personalized treatment. It can shorten the path from detection to treatment, reduce treatment times and enable better monitoring — improving outcomes for patients while using healthcare resources more efficiently. For LMICs, the promise of theranostics is significant, but many LMICs face shortages of imaging equipment, radiopharmaceutical production capacity, trained specialists and regulatory infrastructure. A recent IAEA-led Lancet Oncology Commission on Radiotherapy and Theranostics highlighted the need for further investment and training to fully
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realize the benefits of theranostics for more patients. In 2024, the IAEA conducted its first regional training on theranostic techniques for medical professionals from 15 countries in Asia at Japan’s Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, a Rays of Hope Anchor Centre.
collaborations, the IAEA is exploring how nano-sized delivery systems could improve the precision and effectiveness of radiopharmaceuticals. These innovations are still at an early stage, but they point towards more efficient and safer cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Radiopharmaceuticals
Artificial intelligence
Radiopharmaceuticals — medical drugs containing radioactive isotopes — have been used to diagnose and treat cancer for decades. Administered in tiny doses, they accumulate in specific organs or tissues, enabling nuclear imaging technologies to visualize cellular function and map diseases in real time.
AI is emerging as a critical enabler of cancer care by facilitating earlier, more accurate diagnosis through image analysis, tumour detection and risk prediction, by detecting malnutrition, and by supporting the design of complex, individualized treatments that optimize dose and beam targeting.
IAEA-supported research is advancing the next generation of radiopharmaceuticals as well as nanocarriers, which deliver radiopharmaceuticals directly to tumours.
One example of AI’s impact is its enhancement of contouring — outlining tumours and organs to guide radiation delivery. Conventional contouring methods are complex and timeconsuming. IAEA-led research on head and neck cancers has shown that AI-assisted contouring reduces both the time required and variability between clinicians’ assessments. When AI is combined with targeted training in contouring, it can help clinicians manage high patient volumes without compromising quality. This is especially relevant in LMICs, where cancer workforce shortages are most acute.
Theranostic radiopharmaceuticals are transforming cancer care. IAEA research is exploring the potential of terbium, an element with multiple isotopes that can be used for both medical imaging and therapy, which could enable individually tailored diagnosis, treatment planning and therapy. Terbium-based radiopharmaceuticals are still being developed and tested and are not yet widely used. IAEA research aims to strengthen production capacity and quality control and support their use in clinical research — all fundamental steps for facilitating broader use for diagnosis and treatment. Nanoparticle-based carriers, or ‘nanocarriers’, improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic precision while reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissue. Through international research
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Ongoing research, also in collaboration with the IAEA, is exploring the broader implementation of AI in clinical practice, including challenges such as bias, interpretability and integration into clinical workflows. Addressing these issues will be essential to ensure that AI tools are safe, effective and appropriate for diverse healthcare contexts. The IAEA recently published guidance for medical physicists on the clinical implementation
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A patient is prepared for treatment at a cancer centre in Senegal. (Photo: M. Klingenboeck/IAEA)
of AI systems in medical imaging and radiotherapy and is organizing training courses to help them develop the skills and expertise needed in this field.
education, training and capacity building through the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme to address workforce shortages.
Bridging the global gap in cancer care
The IAEA offers flexible training options for cancer care professionals in settings with limited resources, including online learning and virtual reality tools to teach complex radiotherapy procedures without the need for fully equipped clinical facilities.
Despite all this progress, the benefits of nuclear technologies for cancer care are unevenly distributed, reinforcing global disparities in cancer outcomes. LMICs face persistent challenges in deploying these technologies, which are costly and infrastructure-intensive. Through research, capacity building and innovation, the IAEA is helping to close these gaps. Research is crucial to developing new techniques and innovative approaches for tackling cancer. The IAEA is a leader in research and development in nuclear science and technology for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative is increasing access to medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment and building up the systems needed to use them effectively. It also supports specialized
Strengthening cancer care also requires integrating nutrition services, particularly in LMICs. Through Rays of Hope and coordinated research initiatives, the IAEA is helping countries integrate nutrition assessment into cancer care. “Nuclear science and technology are becoming engines of precision in cancer care, turning research into treatments that are more targeted, more effective and more accessible,” said Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications. “This is precisely where the IAEA brings unique value: transforming scientific advances into real solutions for patients everywhere.”
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Driving radiopharmaceutical innovation By Thomas Perrouy
R
adiopharmaceuticals are helping nuclear medicine professionals around the world diagnose and treat cancer and other diseases with greater precision than ever before. These unique medicines, which contain small amounts of radioactive substances called radioisotopes, target specific organs, tissues or cells. Advances in radiopharmaceuticals have dramatically improved diagnostic imaging by enabling targeting at the molecular level. This supports precise tumour location, metastasis detection and deeper insights into how diseases — particularly cancers and neurological disorders — develop and progress. Targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies are transforming cancer care by pairing precise diagnosis with tailored treatment — an emerging branch of medicine known as theranostics. Because global access to radiopharmaceuticals remains uneven, the IAEA helps countries develop the capacity to produce and use them safely for cancer care through its research and technical cooperation activities.
Advancing production Radiopharmaceutical use is increasing rapidly, driving demand for medical radioisotopes. However, production remains limited. Most radioisotopes for medical use are produced in cyclotrons and in a limited number of research reactors. Currently, more than 1500 medical cyclotrons worldwide produce radioisotopes for local radiopharmaceutical manufacturing. By enabling hospitals and research centres to produce radiopharmaceuticals closer to patients, cyclotrons reduce reliance on imports, ease transport constraints and improve timely access to care.
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However, operational disruptions, ageing reactors and delays in commissioning new facilities underscore the need for more sustainable and diversified production methods and supply chains for medical radioisotopes. These challenges are driving innovation in production methods, including the use of high-power electron accelerators, nuclear power plants and fusion sources. Challenges are greater for emerging therapeutic radioisotopes, especially alpha emitting radionuclides. The IAEA’s Global Radium-226 Management Initiative facilitates transfers of disused radium sources to facilities that convert them into material for producing actinium-225 — a highly potent radioisotope for targeting microscopic tumour cells. To date, 20 countries have made transfers, with more planned. The IAEA has also issued guidance on production, quality control and preclinical studies of actinium-225 radiopharmaceuticals. In parallel, the IAEA recently launched a coordinated research project to standardize production methods for terbium-based radiopharmaceuticals. Terbium is an element that offers multiple isotopes for both imaging and therapy, potentially expanding future options for cancer theranostics.
Building capacity Sustainable access to radiopharmaceuticals depends not only on production, but also on skilled personnel and infrastructure. Specialists trained to prepare and handle these medicines are essential to ensuring quality and safety. IAEA guidance helps countries build this human resource capacity. The IAEA also helps build local capacity through training courses, technical cooperation and coordinated research
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projects. For instance, it supported the establishment of a French-language master’s programme in radiopharmacy in Morocco in 2019, which to date has trained 26 radiopharmacists from 12 African countries, with more in the pipeline. The IAEA also supported Tunisia in launching its first Certificate of Complementary Education in Radiopharmaceutical Sciences in 2025 in collaboration with the French National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology. The IAEA has developed a Radiopharmacy Database to map global production capacity and identify gaps. By collecting information on facilities producing radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, this tool helps guide investments and strengthen supply chain planning so no region will be left behind.
Harmonizing regulatory frameworks Radiopharmaceuticals require tailored regulatory frameworks. The IAEA and the World Health Organization (WHO) published guidelines on good manufacturing practices (GMP) for radiopharmaceutical products. “Radiopharmaceuticals present unique regulatory challenges, and through our collaboration with the WHO, the IAEA is committed to addressing them,” said Celina Horak, IAEA Section Head of Radioisotope Products and Radiation Technology. “Advancing GMP guidelines and driving efforts through our technical working group, we are moving towards harmonized frameworks that ensure these critical medicines are safe, effective and accessible to patients.” Recent progress highlights what is possible. In Tunisia, an IAEA-supported project enabled local production of 18F-PSMA, a key radiopharmaceutical for prostate cancer care. Following regulatory approval in early 2026, clinical use began in March — a first for the country — enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis that is expected to benefit hundreds of patients. “This
is a major step forward for nuclear medicine in Tunisia, as local production of 18F-PSMA eliminates dependence on imported radiopharmaceuticals,” said Mouldi Saidi, Director of Biotechnology and Nuclear Techniques at Tunisia’s National Centre of Nuclear Sciences and Technologies. “This will improve continuity of care for patients, enabling Tunisian hospitals to provide world-class diagnostic services.”
Hot cells and robotic arms enable safe radiopharmaceutical preparation for nuclear medicine. (Photo: IAEA)
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of radiopharmaceutical supply requires innovation and global cooperation. The IAEA will advance this priority by bringing the global radiopharmaceutical community together at the International Symposium on Trends in Radiopharmaceuticals, taking place in Vienna from 21 to 25 June 2027.
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Nuclear Jobs nuclear jobs
We profile people working in the nuclear sector in their own words Elene Lortkipanidze | Medical physics Elene Lortkipanidze is a medical physicist in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Todua Clinic in Tbilisi, Georgia. The IAEA’s Marie SkłodowskaCurie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) supported her master’s studies in medical physics and an internship in dosimetry and medical radiation physics at the IAEA.
Her motivation
(Photo: M. Kavtaradze/Todua Clinic, Tbilisi, Georgia)
“Medical physics sits at the intersection of science, technology and healthcare. It allows you to use advanced physics and sophisticated technology while also contributing to something deeply human, helping diagnose and treat people with cancer.” “I find it amazing that we can use the precision of physics to target tumours by millimetre accuracy while protecting healthy tissues.”
A typical workday “My typical workday combines patient care, quality assurance and treatment planning support. It usually starts with quality assurance tasks to ensure that our radiotherapy machines are functioning accurately and safely before we start to treat patients. Throughout the day, I work closely with radiation oncologists and radiation therapists to develop and review patient treatment plans.” “Every day presents a new problem to solve. No two patients are the same, so you have to constantly think about innovative ways to create a treatment plan that will best suit that patient.” “Most of my work is behind the scenes, without direct contact with patients. But patient safety is at the centre of everything I do.”
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The future of medical physics “Medical physics is moving towards even greater precision and integration of advanced technology into clinical workflows. Adaptive radiotherapy, which enables real-time adjustments to changes in tumour response, will significantly improve treatment accuracy and outcomes.” “Using artificial intelligence in treatment planning could streamline routine tasks, reduce treatment planning time and detect errors more efficiently.” “Medical physicists will play an important role in validating these technologies and safely integrating them into clinical practice.”
Elene’s career advice To become a medical physicist requires a strong foundation in physics, plus specialized education in medical physics, including radiation physics, dosimetry and anatomy. “Just as important is hands-on clinical experience, where theoretical knowledge is translated into clinical practice.” For students in countries that lack radiotherapy resident programmes, Elene advises pursuing clinical internships, short hospital visits or going abroad through programmes like the IAEA’s MSCFP. Key soft skills include communication, which is crucial for effective teamwork. “Problem solving skills and adaptability enable you to respond to each patient’s individual needs with creative solutions.” And accountability is key: “Even though much of the work is technical and behind the scenes, it directly affects patient care.”
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Catherine Kasongo Mwaba | Radiation oncology Catherine Kasongo Mwaba is a senior radiation oncologist at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. She wears many hats — clinician, administrator, educator and researcher. Catherine has worked on IAEA national technical cooperation projects to enhance radiotherapy services, and she has served on the Management Committee of the African Regional Cooperation Agreement (AFRA) to advance research, development and training related to nuclear science and technology.
Her motivation “When a patient who was very ill comes back a few weeks after treatment and you don’t recognize them because they look so much better, you see how this work helps people.” “If I can improve a person’s quality of life — not just adding years but improving quality of life even for someone with advanced disease — that is satisfying.”
A typical workday Catherine’s day starts with meetings on clinical, administrative and research issues, followed by four or five hours in the clinic seeing patients and supervising residents. Later she meets with colleagues to discuss cases and develop treatment plans.
Advanced technology and artificial intelligence When Catherine started out nearly 20 years ago, much of Africa lacked advanced radiation oncology equipment, trained staff and basic supplies. But that is changing, including with support from the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative.
says, noting that they will increase access to cancer care and enable radiation oncology to be more precise. She notes that technology vendors now provide free training to build capacity in low-resource settings. “That’s an exciting prospect for my country.” She expects artificial intelligence (AI) to play a big role in radiation oncology. “It’s going to be very important for enabling automation,” for example for tumour contouring. “Work will be faster, workflows will be better.” But AI’s impact will depend on a country’s level of development. African hospitals still largely work with paper records, so an electronic transition is needed first.
Catherine’s career advice
(Photo: C. Kopolo/Chudu Photos, Lusaka, Zambia)
“Radiation oncology is never boring, you’re always challenged. It’s technology based, so if you like computers, this is your field.” To become a radiation oncologist requires a degree in medicine and specialized master’s-level training. Additional education may be needed to become an educator or researcher. Professional development opportunities, such as IAEA regional training courses, are important for continuous learning. Communication skills, “being sensitive to other people, knowing yourself and how to manage your emotions” are essential. In dealing with patients, “you have to be empathetic, not be in a rush, listen to them.” These skills are also important for effective collaboration — “especially in administrative or leadership roles when you’re motivating or leading others or pushing forward a vision.”
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to invest in modern technologies,” she
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IAEA News
Equipment for radiotherapy services arrived in Sudan in April and is being installed at the National Cancer Institute in Wad Madani. (Photos: NCI)
IAEA Rays of Hope initiative helps Sudan restore radiotherapy services The IAEA has delivered essential equipment to help restore radiotherapy services at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Wad Madani, Sudan’s second largest public cancer centre. The equipment, which arrived in Sudan in April and is being installed, marks a major step towards the restoration of the country’s radiotherapy services after a three-year interruption due to the civil crisis. Radiotherapy services are expected to restart later this year, benefiting up to 10 000 patients per year once fully operational. Radiotherapy, which half of all cancer patients require, was previously offered at public cancer centres in Khartoum, Shendi and Wad Madani. Additional assistance through the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative is planned to restore services at the remaining centres, alongside training to strengthen national oncology capacity. “The IAEA support comes at a critical time, as radiotherapy services are almost entirely unavailable across the country,” said Sudan’s Minister of Health, Haitham Awad Allah. “The refurbishment of the NCI radiotherapy machines will not only save lives but also significantly
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reduce the suffering of patients and their families, while contributing to the recovery of the national health system.”
Sterile insect technique targets New World screw worm outbreak A new IAEA research project run by the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture will help countries use the sterile insect technique (SIT) to halt the re-emergence of New World screw worm (NWS) in Central America, Mexico and the USA. The NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae infest warm-blooded animals, causing infections that can be fatal if untreated. Its resurgence poses a serious threat to livestock, with potentially severe socioeconomic consequences. Infestations can kill animals, reducing milk and meat production. The SIT uses radiation to sterilize male insects, which are then released to mate with wild populations, producing no offspring, which suppresses pest populations over time. This technique was central to the 45-year campaign that eradicated NWS from the USA, Mexico and Central America and pushed the pest south to Panama by 2006. This
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eradication effort was estimated to have generated annual benefits of US $1.3 billion for livestock producers in the USA, Mexico and Central America. A sterile insect barrier in Panama’s Darién Gap contained the fly until 2022, but changing weather patterns and unlawful cross-border animal movements have contributed to the pest’s renewed spread. On 3 June 2026, the USA confirmed its first animal case of NWS in over 40 years, following the pest’s re-emergence in Central America and Mexico. “The return of New World screw worm is already causing serious damage in the region, threatening animals, livelihoods and economies,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “Through nuclear science and technology, and by coordinating with a new generation of researchers, the IAEA is helping countries strengthen the tools they need to detect, suppress and ultimately control this devastating pest.” Responding to the outbreak could require up to 600 million sterile flies per week, but the region’s current production capacity is only about 100 million per week. Expanding capacity in Mexico and the USA could add up to 400 million per week in the coming years. The IAEA’s new five-year project, with a US $1 million budget, brings together experts from over 20 affected countries to improve tools and methods for mass-rearing, sterilization, quality control and release.
ATLAS: Pioneering nuclear solutions for shipping and offshore energy
Launched at an IAEA ministerial event hosted by the USA in Washington DC on 26 and 27 August 2026, ATLAS seeks to advance nuclear energy as a safe, viable option for commercial shipping, as well as for versatile energy sources such as floating nuclear power plants, which could deliver energy to coastal or remote communities and industries. “Nuclear energy is fast emerging as a potential game-changer for both the shipping and offshore industries,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “Not only could it enable ships to sail cleanly, further and faster without frequent refuelling, but the high energy density of small modular reactors provides clean energy for a range of operations. This is the kind of solution we urgently need to achieve genuine and lasting transformation in shipping and beyond.” Under the ATLAS initiative, the IAEA will cooperate with the maritime and nuclear industries to identify and address the key challenges associated with using civilian nuclear applications at sea. This collaboration will help Member States develop a robust framework to promote and support the deployment of these technologies. ATLAS draws on the IAEA’s global leadership to ensure that all activities are underpinned by the highest levels of nuclear safety, security and safeguards. “ATLAS is an incredible opportunity to shape the next frontier of nuclear energy, ensuring the highest standards of safety, security and non-proliferation for all maritime applications,” said US Secretary of Energy Christopher Wright.
A major new IAEA initiative, Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS), will support the maritime industry’s exploration of small modular reactors to power civilian ships and provide offshore energy.
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From the IAEA Archives
In the 1960s, this phantom was used for medical research to study how neutrons move through the body following exposure to the head.
Today, this life-sized model is used for hands-on training in taking high-quality images and refining scanning techniques. It allows users to practice positioning, adjust settings, assess image quality and measure radiation dose.
(Photo: United Nations, 1963)
(Photo: V. Tsapaki/IAEA)
The evolution of medical phantoms that model the human body Medical phantoms — physical models that simulate the anatomy and properties of the human body — have been used to test medical imaging and radiation technologies since the mid-twentieth century. As reliable stand-ins for real patients, phantoms are indispensable tools for ensuring accuracy and safety in medical imaging and cancer treatment. Early models were simple, such as basic tissue substitutes used in X-ray experiments. Over time, these evolved into human-shaped phantoms made from materials that behaved more like real tissue. Later, anatomically realistic designs made it possible to measure radiation doses in specific organs. More recently, advances in computed tomography (CT) modelling and 3D printing have enabled highly realistic, patient-specific models that can mimic movements such as breathing. Computational phantoms — 3D and 4D computerized representations — simulate human anatomy with software.
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Hospitals and cancer centres use phantoms to support safe and accurate radiotherapy, CT imaging and nuclear medicine. Radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiographers use them to verify radiotherapy treatment plans, improve imaging techniques and ensure that radiation is optimized and delivered as intended. Phantoms are also used for training, allowing clinical teams to practise procedures without risk to patients. Phantoms are also essential tools for research and innovation in cancer care. They allow scientists to test new imaging techniques, radiopharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence tools without involving human subjects. Because they provide consistent and repeatable results, phantoms are used to set standards, support regulatory processes and ensure reliable comparisons of research findings across different settings.
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INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
50 YEARS of the IAEA/WHO SSDL Network
S t anda rds, A pplic at ions an d Qua lity A ssuran c e in M edica l Ra dia tion D os im et ry
kg m s
5–9 OCTOBER 2026
Vienna, Austria
25-02663
#IDOS26 CN-346
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RAYS OF HOPE
The mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is to help prevent the global spread of nuclear weapons and to enable all countries to benefit from the peaceful, safe and secure use of nuclear science and technology. Established in 1957 as an autonomous organization within the United Nations system, the IAEA is the world’s focal point for cooperation in the nuclear field and serves as the global platform for strengthening nuclear safety and security. It supports the peaceful use of nuclear sciences and applications to improve energy, water and food security, agricultural practices, human health, industry and the environment.
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Quiz Answers: 1–c over 90 countries; 2–b 20 countries; 3–c 15 million people. 32 | IAEA Bulletin, #2–2026
This is Nuclear.
Did you know that the Cavendish banana, the kind you’ll find in nearly every market, once faced extinction due to a soil fungus?
Using nuclear techniques, such as mutation breeding, scientists developed new Cavendish varieties with greater resistance, allowing the nutritious staple to stay on tables around the world.
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HEALTH