Practical steps for establishing ocular plaque therapy in developing countries.
BACKGROUND
Retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma are the most common ocular tumors in children and adults, respectively. Enucleation and external beam radiation therapy are integral in the management of ocular tumors. However, these tumors could also be treated effectively by plaque therapy, which has the potential of preserving the globe and maintaining vision.


METHODS
We reviewed our experience with the introduction of this technique to our center. Furthermore, we highlighted the critical role of a specialized multidisciplinary team in the successful implementation of this procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
This review represents a detailed report addressing the practical steps for successfully establishing plaque therapy in developing countries.


RESULTS
Plaque therapy was successfully implemented at our center in 1.5 years. Integration with an advanced cancer center is crucial for the correct transfer of this complex technology.


CONCLUSIONS
Complex brachytherapy procedures could be successfully established and implemented in developing countries.
Brachytherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan. ijaradat@khcc.jo
Imad
I
Jaradat
Layth
L
Mula-Hussain
Shada
S
Wadi-Ramahi
Abdelatif
A
Al-Mousa
Ahmed
A
Salem
Inad
I
Haddadin
Mustafa
M
Meheyar
Saamir
S
Kharma
Khaleel
K
Rawashdeh
Iyad
I
Sultan
Ghadeer
G
Abdeen
Ibrahim
I
Qaddoumi
Ibrahim
I
Nawaiseh
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003906:Developing Countries; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005791:Patient Care; D061214:Patient Safety; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D019572:Retinal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012175:Retinoblastoma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000098943:Uveal Melanoma