IAEA scientific forum highlights nuclear medicine for countries in need

The two-day International Atomic Energy Agency Scientific Forum 2026, held during the organization's 75th General Conference, wrapped up on Wednesday at the Vienna International Center in Austria. This year's forum had the theme of "Rays of Hope: Delivering on the Promise of Cancer Care."

Rays of Hope: The forum stemmed from the Rays of Hope initiative that was established at the 2022 African Union Summit by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who delivered the forum's opening address. The initiative focuses on improving access to safe, effective, and affordable treatments for people with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), many of which lack access to modern medical equipment and treatments.

According to the IAEA, "One radiotherapy machine serves on average 140,000 people in high-income countries, compared with over 15 million in low-income countries. LMICs also face shortages of medical imaging and nuclear medicine equipment."

Through Rays of Hope, IAEA member states can receive assistance to expand access to diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy, workforce development, research, and innovation as they build and strengthen their cancer care systems through partnerships with other organizations.

Grossi said that since the start of the initiative in Africa in 2022, "Rays of Hope has delivered tangible results and expanded its scope to other regions. More than 20 cancer centers 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."

With more than 100 countries now part of the initiative and more than €100 million (about $114.76 million) in funding from governments, donors, and supporters, he added, "The IAEA has established 20 Anchor Centers, hubs of excellence that support regional capacity building through training, education and research."

Forum objectives: This year's forum had the three primary objectives: showcasing the positive impact of Rays of Hope, building on the achievement of the initiative to further increase access to nuclear-related cancer care, and promoting innovative approaches to cancer care resource mobilization.

Numerous speakers over the course of two days highlighted the general global cancer situation, the results of the Rays of Hope initiative, and the actions that are still needed to expand access to cancer care, including stronger political leadership, more international cooperation, and greater strategic investments.

Global representation: A ministerial segment of the forum gave government ministers from several countries-including Bangladesh, Botswana, Congo, Honduras, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Panama, Senegal, and Tajikistan-the opportunity to describe their national perspectives, priorities, experiences, and approaches to expanding access to cancer care. Many speakers emphasized the importance of firm political commitments for translating government policies and partnerships into implementation.

At a session on radiation medicine, experts described the clinical application of diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy, and dosimetry, including patient outcomes and quality and safety considerations.

During panel discussions, issues such as how countries can strengthen their cancer care systems through strategic planning, gap assessments, equipment procurement, workforce development, and quality management were explored.

Also discussed were the Rays of Hope Anchor Centers, which support the long-term sustainability of cancer care and contribute to education, training, quality assurance, technical cooperation, regional collaboration, and the strengthening of national and regional capacities in radiation medicine.

Beyond opportunities and accolades, panelists highlighted struggles, including shortages of oncology, imaging, and nuclear medicine professionals hampering cancer care in LMICs. One way in which the IAEA is addressing these problems is with its technical cooperation program, through which it supports in-person and online training in medical physics, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, imaging, and radiopharmaceuticals.

Innovation: Also on display at the forum were advances in science and technology, with experts exploring how innovation contributes to the advancement of cancer care. Among the topics that they discussed were IAEA-coordinated research projects and collaborative efforts that seek to improve clinical practice and support diagnosis and treatment in LMICs. Through Rays of Hope, these collaborations and training programs are supported by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to help ensure that cancer innovation responds to areas of greatest need.

As the forum came to a close, an expert panel summarized the achievements of the Rays of Hope initiative and discussed ways in which governments, international organizations, academic institutions, and private companies can work together more effectively to further improve and expand nuclear-related research, diagnosis, and treatment for people with cancer.