INEN implements treatment that shortens cancer therapy: waiting lists have decreased

The most common types affecting the population include breast, lung, colon, rectal and prostate cancer, according to the WHO – Credits: Andina/Diffusion/Reference image.

The National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) achieved significant progress in reducing treatment time for cancer patients, between 30% and 50% depending on the type of cancer, through the implementation of the hypofractionated radiotherapy.

This technique, which delivers higher doses of radiation in each session, allows the total therapy time to be shortened from six to seven weeks to an average of three weeks, he said. Paola Fuentes Riveraexecutive director of the entity’s Radiotherapy Department.

The authority stressed that this radiotherapy modality It has been shown to be as effective and safe as conventional radiotherapy in the treatment of prevalent pathologies such as breast cancer, prostate y central nervous system tumors.

This treatment benefits cancer patients in the country – Credits: Andina.

According to Rivera sourcesthe reduction in time not only improves the efficiency of the therapeutic process, but also minimizes the impact on the daily life of patients, allowing them to return more quickly to their daily and work activities.

In addition, the doctor pointed out that the implementation of hypofractionated radiotherapy allows for a significant reduction in waiting lists, an increase in the number of patients treated and greater adherence to treatments.

INEN implements treatment that shortens cancer therapy – Credits: Government of Peru.

Besides, has generated significant savings in transportation and accommodation costs, especially for patients from remote regions of the country.

In 2023, INEN provided care to 14.456 personas and made a total of 92,002 treatment cycles. In the first half of this year, 2019 patients were treated 7,364 individuals and were carried out 44,073 therapiesrespectively

The institutional head of the DOWN, Dr. Francisco Berrospi Espinozacongratulated the multidisciplinary team of professionals, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists and medical technologists, for their commitment and competence in administering this type of procedure.

“We are committed to the continuous improvement of oncological care and the well-being of our patients, adopting innovations that positively transform cancer management in Peru,” he said.

The adoption of this treatment increases the number of patients treated – Credits: Andina.

Berrospi Espinoza He also noted that hypofractionated radiotherapy, along with radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, has been integrated in recent years into the DOWN due to the strong scientific support that has demonstrated significant benefits for patients.

He also noted that the entity’s high-tech equipment, such as linear accelerators, are equipped with sufficient systems and accessories to carry out specialized treatments such as radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, where treatment is performed over a period of one to five days.

Cancer has established itself as the main cause of death worldwide, claiming nearly 10 million lives in 2020, accounting for nearly one in six global deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The most common types affecting the population include breast, lung, colon, rectum and prostate cancer.

Factors contributing to one-third of deaths include tobacco use, alcohol, overweight, a diet poor in fruits and vegetables, and lack of physical activity. In the specific case of lung cancer, air pollution is a key risk factor.

Oncogenic infections, such as those caused by hepatitis viruses or human papillomaviruses, are responsible for approximately 30% of cases in low- and middle-income countries. However, early detection and prompt treatment offer a high chance of cure in many cases.