Situation of pediatric radiotherapy in Morocco: First national survey.

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric radiotherapy (PR) faces several issues in middle- and low-income countries.

Aim: Our study is a cross-sectional observation which aimed to describe the current situation of PR in Morocco in order to identify the needs and to propose an organizational shema for this discipline.

Methods: The collection of data used two surveys, one of which was intended to the heads of the radiotherapy department of all university hospital centers (UHC) in Morocco concerning the hospital's infrastructure, human resources, technical and the course of radiotherapy. A second survey was intended for all radiation oncologists trained and working in Morocco with data related to the practice of PR.

Results: In 2021, 295 children were treated in the radiotherapy departments of the seven university hospitals in Morocco. One hundred and two radiation oncologists responded to our survey. The multidisciplinary consultation board is held in five university hospitals, four of which have a complete multidisciplinary team. The children are sent to another structure by default of anesthesia according to 21% of the radiotherapists questioned. The three-dimensional technique is available in all university hospitals. Intensity modulated radiotherapy is available in 5 UHC. Additional training in radiotherapy after residency was necessary according to 60% of the radiotherapists questioned.

Conclusion: Despite the progress that Morocco has made in terms of infrastructure and radiotherapy equipment, this first national survey has identified some weaknesses and developed some recommendations for the organization of PR.