Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –
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A new IAEA research project is investigating the nutritional impact of radiation therapy on cancer patients. Photo: Shutterstock
IAEA launchesnew five-year coordinated research projectto improve nutritional quality and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing radiation therapy. If this project can provide insight into how radiation therapy affects body composition and clinical outcomes, it will help guide cancer centers in implementing palliative care programs.
Research shows that 20-40 percent of cancer deaths are caused not so much by the cancer itself as by poor nutrition, so addressing nutritional issues will be critical to increasing survival.
Cancer remains a major global health problem, accounting for nearly 17 percent of deaths worldwide. It is a particularly pressing issue for people living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), who often have limited or no access to radiotherapy, a common treatment for many cancers.
To ensure that cancer care reaches those who need it most, the IAEA launched an initiative in 2022 "Rays of Hope"However, despite the potential effectiveness of radiation therapy, when treating some types of tumors it can lead to changes in body composition – this is the ratio of fat, muscle, bone and other tissues in the body – in particular muscle mass.
“Recent data, mainly from high-income countries, indicate that radiotherapy-induced changes in body composition lead to adverse clinical outcomes, including increased toxicity, treatment interruption and decreased survival,” says Timoaki Tamaki, Head of the IAEA’s Applied Radiobiology and Radiotherapy Section, Department of Human Health.
“It is noteworthy that only limited data are available from low- and middle-income countries, where cancer patients often face additional barriers to care and experience poorer treatment outcomes,” said Cornelia Loechl, Head of the Health-Related Nutrition and Environment Research Section, Division of Human Health, IAEA. “Raising awareness and promoting a better understanding of the proven clinical and economic benefits is essential to ensure continued investment in cancer nutrition.”
A new coordinated research project (CRP) will provide contextually relevant evidence to support nutrition considerations in cancer care. Specific research objectives include:
To assess the effects of radiation therapy on body composition and energy expenditure using nuclear techniques used in nutritional research; To study the etiologic factors associated with changes in body composition in patients undergoing radiation therapy; To investigate the effects of body composition on clinical, functional, and self-reported health outcomes in patients undergoing radiation therapy; To determine the efficacy and feasibility of assessing body composition to detect loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) in patients undergoing radiation therapy.
How to participate in this PKI
This CRP is open to all member countries. Research contracts will be awarded to LMICs, while high-income countries will be able to enter into research agreements. Participating institutions must meet the criteria specified in the Other Resources section.
Research institutes interested in participating in this CRP should submit their proposal for a research contract or agreement by email toIAEA Research Contracts Sectionno later than July 31, 2025, using the appropriate form at web portal DKI. The same form can be used for both a research and a technical contract. The IAEA encourages institutes to involve women and young professionals in their proposals to the extent possible.
For further information related to this CRP, potential candidates should use the feedback form on the pagePKI.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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