Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2006 36(3):188; doi:10.1093/jjco/hyi250
© 2006 Foundation for Promotion of Cancer Research
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It is well known that the The International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear
science and technology in the world. The IAEA together with
its Director-General Mohamed Elbaradei was recently awarded
the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2005.
Nuclear and radiation techniques or complement non-nuclear techniques are often the sole means of diagnosis and treatment in a large number of health problems. Nuclear medicine procedures with unsealed radioactive sources are used in vitro and in vivo for the diagnosis and management of diseases. Molecular biology based on nuclear techniques plays an effective role in the fight against communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS. Radiotherapy is still a major cost-effective modality available for cancer treatment, often in conjunction with diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine procedures for tumour localization. Fostering and maintaining a quality assurance culture, leading to accurate dosimetry, dose delivery and patient protection, are of paramount importance in the success of the application of these techniques. In addition to these areas of radiation medicine, public health measures are also supported by activities in nutritional and health environment areas.
The objective of IAEA Programme in Human Health is to enhance the capabilities in Member States to address needs related to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health problems through the application of nuclear techniques. The mandate arises from Article II of the IAEA's Statute: the Agency shall accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to health.
Cancer takes more lives than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria together. The IAEA supports the building-up of indigenous capabilities in radiation therapy to cure or alleviate the life-threatening effects caused by cancer in developing Member States. The Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) has been initiated, which will introduce, expand or improve radiotherapy programmes in developing countries, together with other organizations, institutes and partners, in order to help the resources short of those necessary to human needs. This effort will seek extra-budgetary contributions from non-traditional donors to acquire the necessary resources to facilitate its implementation. The Division executes its programme activities through four sections, namely nuclear medicine, applied radiation biology and radiotherapy, dosimetry and medical radiation physics, and nutritional and health-related environmental studies. The Division promotes the activities through many publications as well. Among those of technical notes, the Technical Report No. 430, Commissioning and Quality Assurance of Computerized Planning Systems for Radiation Treatment of Cancer, is one of the standard textbooks in this field in the world.
The key roles of IAEA contribute to international peace and security, and to the World's Millennium Goals for social, economic and environmental development. The areas of work have three main pillars, namely promotion of safeguards and verification, promotion of safety and security, and promotion of science and technology. The IAEA is the world's nuclear inspectorate, and is the world's focal point to mobilize peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology for critical needs in developing countries. Together with the above activities, IAEA helps countries to upgrade nuclear safety and security and to prepare for and respond to emergencies, in order to protect people and the environment from harmful radiation exposure. The work is keyed to international conventions, standards and expert guidance.
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Introduction
IAEA Division of Human...