Treatment, not Terror. A Unique Cancer Treatment Paradigm for Developing Novel Linear Accelerators for Resource- Limited Settings

The confluence of problems being addressed: Over the last decade, two major socioeconomic challenges have been recognized that led to the development of a novel linear accelerator (LINAC) as a solution. With data over decades indicating the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) [predominantly cardiovascular, oncologic, respiratory and metabolic diseases] the United Nations General Assembly formally recognized this as a global problem in 2011. The terrorism concerns from the Office of Radiological Security, US Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Agency from poorly controlled high-activity resources led to initiatives to develop "Alternative Technology" (Alt Tech). Resulting from an international meeting on these topics that recognized the importance of Cobalt-60 for cancer care particularly in poor-security regions, Pomper and Delnoki-Veress created the paradigm of "Treatment, not Terror" for simultaneously addressing cancer and security. The International Cancer Expert Corps (ICEC), a global NGO, recognized the need for novel technology for challenging environments and the essential requirement for expertise to manage the patients and facilities. ICEC has since entered into partnership with LINAC experts to develop a novel LINAC.