KBC at ABG 2024: Global Learning and Sharing

Representing Nepal at ABG 2024

Experts from Kathmandu Brachytherapy Clinic (KBC) were honored to participate as keynote speakers at the Australasian Brachytherapy Group (ABG) Annual Conference 2024 in Hobart, Australia. Dr. Subhas Pandit and Dr. Simit Sapkota shared their experiences of delivering brachytherapy in a resource-limited setting, emphasizing creativity, resilience, and innovation.

Sharing Insights and Learning from Global Experts

Dr. Subhas and Dr. Simit’s presentations at ABG 2024 highlighted the range of brachytherapy procedures performed at KBC, along with the unique challenges faced in Nepal. Dr Simit talked about breadth of brachytherapy done at our clinic including simple and complex gynae procedure, brachyablation in lung and liver tumors while Dr Subhas highlighted head and neck brachytherapy program. Their insights provided an invaluable perspective for the global oncology community, demonstrating how advanced cancer treatments like brachytherapy can be adapted to different healthcare environments.

The participation of KBC at ABG 2024 and their visit to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre demonstrates our clinic’s commitment to advancing cancer care in Nepal. By engaging with global oncology leaders, we continue to bring the best practices to our local context, always striving to improve the quality of life for our patients.

Global Impact of KBC’s Participation

KBC’s participation in the ABG 2024 conference reinforced our clinic's position as a leader in brachytherapy, not only in Nepal but also on the global stage. Dr. Subhas and Dr. Simit’s presentations demonstrated that advanced cancer treatments like brachytherapy can be accessible, even in resource-constrained settings.

The conference offered our team a valuable opportunity to learn from world-renowned brachytherapy experts. We were inspired by innovative techniques and approaches shared by our international colleagues. These insights will be considered for potential adaptation to the Nepalese context, aiming to further improve patient care at KBC.

Learning at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Following the conference, our team was privileged to visit the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, a world-renowned facility specializing in cancer treatment. This visit provided an immersive learning experience for our team, including:

• Observing advanced brachytherapy techniques in action
• Engaging in discussions with specialist teams on best practices
• Gaining a deeper understanding of efficient workflow systems in a leading cancer center

Our team had insightful discussions with experts in cervical and prostate cancer treatment, including notable interactions with Sylvia van Dyke and other leading specialists. These exchanges broadened our knowledge and inspired us to explore new ways of optimizing cancer care at KBC.

Guest Lecture at the Canadian Brachytherapy Conference

In 2023, Dr. Subhas Pandit was invited to deliver a guest lecture at the Canadian Brachytherapy Conference in Montreal. His presentation was described as both humbling and inspirational, highlighting the diverse range of brachytherapy procedures performed at KBC.

After the conference, Dr. Subhas shared his reflections, stating:
"We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from and connect with the global oncology community. We return to KBC with renewed enthusiasm and a deeper appreciation for the global efforts in brachytherapy and cancer care. We look forward to continuing our work, always striving to provide the best possible care for our patients in Nepal within the resources available to us."