Kazakhstan, IAEA Discuss Expanding Cancer Care

A high-level meeting has taken place at the National Scientific Oncology Center between Kazakhstan’s First Vice Minister of Healthcare, Timur Sultangaziyev, and representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission led by Mauro Carrara.

Officials from the Agency for Atomic Energy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also participated, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Sultangaziyev highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with the IAEA and stressed the importance of expanding the use of radioactive sources in cancer diagnosis and treatment to strengthen the national healthcare system.

Discussions focused on improving patient access to modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods, as well as establishing an Anchor Centre-a regional hub for expertise, training, and clinical excellence in Central Asia. Key collaboration areas include proton therapy, radiopharmaceuticals, theranostics, medical radiation physics, and digital healthcare solutions.

The meeting emphasized human capital development, training doctors, engineers, radiochemists, medical physicists, and researchers. Representatives noted Kazakhstan’s role as both a knowledge recipient and active partner, ready to share experience, infrastructure, and best practices with the region.

IAEA head Mauro Carrara praised the expertise at the Oncology Center, highlighting specialists’ potential to participate in international programs and mentor others in IAEA projects. Both medical and non-medical professionals were recognized for their contribution to advancing modern radiation technologies.

The meeting concluded with mutual confidence in strengthening cooperation, introducing cutting-edge technologies, and improving the quality of cancer care in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia.

Earlier reports also noted that Japan has shared five-year cancer survival rates using its national registry, highlighting global collaboration in oncology.