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Romano KD, Petroni G, Ward K, Zheng W, Mistro M, Libby B, McLaughlin C, Showalter TN, Janowski EM. A randomized trial evaluating a novel hydrogel packing system compared to standard packing during image-guided high-dose rate brachytherapy boost for cervical cancer. Brachytherapy 2024; 23:248-256. [PMID: 38519352 PMCID: PMC11098690 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this prospective randomized trial was to compare the use of a novel vaginal hydrogel packing system (BrachyGel) to standard vaginal packing (VP) during high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). METHODS This cross-over study included LACC patients receiving HDR BT boost (intracavitary +/- interstitial). All patients received alternating gauze or BrachyGel VP on Arms A and B. Patients, physicians, and physicists evaluated BT characteristics via a 4-point Likert scale. Adverse events (AEs) were prospectively collected and scored per CTCAE. RESULTS The 20 patients enrolled. The mean bladder D2cc difference between gauze and BrachyGel in Arm A was 0.117 Gray (Gy) and in Arm B 0.013 Gy. The mean difference in rectum D2cc in Arm A and Arm B was -0.189 Gy and -0.191 Gy, respectively. The mean dose to 90% of the high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) for gauze compared to BrachyGel was -0.032 Gy (95% CI: 0.472, 0.409). Patient-reported discomfort was similar with BrachyGel and gauze ("mild/moderate" 70.0% vs 74.0%, respectively). The clarity of VP was similar between BrachyGel and gauze (86.8% vs 89.7%, respectively). The completeness of VP was more frequently "excellent/good" with BrachyGel (79.0%) compared to gauze (56.4%). The ease of packing was more frequently "extremely easy" with BrachyGel (21.2% vs 0%). No serious AEs were reported. CONCLUSION This randomized trial found no clinically significant difference in OAR or HR-CTV dosimetry between BrachyGel and standard VP. BrachyGel performed well compared to gauze for the patient and physician use experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara D Romano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
| | - Gina Petroni
- School of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kristi Ward
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Wendy Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Matthew Mistro
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Bruce Libby
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher McLaughlin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Timothy N Showalter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Einsley M Janowski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Han K, Colson-Fearon D, Liu ZA, Viswanathan AN. Updated Trends in the Utilization of Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer in the United States: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results Study. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 119:143-153. [PMID: 37951548 PMCID: PMC11023766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our previous Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) study revealed a concerning decline in brachytherapy utilization in the United States between 1988 and 2009. This study evaluates recent trends in brachytherapy utilization in cervical cancer and identifies factors and survival benefit associated with the use of brachytherapy treatment. METHODS AND MATERIALS Using SEER data, 8500 patients with International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians 2009 stage IB2-IVA cervical cancer treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) between 2000 and 2020 were identified. Logistic regression analysis was performed on potential factors associated with brachytherapy use: age, marital status, race, ethnicity, income, metropolitan status, year of diagnosis, SEER region, histology, grade, and stage. To adjust for differences between patients who received brachytherapy and those who did not, propensity-score matching was used. Multivariable Cox regression analysis assessed the association of brachytherapy use with cervical cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and all-cause mortality (ACM) in the matched cohort. RESULTS Sixty-four percent of the 8500 women received brachytherapy in combination with EBRT; 36% received EBRT alone. The brachytherapy utilization rate declined sharply in 2003/2004 (lowest rate 44% in 2003) and then gradually improved especially in 2018 to 2020 (76%). Factors associated with higher odds of brachytherapy use included younger age, married (vs single), later years of diagnosis, certain SEER regions, and earlier stage. In the propensity-score matched cohort, brachytherapy treatment was associated with lower 4-year cumulative incidence of cancer death (32.1% vs 43.4%; P < .001) and better overall survival (64.0% vs 51.4%; P < .001). Brachytherapy treatment was independently associated with lower CSM (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.64-0.76; P < .001) and ACM (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.67-0.78; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Brachytherapy utilization among SEER regions has improved since 2004 in patients with stage IB2-IVA cervical cancer. Brachytherapy use remains independently associated with significantly lower CSM and ACM and is an essential component of treatment for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Han
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Zhihui Amy Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Akila N Viswanathan
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Chen D, Parsa R, Chauhan K, Lukovic J, Han K, Taggar A, Raman S. Review of brachytherapy clinical trials: a cross-sectional analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov. Radiat Oncol 2024; 19:22. [PMID: 38351013 PMCID: PMC10863227 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-024-02415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Characterizing the landscape of clinical trials including brachytherapy can provide an overview of the current status and research trends which may guide further areas of investigation. METHOD We queried 449,849 clinical trials from the ClinicalTrials.gov registry using brachytherapy-related keywords from 1980 to 2023, yielding 245 multi-arm and 201 single-arm, brachytherapy trials. Multi-arm and single-arm brachytherapy trials were compared using 12 trial protocol elements. RESULTS The number of trials including brachytherapy has increased over time, with over 60% of trials registered in 2010 onwards. The majority of clinical trials were Phase 2 or 3, evaluated both safety and efficacy, and were funded by academic sponsors. The most common tumor sites evaluated in brachytherapy clinical trials include prostate, cervix, liver, endometrium, and breast. CONCLUSION There remains continued interest in clinical trials including brachytherapy focused on evaluation of novel delivery systems, treatment planning, and new indications. More brachytherapy clinical trials are needed to define the optimal clinical utilization and advance prospective research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Chen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rod Parsa
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Kabir Chauhan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jelena Lukovic
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Kathy Han
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Amandeep Taggar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Srinivas Raman
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada.
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Kumar R, Sherwani Z, Lopez M, Vergalasova I, Zhang X, Eckroate B, Hollingsworth J, Girda E, Hathout L. Disparities in brachytherapy utilization in cervical cancer in the United States: A comprehensive literature review. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 179:79-84. [PMID: 37944329 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Brachytherapy (BT) is an integral component of treatment for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, significantly improving local control and overall survival. There is an overall trend of decreased utilization of BT in United States (US) in the last few decades with around 50% of patients being treated without BT. The cause of decreased utilization is multifactorial including physician comfort, facility volume, low reimbursements rates and costs of starting and maintaining a brachytherapy program. This decrease coincides with an increase in the use of newer advanced techniques like intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) boost resulting in inferior oncological outcomes and increased toxicity. Moreover, racial and socioeconomic disparities in BT utilization have been widely reported in the US. Various factors including age, race, socio-economic status, location, facility type, facility volume and insurance status result in limited access to brachytherapy, which jeopardizes oncologic outcomes. This comprehensive review discusses the BT utilization in the US, examines the impact of race and socioeconomic factors on BT utilization, and highlights its impact on outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Kumar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Zohaib Sherwani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Melissa Lopez
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Irina Vergalasova
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Brett Eckroate
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jessie Hollingsworth
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Eugenia Girda
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Lara Hathout
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America.
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Islami F, Wiese D, Marlow EC, Kratzer TB, Massey J, Sung H, Jemal A. Progress in reducing cancer mortality in the United States by congressional district, 1996-2003 to 2012-2020. Cancer 2023; 129:2522-2531. [PMID: 37159301 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND United States cancer death rates have been steadily declining since the early 1990s, but information on disparities in progress against cancer mortality across congressional districts is lacking. This study examined trends in cancer death rates, overall and for lung, colorectal, female breast, and prostate cancer by congressional district. METHODS County level cancer death counts and population data from the National Center for Health Statistics were used to estimate relative change in age-standardized cancer death rates from 1996-2003 to 2012-2020 by sex and congressional district. RESULTS From 1996-2003 to 2012-2020, overall cancer death rates declined in every congressional district, with most congressional districts showing a 20%-45% decline among males and a 10%-40% decline among females. In general, the smallest percent of relative declines were found in the Midwest and Appalachia, whereas the largest declines were found in the South along the East Coast and the southern border. As a result, the highest cancer death rates generally shifted from congressional districts across the South in 1996-2003 to districts in the Midwest and central divisions of the South (including Appalachia) in 2012-2020. Death rates for lung, colorectal, female breast, and prostate cancers also declined in almost all congressional districts, although with some variation in relative changes and geographical patterns. CONCLUSIONS Progress in reducing cancer death rates during the past 25 years considerably vary by congressional district, underscoring the need for strengthening existing and implementing new public health policies for broad and equitable application of proven interventions such as raising tax on tobacco and Medicaid expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Islami
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel Wiese
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily C Marlow
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tyler B Kratzer
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jason Massey
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hyuna Sung
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Zhao JZ, Ni R, Chow R, Rink A, Weersink R, Croke J, Raman S. Artificial intelligence applications in brachytherapy: A literature review. Brachytherapy 2023; 22:429-445. [PMID: 37248158 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to simplify and optimize various steps of the brachytherapy workflow, and this literature review aims to provide an overview of the work done in this field. METHODS AND MATERIALS We conducted a literature search in June 2022 on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for papers that proposed AI applications in brachytherapy. RESULTS A total of 80 papers satisfied inclusion/exclusion criteria. These papers were categorized as follows: segmentation (24), registration and image processing (6), preplanning (13), dose prediction and treatment planning (11), applicator/catheter/needle reconstruction (16), and quality assurance (10). AI techniques ranged from classical models such as support vector machines and decision tree-based learning to newer techniques such as U-Net and deep reinforcement learning, and were applied to facilitate small steps of a process (e.g., optimizing applicator selection) or even automate the entire step of the workflow (e.g., end-to-end preplanning). Many of these algorithms demonstrated human-level performance and offer significant improvements in speed. CONCLUSIONS AI has potential to augment, automate, and/or accelerate many steps of the brachytherapy workflow. We recommend that future studies adhere to standard reporting guidelines. We also stress the importance of using larger sample sizes and reporting results using clinically interpretable measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Zl Zhao
- Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ruiyan Ni
- Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ronald Chow
- Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alexandra Rink
- Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert Weersink
- Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer Croke
- Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Srinivas Raman
- Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Krishna A, Ms A, Srinivas C, Banerjee S, Sunny J, Lobo D. Geographic and demographic distribution and access to brachytherapy in India with its implications on cancer care. Brachytherapy 2023; 22:547-561. [PMID: 37244840 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Geographic access to medical care varies for nearly every specialty in India. Given the special nature of its treatments, which sometimes necessitate numerous visits over a lengthy period, and the substantial-high fixed cost infrastructure requirements for radiation facilities, radiation oncology is particularly prone to regional inequities in access to care. Brachytherapy (BT) is emblematic of several of these access difficulties since it necessitates specialized equipment, the capacity to maintain a radioactive source, and particular skill sets. The study was conducted to report the availability of BT treatment units in relation to state-level population, overall cancer incidence, and gynecologic cancer incidence. METHODS AND MATERIALS The availability of BT resources at the state level in India was and the population of each state was estimated using data from the Government of India's Census. The number of cancer cases was approximated for each state and union territory. The total number of gynecological cancers that required BT was determined. The BT infrastructure was also compared to those of other nations in terms of the number of BT units available per million people and for various malignancies. RESULTS A heterogeneous geographic distribution of BT units was noted across India. India has one BT unit for every 42,93,031 population. The maximum deficit was seen in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha. Among the states having BT units, the maximum units per 10,000 cancer patients was noted in Delhi (7), Maharashtra (5) and Tamil Nadu (4) and the least was noted in the Northeastern states (<1), Jharkhand, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. In BT of gynecological malignancies alone an infrastructural deficit ranging from 1 to 75 units were noted across the states. It was noted that only 104 out of the 613 medical colleges in India had BT facilities. On comparing the BT infrastructure status with other countries India had one BT machine for every 4,181 cancer patients when compared to United States (1 every 2,956 patients), Germany (2,754 patients), Japan (4,303 patients), Africa (10,564) and Brazil (4,555 patients). CONCLUSION The study identified the deficits of BT facilities in terms of geographic and demographic aspects. This research provides a roadmap for the development of BT infrastructure in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Krishna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Athiyamaan Ms
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Challapalli Srinivas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Sourjya Banerjee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Johan Sunny
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Dilson Lobo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
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Swain M, Budrukkar A, Rembielak A, Kron T, Agarwal JP. Challenges in the Sustainability of Brachytherapy Service in Contemporary Radiotherapy. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2023:S0936-6555(23)00205-4. [PMID: 37302881 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Brachytherapy has a long history of delivering a highly conformal radiation dose to the target volume with sparing of adjacent normal tissue and has an irreplaceable role in certain cancers, such as cervical and prostate cancers. There have been futile attempts to replace brachytherapy with other radiation techniques. Despite that there are multifaceted challenges in preserving this dying art, from establishment, to a trained workforce, to maintenance of the equipment and source replacement costs. Here we focus on the challenges to access brachytherapy, the availability and distribution of care across the globe and appropriate training leading to proper implementation of the procedure. Brachytherapy holds a significant place in the treatment armamentarium of most common cancers, such as cervical, prostate, head and neck and skin cancers. However, there is an uneven distribution of brachytherapy facilities, not only across the globe, but also at a national level, with a larger proportion of facilities concentrated in certain regions, more so in low and low-middle income countries. The regions with the highest incidence of cervical cancer have the least access to brachytherapy facilities. Attempts to bridge the gap are essential and should be focused on uniform distribution and access to care, improving training of the workforce through specialised training programmes, reducing the cost of care, planning to reduce the recurring cost, generating evidence and research guidelines, renewing interest in brachytherapy through rebranding, use of social media and building an attainable long-term roadmap.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Swain
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, HomiBhabha National Institute (HBNI), Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - A Budrukkar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, HomiBhabha National Institute (HBNI), Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - A Rembielak
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - T Kron
- Department of Physical Sciences, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J P Agarwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, HomiBhabha National Institute (HBNI), Parel, Mumbai, India.
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Duggar WN, Roberts PR, Thomas TV, Dulaney C. Building Better Patient Care in Mississippi Radiation Oncology: Why Mississippi Needs a Collaborative Quality Initiative. South Med J 2023; 116:415-418. [PMID: 37137476 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cancer is an insidious and devastating disease that affects many people. Progress in mortality rate has not been realized universally across the United States, and challenges remain in how to best make up the ground that has been lost in these areas, one of which is Mississippi. Radiation therapy is a significant contributor to cancer control rates and certain challenges exist specifically regarding this treatment modality. METHODS The challenges of radiation oncology in Mississippi have been reviewed and discussed, with the proposal of a potential collaboration between clinical practitioners and payors to provide optimal and cost-effective radiation therapy to patients in Mississippi. RESULTS A similar model to that proposed has been reviewed and evaluated. This model is discussed based on its potential validity and usefulness in Mississippi. CONCLUSIONS Significant barriers exist in the state of Mississippi to patients receiving a consistent standard of care, regardless of their location and socioeconomic status. A collaborative quality initiative has been shown to be a boon to this endeavor elsewhere and stands to have a similar impact in Mississippi.
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Affiliation(s)
- William N Duggar
- From Radiation Oncology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Paul R Roberts
- From Radiation Oncology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Toms V Thomas
- From Radiation Oncology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Caleb Dulaney
- Radiation Oncology, Anderson Regional Medical Center, Meridian, Mississippi
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10
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Underutilization of brachytherapy for cervical cancer in the United States. Brachytherapy 2023; 22:15-20. [PMID: 36504160 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Brachytherapy is a critical component of the definitive management of cervical cancer and allows for the safe delivery of about half of the total effective radiation dose needed for optimal outcomes. Moreover, the dose distribution of brachytherapy is highly conformal, allowing for a therapeutic index currently unmatched by alternative techniques. However, a modern brachytherapy program requires special equipment, infrastructure, and procedural expertise. Unfortunately, multiple lines of evidence suggest that brachytherapy is currently underutilized in the United States. In this review, we examine the importance of brachytherapy, contemporary recommendations, and avenues for growth.
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