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Waterhouse JV, Welch CA, Battisti NML, Sweeting MJ, Paley L, Lambert PC, Deanfield J, de Belder M, Peake MD, Adlam D, Ring A. Geographical Variation in Underlying Social Deprivation, Cardiovascular and Other Comorbidities in Patients with Potentially Curable Cancers in England: Results from a National Registry Dataset Analysis. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2023; 35:e708-e719. [PMID: 37741712 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To describe the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), multiple comorbidities and social deprivation in patients with a potentially curable cancer in 20 English Cancer Alliances. MATERIALS AND METHODS This National Registry Dataset Analysis used national cancer registry data and CVD databases to describe rates of CVD, comorbidities and social deprivation in patients diagnosed with a potentially curable malignancy (stage I-III breast cancer, stage I-III colon cancer, stage I-III rectal cancer, stage I-III prostate cancer, stage I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer, stage I-IV diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, stage I-IV Hodgkin lymphoma) between 2013 and 2018. Outcome measures included observation of CVD prevalence, other comorbidities (evaluated by the Charlson Comorbidity Index) and deprivation (using the Index of Multiple Deprivation) according to tumour site and allocation to Cancer Alliance. Patients were allocated to CVD prevalence tertiles (minimum: <33.3rd percentile; middle: 33.3rd to 66.6th percentile; maximum: >66.6th percentile). RESULTS In total, 634 240 patients with a potentially curable malignancy were eligible. The total CVD prevalence for all cancer sites varied between 13.4% (CVD n = 2058; 95% confidence interval 12.8, 13.9) and 19.6% (CVD n = 7818; 95% confidence interval 19.2, 20.0) between Cancer Alliances. CVD prevalence showed regional variation both for male (16-26%) and female patients (8-16%) towards higher CVD prevalence in northern Cancer Alliances. Similar variation was observed for social deprivation, with the proportion of cancer patients being identified as most deprived varying between 3.3% and 32.2%, depending on Cancer Alliance. The variation between Cancer Alliance for total comorbidities was much smaller. CONCLUSION Social deprivation, CVD and other comorbidities in patients with a potentially curable malignancy in England show significant regional variations, which may partly contribute to differences observed in treatments and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Waterhouse
- Breast Unit, Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, SM2 5PT, London, United Kingdom; Breast Cancer Research Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - C A Welch
- Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, LE1 7RH, Leicester, United Kingdom; National Disease Registration Service, NHS England, 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, E14 4PU, London, United Kingdom
| | - N M L Battisti
- Breast Unit, Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, SM2 5PT, London, United Kingdom; Breast Cancer Research Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - M J Sweeting
- Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, LE1 7RH, Leicester, United Kingdom; Statistical Innovation, Oncology Biometrics, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - L Paley
- National Disease Registration Service, NHS England, 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, E14 4PU, London, United Kingdom
| | - P C Lambert
- Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, LE1 7RH, Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Deanfield
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University College London, 62 Huntley St London, WC1E 6DD, United Kingdom
| | - M de Belder
- National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research, NHS Arden & Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit, 2nd floor 1 St Martin's le Grand London, EC1A 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - M D Peake
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, University Rd, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom; University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - D Adlam
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QP, United Kingdom.
| | - A Ring
- Breast Unit, Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, SM2 5PT, London, United Kingdom; Breast Cancer Research Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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2
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Hofmann B. Ethical issues with geographical variations in the provision of health care services. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:127. [PMID: 36474244 PMCID: PMC9724375 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00869-7] [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: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Geographical variations are documented for a wide range of health care services. As many such variations cannot be explained by demographical or epidemiological differences, they are problematic with respect to distributive justice, quality of care, and health policy. Despite much attention, geographical variations prevail. One reason for this can be that the ethical issues of geographical variations are rarely addressed explicitly. Accordingly, the objective of this article is to analyse the ethical aspects of geographical variations in the provision of health services. Applying a principlist approach the article identifies and addresses four specific ethical issues: injustice, harm, lack of beneficence, and paternalism. Then it investigates the normative leap from the description of geographical variations to the prescription of right care. Lastly, the article argues that professional approaches such as developing guidelines, checklists, appropriateness criteria, and standards of care are important measures when addressing geographical variations, but that such efforts should be accompanied and supported by ethical analysis. Hence, geographical variations are not only a healthcare provision, management, or a policy making problem, but an ethical one. Addressing the ethical issues with geographical variations is key for handling this crucial problem in the provision of health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Hofmann
- grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Institute for the Health Sciences, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), PO Box 191, 2801 Gjøvik, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921The Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130, 0318 Oslo, Norway
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3
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Ong WL, Finn N, Te Marvelde L, Hornby C, Milne RL, Hanna GG, Pitson G, Elsaleh H, Millar JL, Foroudi F. Disparities in radiation therapy utilization for cancer patients in Victoria. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 66:830-839. [PMID: 35357080 PMCID: PMC9543524 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction To evaluate the proportion of cancer patients who received radiation therapy (RT) within 12 months of cancer diagnosis (RTU12) and identify factors associated with RTU12. Methods This is a population‐based cohort of individuals with incident cancer, diagnosed between 2013 and 2017 in Victoria. Data linkages were performed between the Victorian Cancer Registry and Victorian Radiotherapy Minimum Dataset. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who had RTU12. For the three most common cancers (i.e., prostate, breast and lung cancer), the time trend in RTU12 and factors associated with RTU12 were evaluated. Results The overall RTU12 in our study cohort was 26–20% radical RT and 6% palliative RT. Of the 21,735 men with prostate cancer, RTU12 was 17%, with no significant change over time (P‐trend = 0.53). In multivariate analyses, increasing age and lower socioeconomic status were independently associated with higher RTU12 for prostate cancer. Of the 20,883 women with breast cancer, RTU12 was 64%, which increased from 62% in 2013 to 65% in 2017 (P‐trend < 0.05). In multivariate analyses, age, socioeconomic status and area of residency were independently associated with RTU12 for breast cancer. Of the 13,093 patients with lung cancer, RTU12 was 42%, with no significant change over time (P‐trend = 0.16). In multivariate analyses, younger age, male and lower socioeconomic status were independently associated with higher RTU12. Conclusion In this large population‐based state‐wide cohort of cancer patients, only 1 in 4 had RT within 12 months of diagnosis. There were marked sociodemographic disparities in RTU12 for prostate, breast and lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wee Loon Ong
- Alfred Health Radiation Oncology Services, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Victoria, UK
| | - Norah Finn
- Victorian Cancer Registry, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luc Te Marvelde
- Victorian Cancer Registry, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin Hornby
- Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roger L Milne
- Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Precision Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gerard G Hanna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graham Pitson
- Department of Cancer Services, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hany Elsaleh
- Alfred Health Radiation Oncology Services, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeremy L Millar
- Alfred Health Radiation Oncology Services, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Farshad Foroudi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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Kurdi A. Opioids and Gabapentinoids Utilisation and Their Related-Mortality Trends in the United Kingdom Primary Care Setting, 2010-2019: A Cross-National, Population-Based Comparison Study. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:732345. [PMID: 34594223 PMCID: PMC8476961 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.732345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is growing concern over the increasing utilisation trends of opioids and gabapentinoids across but there is lack of data assessing and comparing the utilisation trends across the four United Kingdom countries. We assessed/compared opioids and gabapentinoids utilisation trends across the four United Kingdom countries then evaluated the correlation between their utilisation with related mortality. Methods: This repeated cross-national study used Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) datasets (2010–2019). Opioids and gabapentinoids utilisation were measured using number of items dispensed/1,000 inhabitants and defined daily doses (DDDs)/1,000 inhabitant/day. Number of Opioids and gabapentinoids-related mortality were extracted from the United Kingdom Office for National Statistics (2010–2018). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics including linear trend analysis; correlation between the Opioids and gabapentinoids utilisation and their related mortality using Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The results illustrated an overall significant increasing trend in the utilisation of opioids (12.5–14%) and gabapentinoids (205–207%) with substantial variations among the four United Kingdom countries. For opioids, Scotland had the highest level of number of items dispensed/1,000 inhabitant (156.6% higher compared to the lowest level in England), whereas in terms of DDD/1,000 inhabitant/day, NI had the highest level. Utilisation trends increased significantly across the four countries ranging from 7.7% in Scotland to 20.5% in NI (p < 0.001). Similarly, for gabapentinoids, there were significant increasing trends ranging from 126.5 to 114.9% in NI to 285.8–299.6% in Wales (p < 0.001) for number of items/1,000 inhabitants and DDD/1,000 inhabitant/day, respectively. Although the utilisation trends levelled off after 2016, this was not translated into comparable reduction in opioids and gabapentinoids-related mortality as the latter continued to increase with the highest level in Scotland (3.5 times more deaths in 2018 compared to England- 280.1 vs. 79.3 deaths/million inhabitants). There were significant moderate-strong positive correlations between opioids and gabapentinoids utilisation trends and their related mortality. Conclusion: The utilisation trends of opioids and gabapentinoids have increased significantly with substantial variations among the four United Kingdom countries. This coincided with significant increase in their related mortality. Our findings support the call for immediate actions including radical changes in official United Kingdom policies on drug use and effective strategies to promote best clinical practice in opioids and gabapentinoids prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanj Kurdi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq.,Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
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5
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Kiljunen T, Akram S, Niemelä J, Löyttyniemi E, Seppälä J, Heikkilä J, Vuolukka K, Kääriäinen OS, Heikkilä VP, Lehtiö K, Nikkinen J, Gershkevitsh E, Borkvel A, Adamson M, Zolotuhhin D, Kolk K, Pang EPP, Tuan JKL, Master Z, Chua MLK, Joensuu T, Kononen J, Myllykangas M, Riener M, Mokka M, Keyriläinen J. A Deep Learning-Based Automated CT Segmentation of Prostate Cancer Anatomy for Radiation Therapy Planning-A Retrospective Multicenter Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E959. [PMID: 33212793 PMCID: PMC7697786 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10110959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A commercial deep learning (DL)-based automated segmentation tool (AST) for computed tomography (CT) is evaluated for accuracy and efficiency gain within prostate cancer patients. Thirty patients from six clinics were reviewed with manual- (MC), automated- (AC) and automated and edited (AEC) contouring methods. In the AEC group, created contours (prostate, seminal vesicles, bladder, rectum, femoral heads and penile bulb) were edited, whereas the MC group included empty datasets for MC. In one clinic, lymph node CTV delineations were evaluated for interobserver variability. Compared to MC, the mean time saved using the AST was 12 min for the whole data set (46%) and 12 min for the lymph node CTV (60%), respectively. The delineation consistency between MC and AEC groups according to the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) improved from 0.78 to 0.94 for the whole data set and from 0.76 to 0.91 for the lymph nodes. The mean DSCs between MC and AC for all six clinics were 0.82 for prostate, 0.72 for seminal vesicles, 0.93 for bladder, 0.84 for rectum, 0.69 for femoral heads and 0.51 for penile bulb. This study proves that using a general DL-based AST for CT images saves time and improves consistency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Kiljunen
- Docrates Cancer Center, Saukonpaadenranta 2, FI-00180 Helsinki, Finland; (T.J.); (J.K.); (M.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Saad Akram
- MVision Ai, c/o Terkko Health hub, Haartmaninkatu 4, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland; (S.A.); (J.N.)
| | - Jarkko Niemelä
- MVision Ai, c/o Terkko Health hub, Haartmaninkatu 4, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland; (S.A.); (J.N.)
| | - Eliisa Löyttyniemi
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20014 Turku, Finland;
| | - Jan Seppälä
- Kuopio University Hospital, Center of Oncology, Kelkkailijantie 7, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland; (J.S.); (J.H.); (K.V.); (O.-S.K.)
| | - Janne Heikkilä
- Kuopio University Hospital, Center of Oncology, Kelkkailijantie 7, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland; (J.S.); (J.H.); (K.V.); (O.-S.K.)
| | - Kristiina Vuolukka
- Kuopio University Hospital, Center of Oncology, Kelkkailijantie 7, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland; (J.S.); (J.H.); (K.V.); (O.-S.K.)
| | - Okko-Sakari Kääriäinen
- Kuopio University Hospital, Center of Oncology, Kelkkailijantie 7, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland; (J.S.); (J.H.); (K.V.); (O.-S.K.)
| | - Vesa-Pekka Heikkilä
- Oulu University Hospital, Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Kajaanintie 50, FI-90220 Oulu, Finland; (V.-P.H.); (K.L.); (J.N.)
- University of Oulu, Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Aapistie 5 A, FI-90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Kaisa Lehtiö
- Oulu University Hospital, Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Kajaanintie 50, FI-90220 Oulu, Finland; (V.-P.H.); (K.L.); (J.N.)
| | - Juha Nikkinen
- Oulu University Hospital, Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Kajaanintie 50, FI-90220 Oulu, Finland; (V.-P.H.); (K.L.); (J.N.)
- University of Oulu, Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Aapistie 5 A, FI-90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Eduard Gershkevitsh
- North Estonia Medical Centre, J. Sütiste tee 19, 13419 Tallinn, Estonia; (E.G.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Anni Borkvel
- North Estonia Medical Centre, J. Sütiste tee 19, 13419 Tallinn, Estonia; (E.G.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Merve Adamson
- North Estonia Medical Centre, J. Sütiste tee 19, 13419 Tallinn, Estonia; (E.G.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Daniil Zolotuhhin
- North Estonia Medical Centre, J. Sütiste tee 19, 13419 Tallinn, Estonia; (E.G.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Kati Kolk
- North Estonia Medical Centre, J. Sütiste tee 19, 13419 Tallinn, Estonia; (E.G.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Eric Pei Ping Pang
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Division of Radiation Oncology, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore; (E.P.P.P); (J.K.L.T); (Z.M.); (M.L.K.C)
| | - Jeffrey Kit Loong Tuan
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Division of Radiation Oncology, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore; (E.P.P.P); (J.K.L.T); (Z.M.); (M.L.K.C)
- Oncology Academic Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Zubin Master
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Division of Radiation Oncology, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore; (E.P.P.P); (J.K.L.T); (Z.M.); (M.L.K.C)
| | - Melvin Lee Kiang Chua
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Division of Radiation Oncology, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore; (E.P.P.P); (J.K.L.T); (Z.M.); (M.L.K.C)
- Oncology Academic Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Division of Medical Sciences, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Timo Joensuu
- Docrates Cancer Center, Saukonpaadenranta 2, FI-00180 Helsinki, Finland; (T.J.); (J.K.); (M.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Juha Kononen
- Docrates Cancer Center, Saukonpaadenranta 2, FI-00180 Helsinki, Finland; (T.J.); (J.K.); (M.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Mikko Myllykangas
- Docrates Cancer Center, Saukonpaadenranta 2, FI-00180 Helsinki, Finland; (T.J.); (J.K.); (M.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Maigo Riener
- Docrates Cancer Center, Saukonpaadenranta 2, FI-00180 Helsinki, Finland; (T.J.); (J.K.); (M.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Miia Mokka
- Turku University Hospital, Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Hämeentie 11, FI-20521 Turku, Finland; (M.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Jani Keyriläinen
- Turku University Hospital, Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Hämeentie 11, FI-20521 Turku, Finland; (M.M.); (J.K.)
- Turku University Hospital, Department of Medical Physics, Hämeentie 11, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
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Yap ML, O'Connell DL, Goldsbury D, Weber M, Barton M. Factors Associated With Radiotherapy Utilisation In New South Wales, Australia: Results From The 45 and Up Study. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2020; 32:282-291. [PMID: 32007353 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Actual radiotherapy utilisation rates tend to be lower than the estimated optimal rates. Little is known about the factors contributing to this difference. Our aim was to identify factors associated with radiotherapy receipt for a cohort of cancer patients in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 267 153 participants in the NSW 45 and Up Study completed a questionnaire during 2006-2009 providing detailed health and socio-demographic information and consented to record linkage with administrative health datasets. Single primary cancers diagnosed after study enrolment were identified through linkage with the NSW Cancer Registry to December 2013. Radiotherapy receipt was determined from claims to the Medicare Benefits Schedule and/or records in the NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection (2006 to June 2016). Competing risks regression was used to examine associations between health and socio-demographic characteristics and radiotherapy treatment. RESULTS Of 17 873 patients with an incident cancer, 5414 (30.3%) received radiotherapy during follow-up (median 5.3 years). Patients less likely to receive radiotherapy were aged <60 or 80+ years, female, had a Charlson co-morbidity index of 1+, needed help with daily tasks or lived ≥100 km from the nearest radiotherapy centre. CONCLUSION Distinct subgroups of patients are less likely to receive radiotherapy. Advocacy and/or policy changes are needed to improve access.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Yap
- Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation (CCORE), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Liverpool and Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia; Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Kings Cross, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School - Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - D L O'Connell
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Kings Cross, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School - Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - D Goldsbury
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Kings Cross, NSW, Australia
| | - M Weber
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Kings Cross, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School - Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M Barton
- Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation (CCORE), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Liverpool and Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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Lam Cham Kee D, Peiffert D, Hannoun-Lévi JM. Brachytherapy boost for prostate cancer: A national survey from Groupe curiethérapie – Société française de radiothérapie oncologique. Cancer Radiother 2019; 23:847-852. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Chen TC, Chen LC, Kerry M, Knaggs RD. Prescription opioids: Regional variation and socioeconomic status - evidence from primary care in England. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 64:87-94. [PMID: 30641450 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to quantify opioid prescriptions dispensed from primary care practices throughout England and investigate its association with socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS This cross-sectional study used publicly available data in 2015, including practice-level dispensing data and characteristics of registrants from the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service Digital, and Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) data from Department of Communities and Local Government. Practices in England which issued opioid prescriptions that could be assigned a defined daily dose (DDD) in the claim-based dispensing database were included. The total amount of opioid prescriptions dispensed (DDD/1000 registrants/day) was calculated for each practice. The association between dispensed opioid prescriptions and IMD was analyzed by multi-level regression and adjusted for registrants' characteristics and the clustered effect of Clinical Commissioning Groups. Subgroup analysis was conducted for practices in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle. RESULTS Of the 7856 included practices in England, the median and interquartile range (IQR) of prescription opioids dispensed was 36.9 (IQR: 23.1, 52.5) DDD/1000 registrants/day. The median opioid utilization (DDD/1000 registrants/day) amongst practices varied between Manchester (53.1; IQR: 36.8, 71.4), Newcastle (48.9; IQR: 38.8, 60.1), Birmingham (35.3; IQR: 23.1, 49.4) and London (13.9; IQR: 8.1, 18.8). Lower SES, increased prevalence of patients aged more than 65 years, female gender, smoking, obesity and depression were significantly associated with increased opioid prescriptions. For every decrease in IMD decile (lower SES), there was a significant increase of opioid utilization by 1.0 (95% confidence interval: 0.89, 1.2, P < 0.001) DDD/1000 registrants/day. CONCLUSION There was substantial variation in opioid prescriptions among practices from Northern and Eastern England to Southern England. A significant association between increased opioid prescriptions and greater deprivation at a population level was observed. Further longitudinal studies using individual patient data are needed to validate this association and identify the potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng-Chou Chen
- Division of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, East Drive, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
| | - Li-Chia Chen
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom.
| | - Miriam Kerry
- Division of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, East Drive, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
| | - Roger David Knaggs
- Division of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, East Drive, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom; Primary Integrated Community Solutions, Unit 4 Ash Tree Court, Nottingham Business Park, Nottingham NG6 8PY, United Kingdom.
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9
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Cho CKJ, Sunderland K, Pickles T, Bachand F, Chi KN, Tyldesley S. A Population-Based Study of Palliative Radiation Therapy for Bone Metastases in Patients Dying of Prostate Cancer. Pract Radiat Oncol 2019; 9:e274-e282. [PMID: 30641243 DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Increasing the survival of patients with metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) may affect the demand for palliative radiation to bone (PRTB). Our aim was to characterize the use of PRTB in patients who died of PCa in British Columbia between 2003 and 2015. METHODS AND MATERIALS All patients with a diagnosis of PCa who died during the study period (n = 23,260) were identified from a population-based provincial registry. Patient and treatment characteristics were analyzed. PRTB utilization rate was calculated by year and location. Survival was calculated from the first and the last course of PRTB. RESULTS A total of 5701 patients died of PCa, with a median survival from diagnosis of 5.2 years. The overall PRTB utilization rate was 38.6%, with an increasing trend over time. Multiple courses of PRTB were frequent, with 51% of patients receiving ≥2 courses of PRTB. Of the patients who died of PCa (15.2% of the PRTB cohort), 5.4% received PRTB within the last 4 weeks of life, 60% of whom received multiple fractions. Rural areas had a lower referral rate and lower use of PRTB. Patients with longer survival tended to receive multiple courses of treatment. The median survival after the first course of PRTB increased from 8.2 months in 2003 to 2004 to 9.4 months in 2013 to 2014 (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS PRTB is only used in a minority of patients dying of PCa. The majority who die of PCa after PRTB do so within a year of their first course. The use of multifractionation was common in the last 4 weeks of life. Survival after first PRTB increased minimally over time, and additional research is required to identify its association with recent changes in practice. The referral rate and PRTB utilization rate differ between rural and nonrural locations, underlying the importance of accessibility and referral for utilization of PRTB. Investigating other barriers and ensuring equitable access to radiation are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tom Pickles
- University of British Columbia, BC Cancer - Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Francois Bachand
- University of British Columbia, BC Cancer - Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kim N Chi
- University of British Columbia, BC Cancer - Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Scott Tyldesley
- University of British Columbia, BC Cancer - Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada.
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Boon IS, Au Yong TPT, Boon CS. Assessing the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Clinical Oncology: Utility of Machine Learning in Radiotherapy Target Volume Delineation. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 5:E131. [PMID: 30544901 PMCID: PMC6313566 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5040131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The fields of radiotherapy and clinical oncology have been rapidly changed by the advances of technology. Improvement in computer processing power and imaging quality heralded precision radiotherapy allowing radiotherapy to be delivered efficiently, safely and effectively for patient benefit. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging field of computer science which uses computer models and algorithms to replicate human-like intelligence and perform specific tasks which offers a huge potential to healthcare. We reviewed and presented the history, evolution and advancement in the fields of radiotherapy, clinical oncology and machine learning. Radiotherapy target delineation is a complex task of outlining tumour and organ at risks volumes to allow accurate delivery of radiotherapy. We discussed the radiotherapy planning, treatment delivery and reviewed how technology can help with this challenging process. We explored the evidence and clinical application of machine learning to radiotherapy. We concluded on the challenges, possible future directions and potential collaborations to achieve better outcome for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian S Boon
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's Institute of Oncology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
| | - Tracy P T Au Yong
- Department of Radiology, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcester WR5 1DD, UK.
| | - Cheng S Boon
- Worcestershire Oncology Centre, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcester WR5 1DD, UK.
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Stracci F, Bianconi F, Lupi C, Margaritelli M, Gili A, Aristei C. Spatial barriers impact upon appropriate delivery of radiotherapy in breast cancer patients. Cancer Med 2018; 7:370-379. [PMID: 29356463 PMCID: PMC5806099 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is the standard treatment for breast cancer patients after conserving surgery or mastectomy when patients are at high risk of relapse. Major obstacles to appropriate RT delivery are journey times. Since studies on access to RT were carried out mostly in large countries, this study investigated factors in an Italian region and the influence of RT delivery on survival. A total of 4735 female candidates for RT were included in the study. A geographic information system calculated journey times from patients' homes and surgery hospitals to RT centers. Logistic regression analyzed the influence of journey times, socioeconomic status, and other factors on RT delivery. Survival probabilities and excess mortality were assessed in 4364 propensity score-matched patients. Journey times of 40 min or less from residence and from surgery hospital to RT center played a major role in access to RT. A large survival difference emerged between treated and untreated breast cancer patients. The excess mortality for untreated patients compared with propensity score-matched women receiving RT was 3.1 (95% CI: 2.2-4.3). Expansion of RT facilities during the 11-year study period improved RT delivery and outcomes by increasing availability but mainly by shortening journey times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Stracci
- Department of Experimental MedicineSection of Public HealthUniversity of PerugiaPerugiaItaly
- Umbria Cancer RegistryPerugiaItaly
| | | | | | | | | | - Cynthia Aristei
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical SciencesSection of Radiation OncologyUniversity of Perugia and Perugia General HospitalPerugiaItaly
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12
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Bahadur YA, Constantinescu C, Bahadur AY, Bahadur RY. Assessment of performance indicators of a radiotherapy department using an electronic medical record system. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2017; 22:360-367. [PMID: 28761392 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpor.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To retrospectively assess the performance indicators of our radiotherapy department and their temporal trends, using a commercially available electronic-medical-record (EMR) system. BACKGROUND A recent trend in healthcare quality is to define and evaluate performance indicators of the service provided. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patient and external-beam-radiotherapy-treatments data were retrieved using the Mosaiq EMR system from 1-January-2012 till 31-December-2015. Annual performance indicators were evaluated as: productivity (number of new cases/year and diagnosis distribution); complexity (ratio of Volumetric-Modulated-Arc-Therapy (VMAT) courses, average number of imaging procedures/patient); and quality (average, median and 90th percentile waiting times from admission to first treatment). The temporal trends of all performance indicators were assessed by linear regression. RESULTS Productivity: the number of new cases/year increased with an average rate of 4%. Diagnosis distribution showed that breast is the main pathology treated, followed by gastro-intestinal and head-and-neck. Complexity: the ratio of VMAT courses increased from 13% to 35%, with an average rate of 7% per year. The average number of imaging procedures/patient increased from 8 to 11. Quality: the waiting times from admission to treatment remained stable over time (R2 ≤ 0.1), with average, median and 90th percentile values around 20, 15, and 31 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS An EMR system can be used to: monitor the performance indicators of a radiotherapy department, identify workflow processes needing attention and improvement, estimate future demands of resources. Temporal analysis of our data showed an increasing trend in productivity and complexity paired with constant waiting times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir A Bahadur
- Department of Radiology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Camelia Constantinescu
- Department of Bio-Medical Physics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ammar Y Bahadur
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ruba Y Bahadur
- College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Symonds P, Moss E, Reed N. Internationally Comparable Survival from Ovarian Cancer in Patients Treated in Phase III Trial Active Cancer Centres in the UK. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2017; 29:151-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Shah A, Prieto-Alhambra D, Hawley S, Delmestri A, Lippett J, Cooper C, Judge A, Javaid MK. Geographic variation in secondary fracture prevention after a hip fracture during 1999-2013: a UK study. Osteoporos Int 2017; 28:169-178. [PMID: 27812809 PMCID: PMC5248973 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-016-3811-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Fragility fractures of the hip have a major impact on the lives of patients and their families. This study highlights significant geographical variation in secondary fracture prevention with even the highest performing regions failing the majority of patients despite robust evidence supporting the benefits of diagnosis and treatment. INTRODUCTION The purpose of the study is to describe the geographic variation in anti-osteoporosis drug therapy prescriptions before and after a hip fracture during 1999-2013 in the UK. METHODS We used primary care data (Clinical Practice Research Datalink) to identify patients with a hip fracture and primary care prescriptions of any anti-osteoporosis drugs prior to the index hip fracture and up to 5 years after. Geographic variations in prescribing before and after availability of generic oral bisphosphonates were analysed. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for gender, age and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS Thirteen thousand sixty-nine patients (76 % female) diagnosed with a hip fracture during 1999-2013 were identified. Eleven per cent had any anti-osteoporosis drug prescription in the 6 months prior to the index hip fracture. In the 0-4 months following a hip fracture, 5 % of patients were prescribed anti-osteoporosis drugs in 1999, increasing to 51 % in 2011 and then decreasing to 39 % in 2013. The independent predictors (OR (95 % CI)) of treatment initiation included gender (male 0.42 (0.36-0.49)), BMI (0.98 per kg/m2 increase (0.97-1.00)) and geographic region (1.29 (0.89-1.87) North East vs. 0.56 (0.43-0.73) South Central region). Geographic differences in prescribing persisted over the 5-year follow-up. If all patients were treated at the rate of the highest performing region, then nationally, an additional 3214 hip fracture patients would be initiated on therapy every year. CONCLUSIONS Significant geographic differences exist in prescribing of anti-osteoporosis drugs after hip fracture despite adjustment for potential confounders. Further work examining differences in health care provision may inform strategies to improve secondary fracture prevention after hip fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Shah
- NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - D Prieto-Alhambra
- NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - S Hawley
- NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - A Delmestri
- NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - J Lippett
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading, UK
| | - C Cooper
- NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - A Judge
- NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - M K Javaid
- NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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Wong K, Delaney GP, Barton MB. Evidence-based optimal number of radiotherapy fractions for cancer: A useful tool to estimate radiotherapy demand. Radiother Oncol 2016; 119:145-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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16
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Outcomes by area of residence deprivation in a cohort of oral cancer patients: Survival, health-related quality of life, and place of death. Oral Oncol 2016; 52:30-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2015.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Radical hypofractionated radiotherapy for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer using 52·5–55 Gy in 20 fractions: the North Wales Cancer Centre experience. JOURNAL OF RADIOTHERAPY IN PRACTICE 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/s1460396915000138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Vinod SK. International patterns of radiotherapy practice for non-small cell lung cancer. Semin Radiat Oncol 2014; 25:143-50. [PMID: 25771419 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is an important treatment modality for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There are models of radiotherapy utilization that estimate the proportion of patients with NSCLC who have an evidence-based indication for radiotherapy. These estimates range from 46%-68% for radiotherapy utilization at diagnosis and 64%-75% overall. However, actual radiotherapy utilization throughout much of the world is lower than this, ranging from 28%-53%, with the largest differences between actual and estimated radiotherapy utilization seen in stage III NSCLC. Some of this discrepancy is attributable to the assumptions in the models that are based on broad factors such as stage and performance status. Characteristics of the population with underlying lung cancer that often has comorbidities or compromised respiratory function also influence the ability to deliver radiotherapy safely. Sociodemographic factors such as race and income have been found to affect access to radiotherapy in certain jurisdictions. The type of clinician or medical setting the patient presents to initially can also influence radiotherapy use in NSCLC. Potential solutions to improve appropriate radiotherapy utilization for NSCLC include restructuring models of care to ensure that all patients with lung cancer are managed within a multidisciplinary team including a radiation oncologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini K Vinod
- Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia; South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; University of Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Sinding C, Warren R, Fitzpatrick-Lewis D, Sussman J. Research in cancer care disparities in countries with universal healthcare: mapping the field and its conceptual contours. Support Care Cancer 2014; 22:3101-20. [PMID: 25120008 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2348-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The paper reviews published studies focused on disparities in receipt of cancer treatments and supportive care services in countries where cancer care is free at the point of access. We map these studies in terms of the equity stratifiers they examined, the countries in which they took place, and the care settings and cancer populations they investigated. Based on this map, we reflect on patterns of scholarly attention to equity and disparity in cancer care. We then consider conceptual challenges and opportunities in the field, including how treatment disparities are defined, how equity stratifiers are defined and conceptualized and how disparities are explained, with special attention to the challenge of psychosocial explanations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sinding
- School of Social Work & Department of Health, Aging and Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,
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Round C, Williams M, Mee T, Kirkby N, Cooper T, Hoskin P, Jena R. Radiotherapy Demand and Activity in England 2006–2020. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2013; 25:522-30. [PMID: 23768454 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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21
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Redaniel MT, Martin RM, Cawthorn S, Wade J, Jeffreys M. The association of waiting times from diagnosis to surgery with survival in women with localised breast cancer in England. Br J Cancer 2013; 109:42-9. [PMID: 23799851 PMCID: PMC3708566 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival from breast cancer in the United Kingdom is lower than in other developed countries. It is unclear to what extent waiting times for curative surgery affect survival. METHODS Using national databases for England (cancer registries, Hospital Episode Statistics and Office of National Statistics), we identified 53 689 women with localised breast cancer, aged ≥ 15 years, diagnosed between 1996 and 2009, who had surgical resection with curative intent within 62 days of diagnosis. We used relative survival and excess risk modelling to determine associations between waiting times and 5-year survival. RESULTS The median diagnosis to curative surgery waiting time among breast cancer patients was 22 days (interquartile range (IQR): 15-30). Relative survival was similar among women waiting between 25 and 38 days (RS: 93.5%; 95% CI: 92.8-94.2%), <25 days (RS: 93.0%; 95% CI: 92.5-93.4%) and between 39 and 62 days (RS: 92.1%; 95% CI: 90.8-93.4%). There was little evidence of an increase in excess mortality with longer waiting times (excess hazard ratio (EHR): 1.06; 95% CI: 0.88-1.27 comparing waiting times 39-62 with 25-38 days). Excess mortality was associated with age (EHR 65-74 vs 15-44 year olds: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.07-1.41) and deprivation (EHR most vs least deprived: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.09-1.49), but waiting times did not explain these differences. CONCLUSION Within 62 days of diagnosis, decreasing waiting times from diagnosis to surgery had little impact on survival from localised breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Redaniel
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK.
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Hicks RJ. Should positron emission tomography/computed tomography be the first rather than the last test performed in the assessment of cancer? Cancer Imaging 2012; 12:315-23. [PMID: 23022990 PMCID: PMC3460557 DOI: 10.1102/1470-7330.2012.9005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major cause of illness and death in Western society and is associated with a heavy concomitant economic burden. Although use of imaging comprises only a small proportion of the fiscal impact of cancer, its use has been increasing over recent decades, causing concern amongst funders of health care and efforts to constrain the use of new imaging tests with a relatively high unit cost. In clinical practice, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is generally performed when less expensive tests have left some uncertainty regarding appropriate management. In this setting, its utility relates to provision of incremental diagnostic information. However, given that superior diagnostic information can positively affect patient management, wherein the majority of costs reside, it may be both more efficient and cost effective to go directly to the most accurate investigation in certain situations. For PET/CT, the ability to provide more accurate assessment of metastatic status than is available from conventional diagnostic paradigms provides a rationale for its independent rather than incremental use in patients presenting with either a high likelihood of malignancy or proven malignancy of a locally advanced nature and an accordingly high risk of metastatic disease. A randomized trial design is described that could be used to test this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney J Hicks
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Oncology Department, the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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23
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The Management of Lung Cancer: A UK Survey of Oncologists. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2012; 24:402-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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24
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Lievens Y, Grau C. Health Economics in Radiation Oncology: Introducing the ESTRO HERO project. Radiother Oncol 2012; 103:109-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2011.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 12/03/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Waiting times for radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery and the association with survival: a path analysis. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2011; 23:442-8. [PMID: 21377846 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2011.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Revised: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the association between radiotherapy waiting times and survival in women who have undergone breast-conserving surgery using data from two English cancer registry regions. The data were analysed using path analysis to account for the complex variable interrelationships within the data. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cases of female invasive breast cancer diagnosed during the period 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2005 were identified and linked to an extract of Hospital Episode Statistics data. A subset of these linked records where women underwent breast-conserving surgery was extracted (n=18,158). Patient, tumour and treatment information were extracted. A path model was developed with three outcome variables: survival, time to receive radiotherapy and receipt of chemotherapy before radiotherapy. RESULTS During the study period, the median radiotherapy waiting time in region 1 increased from 70 days to 128.5 days. In region 2, the median wait increased from 44 days in 1998 to 68 days in 2001, then decreased to 42 days by 2005. In the path model, radiotherapy waiting time was not associated with survival (hazard ratio=1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.99-1.01 per week increase in both regions). Patients receiving chemotherapy before radiotherapy waited 12.3 weeks (region 1) and 6.3 weeks (region 2) longer for their radiotherapy than those not receiving chemotherapy. Patients with stage II/III disease waited longer than patients with stage I disease. Younger age, diagnosis of stage II/III disease and presence of co-morbidities were associated with increased odds of receiving chemotherapy before radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS This study found no association between waiting times for radiotherapy and survival in two regions of England, despite increases in waiting times over the study period. Such an association, if real, may only become apparent after a longer period of follow-up.
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Coleman MP, Forman D, Bryant H, Butler J, Rachet B, Maringe C, Nur U, Tracey E, Coory M, Hatcher J, McGahan CE, Turner D, Marrett L, Gjerstorff ML, Johannesen TB, Adolfsson J, Lambe M, Lawrence G, Meechan D, Morris EJ, Middleton R, Steward J, Richards MA. Cancer survival in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the UK, 1995-2007 (the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership): an analysis of population-based cancer registry data. Lancet 2011; 377:127-38. [PMID: 21183212 PMCID: PMC3018568 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)62231-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 877] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survival is a key measure of the effectiveness of health-care systems. Persistent regional and international differences in survival represent many avoidable deaths. Differences in survival have prompted or guided cancer control strategies. This is the first study in a programme to investigate international survival disparities, with the aim of informing health policy to raise standards and reduce inequalities in survival. METHODS Data from population-based cancer registries in 12 jurisdictions in six countries were provided for 2·4 million adults diagnosed with primary colorectal, lung, breast (women), or ovarian cancer during 1995-2007, with follow-up to Dec 31, 2007. Data quality control and analyses were done centrally with a common protocol, overseen by external experts. We estimated 1-year and 5-year relative survival, constructing 252 complete life tables to control for background mortality by age, sex, and calendar year. We report age-specific and age-standardised relative survival at 1 and 5 years, and 5-year survival conditional on survival to the first anniversary of diagnosis. We also examined incidence and mortality trends during 1985-2005. FINDINGS Relative survival improved during 1995-2007 for all four cancers in all jurisdictions. Survival was persistently higher in Australia, Canada, and Sweden, intermediate in Norway, and lower in Denmark, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, particularly in the first year after diagnosis and for patients aged 65 years and older. International differences narrowed at all ages for breast cancer, from about 9% to 5% at 1 year and from about 14% to 8% at 5 years, but less or not at all for the other cancers. For colorectal cancer, the international range narrowed only for patients aged 65 years and older, by 2-6% at 1 year and by 2-3% at 5 years. INTERPRETATION Up-to-date survival trends show increases but persistent differences between countries. Trends in cancer incidence and mortality are broadly consistent with these trends in survival. Data quality and changes in classification are not likely explanations. The patterns are consistent with later diagnosis or differences in treatment, particularly in Denmark and the UK, and in patients aged 65 years and older. FUNDING Department of Health, England; and Cancer Research UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Coleman
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Survival Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Guedea F, Venselaar J, Hoskin P, Hellebust TP, Peiffert D, Londres B, Ventura M, Mazeron JJ, Limbergen EV, Pötter R, Kovacs G. Patterns of care for brachytherapy in Europe: Updated results. Radiother Oncol 2010; 97:514-20. [PMID: 20950878 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2010.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Williams M, Cooper T, Mackay R, Staffurth J, Routsis D, Burnet N. The Implementation of Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy in the UK. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2010; 22:623-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2010.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Revised: 04/08/2010] [Accepted: 06/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Training needs of radiographers for implementing Tomotherapy in NHS practice. JOURNAL OF RADIOTHERAPY IN PRACTICE 2010. [DOI: 10.1017/s1460396910000099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackground: Addenbrooke’s was awarded Department of Health funding for Tomotherapy in 2006, to evaluate the functionality and application of the image guidance element of Tomotherapy. No Tomotherapy unit had been implemented into a National Health Service (NHS) working environment before, so there was no model to follow. An education and training program needed to be created to ensure accurate and efficient delivery of radiotherapy using Tomotherapy.Method: The educational needs of radiographers had to be derived from first principles. An assessment of Tomotherapy treatment delivery process was made, identifying the tasks within the process and then the skills and knowledge required to achieve each task. The process was derived from site visits to non-NHS centres using Tomotherapy, nationally and internationally. This was supplemented by educational courses for specific aspects of Tomotherapy Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT).Results: The core skills and knowledge required were identified and an in-house educational programme created. Competencies for Tomotherapy delivery were assessed against image matching accuracy and speed. All radiographers were able to meet these standards so that Tomotherapy IGRT on the treatment unit required no input from clinical oncologists, making effective and efficient use of staff resources.Conclusion: The educational and training needs of radiographer staff were identified and a Tomotherapy training program was devised to enable image registration to be radiographer driven.
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Boncz I, Donka-Verebes E, Oberfrank F, Kásler M. [Health-economics of oncology care: changes in hospital bed capacity]. Magy Onkol 2010; 54:29-33. [PMID: 20350865 DOI: 10.1556/monkol.54.2010.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of hospital bed reforms on April 1, 2007 in Hungary, with special respect to the changes of acute care cancer beds. Data were derived from the database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration (OEP). We identified cancer care hospital capacities (beds) with the following financial codes: code nr. 12 (oncology), code nr. 24 (radiotherapy) and code nr. 28 (hematology). We analyzed the changes of these beds before and after the reform. The total number of acute care hospital beds decreased by 25.7%, while in the field of cancer care beds we found different trends. The number of hospital beds for oncology care and hematology care decreased by 11.4% and 11.1%, respectively. The number of hospital beds for radiotherapy departments even increased by 16.3%. We did not find any changes in regional inequalities. We can conclude that during the hospital bed reform in 2007, the number of oncology and hematology care beds decreased less than the total number of acute care hospital beds, and the number of beds for radiotherapy even increased, without significantly affecting the regional inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imre Boncz
- Pécsi Tudományegyetem, Egészségtudományi Kar, Egészség-gazdaságtani, Egészségpolitikai és Egészségügyi Menedzsment Tanszék, 7621 Pécs, Vörösmarty u. 4.
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Jacob S, Wong K, Delaney G, Adams P, Barton M. Estimation of an Optimal Utilisation Rate for Palliative Radiotherapy in Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2010; 22:56-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2009.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Revised: 10/28/2009] [Accepted: 11/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Williams M, Drinkwater K. Radiotherapy in England in 2007: Modelled Demand and Audited Activity. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2009; 21:575-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2009.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2009] [Revised: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 07/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Williams MV, Drinkwater KJ. Geographical variation in radiotherapy services across the UK in 2007 and the effect of deprivation. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2009; 21:431-40. [PMID: 19560908 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2009] [Revised: 05/09/2009] [Accepted: 05/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Modelling of demand has shown substantial underprovision of radiotherapy in the UK. We used national audit data to study geographical differences in radiotherapy waiting times, access and dose fractionation across the four countries of the UK and between English strategic health authorities. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used a web-based tool to collect data on diagnosis, dose fractionation and waiting times on all National Health Service patients in the UK starting a course of radiotherapy in the week commencing 24 September 2007. Cancer incidence for the four countries of the UK and for England by primary care trust was used to model demand for radiotherapy aggregated by country and by strategic health authority. RESULTS Across the UK, excluding skin cancer, 2504 patients were prescribed 33 454 fractions in the audit week. Waits for radical radiotherapy exceeded the recommended 4 week maximum for 31% of patients (range 0-62%). Fractions per million per year ranged from 17 678 to 36 426 and radical fractions per incident cancer ranged from 3.0 to 6.7. Patients who were treated received similar treatment in terms of fractions per radical course of radiotherapy (18.2-23.0). Access rates ranged from 25.2 to 48.8%, nearing the modelled optimum of 50.7% in three regions. Fractions per million prescribed as a first course of treatment varied from 43.9 to 90.3% of modelled demand. The percentage of patients failing to meet the 4 week Joint Council for Clinical Oncology target for radical radiotherapy rose as activity rates increased (r=0.834), indicating a mismatch of demand and capacity. In England, a comparison between strategic health authorities showed that increasing deprivation was correlated with lower rates of access to radiotherapy (r=-0.820). CONCLUSIONS There are substantial differences across the UK in the radiotherapy provided to patients and its timeliness. Radiotherapy capacity does not reflect regional variations in cancer incidence across the UK (3618-5800 cases per million per year). In addition, deprivation is a major unrecognised influence on radiotherapy access rates. In regions with higher levels of deprivation, fewer patients with cancer receive radiotherapy and the proportion treated radically is lower. This probably reflects late presentation with advanced disease, poor performance status and co-morbid illness. To provide an equitable, evidence-based service, the needs of the local population should be assessed using demand modelling based on local cancer incidence. Ideally this should include data on deprivation, performance status and stage at presentation. The results should be compared with local radiotherapy activity data to understand waits, access and dose fractionation in order to plan adequate provision for the future. The development of a mandatory radiotherapy data set in England will facilitate this, but to assist change it is essential that the results are analysed and fed back to clinicians and commissioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Williams
- Oncology Centre, Box 193, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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