1
|
Mailhot Vega RB, Garcia Robles BE, Morris CG, Buss K, Mejia U, Poitevin A, Chilaca Rosas MF, Perez Villanueva H, Felix Leyva JA, Indelicato DJ, De la Mata D. Analysis of the Pediatric Radiotherapy Landscape in Mexico and a Subsequent Educational e-Contouring Intervention. JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2200372. [PMID: 37384858 PMCID: PMC10497300 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00372] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Mexico and Central America have the highest childhood cancer incidence in the West. Pediatric-specific oncology knowledge contributes to the disparity. We sought to (1) determine the self-identified treatment patterns and needs of Mexican pediatric radiation oncologists and (2) pilot a workshop to improve contouring accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Partnering with local experts and the Sociedad Mexicana de Radioterapeutas (SOMERA), a 35-question survey was designed to ascertain pediatric radiotherapy capacity and distributed through the SOMERA listserv. The most challenging malignancies were selected for workshop. Participants received precontouring and postcontouring homework to assess improvement per the Dice metric. The Wilcoxon sign-rank test was used for comparative statistics. RESULTS Ninety-four radiation oncologists attempted and 79 completed the survey. Forty-four (76%) felt comfortable treating a pediatric patient, and 36 (62%) were familiar with national protocols for pediatric treatment. Most had access to nutrition, rehabilitation, endocrinology, and anesthesia; 14% had access to fertility services and 27% to neurocognitive support; 11% noted no support, and only one respondent had child-life support. The postsurvey contouring workshop was conducted for high-grade glioma, medulloblastoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Significant improvements were seen in all target volumes. CONCLUSION We present the first national survey of Mexico's pediatric radiotherapy capacity and Latin American e-contouring educational intervention with preworkshop and postworkshop Dice metrics, noting statistically significant improvement in all target volumes. Participation improved compared with prior experience through SOMERA partnership and Continuing Medical Education incentivization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raymond B. Mailhot Vega
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL
| | | | - Christopher G. Morris
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Kara Buss
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Ulises Mejia
- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Hospital Infantil de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniel J. Indelicato
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mailhot Vega RB, De La Mata D, Amendola B, Li B, Poitevin A, Sarria G, Sole S, Sher DJ, Hardenbergh P. Cross-Sectional International Survey to Determine the Educational Interests of Spanish-Speaking Latin American Radiation Oncologists. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:29-34. [PMID: 33405959 PMCID: PMC8081543 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With the existing oncology disparities in Latin America, physician expertise has been cited as a possible contributor to inferior oncologic outcomes in some cancers. As two-dimensional radiotherapy rapidly evolved to intensity-modulated radiation therapy in Latin America, adequate contouring education is an actionable target to improving physician knowledge and clinical outcomes. Yet, topics of interest to Latin American radiation oncologists are underreported. We assessed Latin American interest in a virtual platform for case discussion and identified the educational topics of most interest to them. MATERIALS AND METHODS A Spanish-language online survey was designed by a team of Latin American educators. The questions assessed professional nationality, desire for an online educational platform for case presentation, career length, and topics of interest. Educational topics included head and neck (H&N), CNS, GI, lung, gynecologic, breast, and pediatric cancers, lymphoma, sarcoma, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), brachytherapy, and medical physics. RESULTS One hundred thirty-three surveys were included for analysis. Overall, 127 respondents (98%) affirmed interest in participating in a virtual platform for case discussion and treatment advances. The most popular educational themes were H&N cancers (24%), SBRT (14%), and CNS cancers (13%). Of countries with > 10 respondents, the most popular educational topic remained H&N cancers for Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, but the most popular topic among Peruvian respondents was CNS cancer (27%). CONCLUSION With international collaboration and a large sample size, we present the first survey results describing Latin American radiation oncology educational interests. Participants were overwhelmingly interested in a virtual platform, and most were specifically interested in H&N cancer education. These results can be used for focused didactic preparation in Latin America. Future efforts should expand on improving representation and outreach among Central American radiation oncologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raymond B Mailhot Vega
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Dolores De La Mata
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ABC Medical Center, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Benjamin Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Adela Poitevin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital Medica Sur, Sótano, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Sarria
- Department of Radiotherapy, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN), Lima, Peru
| | | | - David J Sher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Allende‐Perez S, Dominguez‐Ocadio G, Velez‐Salas V, Isla‐Ortiz D, Peña‐Nieves A, Verastegui E. Snapshot of symptoms of advanced cervical cancer patients referred to the palliative care service in a cancer center in Mexico. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2020; 153:335-339. [DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David Isla‐Ortiz
- Gynecologic Oncology Service Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia Mexico City Mexico
| | - Adriana Peña‐Nieves
- Palliative Care Service Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia Mexico City Mexico
| | - Emma Verastegui
- Palliative Care Service Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia Mexico City Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Radiation oncology in Mexico: Current status according to Mexico’s Radiation Oncology Certification Board. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2020; 25:840-845. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rpor.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
5
|
Gallegos D, Poitevin Chacón MA, Wright JL. Radiation Oncology in Mexico: Toward a Unified Model. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2018; 102:5-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
6
|
Gajjar SR, Mellon EA, Castaneda SA, Zoghbi SR, Llorente R, DeGennaro V, Grover S, Ventura NC. Assessment of the Radiation Therapy Model in the Dominican Republic and Its Impact on the Caribbean Islands. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2018; 101:503-509. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
7
|
Hadjieva T. Pattern of radiotherapy care in Bulgaria. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2015; 20:340-50. [PMID: 26549991 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpor.2015.05.006] [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: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The paper reveals the changing pattern of Bulgarian Radiotherapy (RT) care after the successful implementation of 15 projects for 100 million euro under the European Regional Development Fund in Operational Programme for Regional Development 2007-2013. The project enables a total one-step modernization of 14 Bulgarian RT Centres and creation of a new one. At the end of the Programme (mid 2015), 16 new Linacs and 2 modern cobalt machines will be available together with 11 virtual CT simulators, 5 CT simulators, 1 MRI and 1 PET CT for RT planning and all dosimetry facilities needed. Such a modernization has moved Bulgarian RT forward, with 2.7 MV units per one million of population (MV/mln.inh) in comparison with 0.9 MV/mln.inh in 2012. Guild of Bulgarian Radiotherapists includes 70 doctors, 46 physicists and 10 engineers, together with 118 RTTs and 114 nurses and they all have treated 16,447 patients in 2013. Major problems are inadequate reimbursement from the monopolistic Health Insurance Fund (900 euro for 3D conformal RT and 1500 euro for IMRT); fragmentation of RT care with 1-2 MV units per Centre; no payment for patient travel expenses; need for quick and profound education of 26% of doctors and 46% of physicists without RT license, along with continuous education for all others; and resource for 5000-9000 more patients to be treated yearly by RT in order to reach 45-50% from current service of 32%. After 15 years of struggle of RT experts, finally the pattern of Bulgarian RT care at 2014-2015 is approaching the level of modern European RT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Hadjieva
- Guild of Bulgarian Radiotherapists, Radiotherapy Department, UH Queen Giovanna ISUL, Medical University Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Panje CM, Dal Pra A, Zilli T, R Zwahlen D, Papachristofilou A, Herrera FG, Matzinger O, Plasswilm L, Putora PM. Consensus and differences in primary radiotherapy for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer in Switzerland: A survey on patterns of practice. Strahlenther Onkol 2015; 191:778-86. [PMID: 25986251 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-015-0849-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION External beam radiotherapy (EBRT), with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is an established treatment option for nonmetastatic prostate cancer. Despite high-level evidence from several randomized trials, risk group stratification and treatment recommendations vary due to contradictory or inconclusive data, particularly with regard to EBRT dose prescription and ADT duration. Our aim was to investigate current patterns of practice in primary EBRT for prostate cancer in Switzerland. MATERIALS AND METHODS Treatment recommendations on EBRT and ADT for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer were collected from 23 Swiss radiation oncology centers. Written recommendations were converted into center-specific decision trees, and analyzed for consensus and differences using a dedicated software tool. Additionally, specific radiotherapy planning and delivery techniques from the participating centers were assessed. RESULTS The most commonly prescribed radiation dose was 78 Gy (range 70-80 Gy) across all risk groups. ADT was recommended for intermediate-risk patients for 6 months in over 80 % of the centers, and for high-risk patients for 2 or 3 years in over 90 % of centers. For recommendations on combined EBRT and ADT treatment, consensus levels did not exceed 39 % in any clinical scenario. Arc-based intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is implemented for routine prostate cancer radiotherapy by 96 % of the centers. CONCLUSION Among Swiss radiation oncology centers, considerable ranges of radiotherapy dose and ADT duration are routinely offered for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer. In the vast majority of cases, doses and durations are within the range of those described in current evidence-based guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric M Panje
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95, 9007, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alan Dal Pra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Zilli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daniel R Zwahlen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kantonsspital Graubünden, Chur, Switzerland
| | | | - Fernanda G Herrera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Oscar Matzinger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hôpital Riviera-Chablais, Vevey, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Plasswilm
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95, 9007, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Paul Martin Putora
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95, 9007, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Grover S, Xu MJ, Yeager A, Rosman L, Groen RS, Chackungal S, Rodin D, Mangaali M, Nurkic S, Fernandes A, Lin LL, Thomas G, Tergas AI. A systematic review of radiotherapy capacity in low- and middle-income countries. Front Oncol 2015; 4:380. [PMID: 25657930 PMCID: PMC4302829 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The cancer burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is substantial. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe country and region-specific patterns of radiotherapy (RT) facilities in LMIC. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. A search strategy was developed to include articles on radiation capacity in LMIC from the following databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Global Health, and the Latin American and Caribbean System on Health Sciences Information. Searches included all literature up to April 2013. Results: A total of 49 articles were included in the review. Studies reviewed were divided into one of four regions: Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. The African continent has the least amount of resources for RT. Furthermore, a wide disparity exists, as 60% of all machines on the continent are concentrated in Egypt and South Africa while 29 countries in Africa are still lacking any RT resource. A significant heterogeneity also exists across Southeast Asia despite a threefold increase in megavoltage teletherapy machines from 1976 to 1999, which corresponds with a rise in economic status. In LMIC of the Americas, only Uruguay met the International Atomic Energy Agency recommendations of 4 MV/million population, whereas Bolivia and Venezuela had the most radiation oncologists (>1 per 1000 new cancer cases). The main concern with the review of RT resources in Eastern Europe was the lack of data. Conclusion: There is a dearth of publications on RT therapy infrastructure in LMIC. However, based on limited published data, availability of RT resources reflects the countries’ economic status. The challenges to delivering radiation in the discussed regions are multidimensional and include lack of physical resources, lack of human personnel, and lack of data. Furthermore, access to existing RT and affordability of care remains a large problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Grover
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Melody J Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Alyssa Yeager
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Lori Rosman
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Reinou S Groen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Smita Chackungal
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario , London, ON , Canada
| | - Danielle Rodin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - Margaret Mangaali
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Sommer Nurkic
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Annemarie Fernandes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Lilie L Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Gillian Thomas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - Ana I Tergas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons , New York, NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lievens Y, Defourny N, Coffey M, Borras JM, Dunscombe P, Slotman B, Malicki J, Bogusz M, Gasparotto C, Grau C, Kokobobo A, Sedlmayer F, Slobina E, Coucke P, Gabrovski R, Vosmik M, Eriksen JG, Jaal J, Dejean C, Polgar C, Johannsson J, Cunningham M, Atkocius V, Back C, Pirotta M, Karadjinovic V, Levernes S, Maciejewski B, Trigo ML, Šegedin B, Palacios A, Pastoors B, Beardmore C, Erridge S, Smyth G, Cleries Soler R. Radiotherapy staffing in the European countries: final results from the ESTRO-HERO survey. Radiother Oncol 2014; 112:178-86. [PMID: 25300718 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2014.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ESTRO Health Economics in Radiation Oncology (HERO) project has the overall aim to develop a knowledge base of the provision of radiotherapy in Europe and build a model for health economic evaluation of radiation treatments at the European level. The first milestone was to assess the availability of radiotherapy resources within Europe. This paper presents the personnel data collected in the ESTRO HERO database. MATERIALS AND METHODS An 84-item questionnaire was sent out to European countries, through their national scientific and professional radiotherapy societies. The current report includes a detailed analysis of radiotherapy staffing (questionnaire items 47-60), analysed in relation to the annual number of treatment courses and the socio-economic status of the countries. The analysis was conducted between February and July 2014, and is based on validated responses from 24 of the 40 European countries defined by the European Cancer Observatory (ECO). RESULTS A large variation between countries was found for most parameters studied. Averages and ranges for personnel numbers per million inhabitants are 12.8 (2.5-30.9) for radiation oncologists, 7.6 (0-19.7) for medical physicists, 3.5 (0-12.6) for dosimetrists, 26.6 (1.9-78) for RTTs and 14.8 (0.4-61.0) for radiotherapy nurses. The combined average for physicists and dosimetrists is 9.8 per million inhabitants and 36.9 for RTT and nurses. Radiation oncologists on average treat 208.9 courses per year (range: 99.9-348.8), physicists and dosimetrists conjointly treat 303.3 courses (range: 85-757.7) and RTT and nurses 76.8 (range: 25.7-156.8). In countries with higher GNI per capita, all personnel categories treat fewer courses per annum than in less affluent countries. This relationship is most evident for RTTs and nurses. Different clusters of countries can be distinguished on the basis of available personnel resources and socio-economic status. CONCLUSIONS The average personnel figures in Europe are now consistent with, or even more favourable than the QUARTS recommendations, probably reflecting a combination of better availability as such, in parallel with the current use of more complex treatments than a decade ago. A considerable variation in available personnel and delivered courses per year however persists among the highest and lowest staffing levels. This not only reflects the variation in cancer incidence and socio-economic determinants, but also the stage in technology adoption along with treatment complexity and the different professional roles and responsibilities within each country. Our data underpin the need for accurate prediction models and long-term education and training programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ben Slotman
- VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julian Malicki
- Poznan University of Medical Sciences and Greater-Poland Cancer Centre, Poland
| | - Marta Bogusz
- Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Centre, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Cai Grau
- Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Malicki J, Bly R, Bulot M, Godet JL, Jahnen A, Krengli M, Maingon P, Martin CP, Przybylska K, Skrobała A, Valero M, Jarvinen H. Patient safety in external beam radiotherapy - guidelines on risk assessment and analysis of adverse error-events and near misses: introducing the ACCIRAD project. Radiother Oncol 2014; 112:194-8. [PMID: 25245556 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In 2011 the European Commission launched a tender to develop guidelines for risk analysis of accidental and unintended exposures in external beam radiotherapy. This tender was awarded to a consortium of 6 institutions, including the ESTRO, in late 2011. The project, denominated "ACCIRAD", recently finished the data collection phase. Data were collected by surveys administered in 38 European countries. Results indicate non-uniform implementation of event registration and classification, as well as incomplete or zero implementation of risk assessment and events analysis. Based on the survey results and analysis thereof, project leaders are currently drafting proposed guidelines entitled "Guidelines for patient safety in external beam radiotherapy - Guidelines on risk assessment and analysis of adverse-error events and near misses". The present article describes the aims and current status of the project, including results of the surveys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Malicki
- Department of Electroradiology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ritva Bly
- Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Andreas Jahnen
- Public Research Centre Henri Tudor, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Marco Krengli
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Hospital "Maggiore della Carità", Novara, Italy
| | - Philippe Maingon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centre Georges-François LECLERC, Dijon, France
| | | | | | - Agnieszka Skrobała
- Department of Electroradiology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marc Valero
- Nuclear Safety Authority - ASN, Paris, France
| | - Hannu Jarvinen
- Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Reinfuss M, Byrski E, Malicki J. Radiotherapy facilities, equipment, and staffing in Poland: 2005-2011. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2013; 18:159-72. [PMID: 24416548 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpor.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To evaluate the current status of radiotherapy facilities, staffing, and equipment, treatment and patients in Poland for the years 2005-2011 following implementation of the National Cancer Programme. METHODS A survey was sent to the radiotherapy centres in Poland to collect data on available equipment, staffing, and treatments in the years 2005-2011. RESULTS In 2011, 76,000 patients were treated with radiotherapy at 32 centres vs. 63,000 patients at 23 centres in 2005. Number of patients increased by 21%. In 2011, there were 453 radiation oncologists - specialists (1 in 168 patients), 325 medical physicists (1 in 215 patients), and 883 radiotherapy technicians (1 in 86 patients) vs. 320, 188, and 652, respectively, in 2005. The number of linear accelerators increased by 60%, from 70 units in 2005 to 112 in 2011. The current linac/patient ratio in Poland is 1 linac per 678 patients. Waiting times from diagnosis to the start of treatment has decreased. CONCLUSION Compared to 2005, there are more treatment facilities, more and better equipment (linacs), and more cancer care specialists. There are still large differences between the 16 Polish provinces in terms of equipment availability and ease of access to treatment. However, radiotherapy services in Poland have improved dramatically since the year 2005.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marian Reinfuss
- Center of Oncology - Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute, Krakow, Poland
| | - Edward Byrski
- Center of Oncology - Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute, Krakow, Poland
| | - Julian Malicki
- Medical Physics Department, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poland ; Electroradiology Department, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland ; Medical Physics Department, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|