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Wang CH, Ling HH, Liu MH, Pan YP, Chang PH, Lin YC, Chou WC, Peng CL, Yeh KY. Treatment-Interval Changes in Serum Levels of Albumin and Histidine Correlated with Treatment Interruption in Patients with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Completing Chemoradiotherapy under Recommended Calorie and Protein Provision. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133112. [PMID: 35804884 PMCID: PMC9264877 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated risk factors for treatment interruption (TI) in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC) following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), under the provision of recommended calorie and protein intake; we also evaluated the associations between clinicopathological variables, calorie and protein supply, nutrition–inflammation biomarkers (NIBs), total body composition change (TBC), and a four-serum-amino-acid metabolite panel (histidine, leucine, ornithine, and phenylalanine) among these patients. Patients with LAHNSCC who completed the entire planned CCRT course and received at least 25 kcal/kg/day and 1 g of protein/kg/day during CCRT were prospectively recruited. Clinicopathological variables, anthropometric data, blood NIBs, CCRT-related factors, TBC data, and metabolite panels before and after treatment were collected; 44 patients with LAHNSCC were enrolled. Nine patients (20.4%) experienced TIs. Patients with TIs experienced greater reductions in hemoglobin, serum levels of albumin, uric acid, histidine, and appendicular skeletal mass, and suffered from more grade 3/4 toxicities than those with no TI. Neither increased daily calorie supply (≥30 kcal/kg/day) nor feeding tube placement was correlated with TI. Multivariate analysis showed that treatment-interval changes in serum albumin and histidine levels, but not treatment toxicity, were independently associated with TI. Thus, changes in serum levels of albumin and histidine over the treatment course could cause TI in patients with LAHNSCC following CCRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Hung Wang
- Heart Failure Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan; (C.-H.W.); (M.-H.L.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333007, Taiwan; (H.H.L.); (P.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.); (W.-C.C.)
| | - Hang Huong Ling
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333007, Taiwan; (H.H.L.); (P.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.); (W.-C.C.)
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Min-Hui Liu
- Heart Failure Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan; (C.-H.W.); (M.-H.L.)
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Pan
- Department of Nutrition, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan;
| | - Pei-Hung Chang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333007, Taiwan; (H.H.L.); (P.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.); (W.-C.C.)
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Lin
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333007, Taiwan; (H.H.L.); (P.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.); (W.-C.C.)
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
- Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333007, Taiwan; (H.H.L.); (P.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.); (W.-C.C.)
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333007, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lin Peng
- Taiwan Nutraceutical Association, Taipei 104483, Taiwan;
| | - Kun-Yun Yeh
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333007, Taiwan; (H.H.L.); (P.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.); (W.-C.C.)
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-24329292 (ext. 2360); Fax: +886-2-2435342
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Frata P, Ponticelli P, Cosentino D, Buffoli A, Di Pilla A, Morrica B, Palazzi M. Radiotherapy Resources for the Care of Head and Neck Patients in Italy. A Survey by the Head and Neck Group of the Italian Association for Radiation Oncology (AIRO). TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 94:59-64. [DOI: 10.1177/030089160809400111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aims and background In 2006 a survey was performed to define the resources available in Italy for the provision of radiotherapy services to head and neck cancer patients. This was the first initiative of the newly founded Head and Neck Group of the Italian Association for Radiation Oncology. Methods A questionnaire was sent to all 138 radiotherapy centers active in the country. Items investigated included total numbers of head and neck cancer patients treated per year, waiting time before the start of treatment, general technical issues, and integration with surgery and chemotherapy. Results Sixty-nine questionnaires were returned (50% response rate). The total number of patients treated was 4,670, averaging 68 cases per center. The larynx was the primary site most frequently involved. Average waiting time was 30 days and 47 days for nonresected and postoperative cases, respectively. The combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy was delivered to nonresected and resected patients in 96% and 54% of centers, respectively. Survey response rates, waiting time, and the use of organ preservation protocols were the issues showing more variations across the country. Conclusions This survey provides important data on radiotherapy resources available for head and neck cancer patients in Italy. The evidence of significant differences across the country concerning several relevant issues and the potential for cooperative clinical efforts in this relatively rare group of diseases urge the Group to plan further initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Frata
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Istituto del Radio “O. Alberti”, Brescia University Hospital, Brescia
| | | | | | - Alberto Buffoli
- Unit of Oncological Radiotherapy, Ospedale S. Maria della Misericordia, Udine
| | - Angelo Di Pilla
- Unit of Radiotherapy, Ospedale Clinicizzato SS. Annunziata, Chieti
| | - Brunello Morrica
- Unit of Radiotherapy, Istituto Nazionale Tumori “G. Pascale”, Napoli
| | - Mauro Palazzi
- Unit of Radiotherapy, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Ermiş E, Teo M, Dyker KE, Fosker C, Sen M, Prestwich RJ. Definitive hypofractionated radiotherapy for early glottic carcinoma: experience of 55Gy in 20 fractions. Radiat Oncol 2015; 10:203. [PMID: 26395876 PMCID: PMC4580345 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-015-0505-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A wide variety of fractionation schedules have been employed for the treatment of early glottic cancer. The aim is to report our 10-year experience of using hypofractionated radiotherapy with 55Gy in 20 fractions at 2.75Gy per fraction. Methods Patients treated between 2004 and 2013 with definitive radiotherapy to a dose of 55Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks for T1/2 N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottis were retrospectively identified. Patients with prior therapeutic minor surgery (eg. laser stripping, cordotomy) were included. The probabilities of local control, ultimate local control (including salvage surgery), regional control, cause specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Results One hundred thirty-two patients were identified. Median age was 65 years (range 33–89). Median follow up was 72 months (range 7–124). 50 (38 %), 18 (14 %) and 64 (48 %) of patients had T1a, T1b and T2 disease respectively. Five year local control and ultimate local control rates were: overall - 85.6 % and 97.3 % respectively, T1a - 91.8 % and 100 %, T1b - 81.6 and 93.8 %, and T2 - 80.9 % and 95.8 %. Five year regional control, CSS and OS rates were 95.4 %, 95.7 % and 78.8 % respectively. There were no significant associations of covariates (e.g. T-stage, extent of laryngeal extension, histological grade) with local control on univariate analysis. Only increasing age and transglottic extension in T2 disease were significantly associated with overall survival (both p <0.01). Second primary cancers developed in 17 % of patients. 13 (9.8 %) of patients required enteral tube feeding support during radiotherapy; no patients required long term enteral nutrition. One patient required a tracheostomy due to a non-functioning larynx on long term follow up. Conclusions Hypofractionated radiation therapy with a dose of 55Gy in 20 fractions for early stage glottic cancer provides high rates of local control with acceptable toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekin Ermiş
- Department Of Clinical Oncology, St. James's Institute of Oncology, Level 4, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Mark Teo
- Department Of Clinical Oncology, St. James's Institute of Oncology, Level 4, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Karen E Dyker
- Department Of Clinical Oncology, St. James's Institute of Oncology, Level 4, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Chris Fosker
- Department Of Clinical Oncology, St. James's Institute of Oncology, Level 4, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Mehmet Sen
- Department Of Clinical Oncology, St. James's Institute of Oncology, Level 4, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Robin Jd Prestwich
- Department Of Clinical Oncology, St. James's Institute of Oncology, Level 4, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7TF, UK.
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Roberts N. An evaluation on the impact of national cancer wait targets on a (UK) radiotherapy department. Radiography (Lond) 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Groome P, O’Sullivan B, Mackillop W, Irish J, Schulze K, Jackson L, Bissett R, Dixon P, Eapen L, Gulavita S, Hammond J, Hodson D, Mackenzie R, Schneider K, Warde P. Laryngeal Cancer Treatment and Survival Differences across Regional Cancer Centres in Ontario, Canada. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2011; 23:19-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2010.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Revised: 06/07/2010] [Accepted: 06/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Giddings A. Treatment Interruptions in Radiation Therapy for Head-and-Neck Cancer: Rates and Causes. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2010; 41:222-229. [PMID: 31051883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Revised: 08/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Extending the period over which a course of radiation therapy is delivered can have detrimental effects on treatment success. This is especially true for fast growing tumors of the head-and-neck region. The goal of this study was to establish the rates and causes of treatment interruptions for head-and-neck patients at the Vancouver Cancer Centre of the BC Cancer Agency, and to explore the link between emotional distress and missed appointments. METHODS Head-and-neck patients who had missed treatments other than public holidays were identified using the Oncology Reporting System. The charts of these patients were pulled and examined for cause of treatment interruption. The Psychosocial Screen for Cancer (PSSCAN) found in these patients' charts was used to establish anxiety and depression levels. A random sample of PSSCANs from the charts of patients who had not missed appointments was recorded for comparison. RESULTS Of the 471 head-and-neck patients included in our analysis, 74% had interruptions in treatment. Gaps of greater than three days were present in 11% of treatment courses. The most common cause of treatment breaks was statutory holidays, responsible for 69% of interruptions. The anxiety and depression scores of patients who had missed appointments for reasons other than holidays were not significantly higher than patients who had not missed appointments. CONCLUSION Rates of treatment time extension in Vancouver were higher than expected, given rates reported from other parts of the world. Policies aimed at reducing or compensating for treatment interruptions have been successful elsewhere, and could also be instituted here. Although many published studies have shown emotional distress can lead to noncompliance in health care, this link was not found here. Several weaknesses in our study design may have contributed to the lack of correlation between anxiety and depression and missed appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Giddings
- Vancouver Cancer Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Chan AK, Sanghera P, Choo BA, McConkey C, Mehanna H, Parmar S, Pracy P, Glaholm J, Hartley A. Hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy with concurrent carboplatin for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2010; 23:34-9. [PMID: 20863676 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2010.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy with concurrent carboplatin utilises both advantages of altered fractionation and synchronous chemotherapy to maximise local control in locally advanced head and neck cancer. Such fractionation schedules are increasingly used in the intensity-modulated radiotherapy era and the aim of this study was to determine the outcome of hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy with carboplatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and fifty consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, oropharynx, oral cavity and hypopharynx (International Union Against Cancer [IUAC] stage II-IV) treated with 55Gy in 20 fractions over 25 days with concurrent carboplatin were analysed. Outcome measures were 2 year overall survival, local control and disease-free survival. RESULTS The median follow-up in surviving patients was 25 months. IUAC stages: II n=15; III n=42; IV n=93. Two year overall survival for all patients was 74.9% (95% confidence interval 66.0-81.7%). Two year local control was 78.3% (95% confidence interval 69.6-84.8%). Two year disease-free survival was 67.2% (95% confidence interval 58.3-74.7%). There were 135 patients with stage III and IV disease. For these patients, the 2 year overall survival, local control and disease-free survival were 74.3% (95% confidence interval 64.7-81.6%), 79.1% (95% confidence interval 69.8-85.9%) and 67.6% (95% confidence interval 58.0-75.4%), respectively. Prolonged grade 3 and 4 mucositis seen at ≥4 weeks were present in 9 and 0.7%, respectively. Late feeding dysfunction (determined by dependence on a feeding tube at 1 year) was seen in 13% of the surviving patients at 1 year. CONCLUSION Hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy with concurrent carboplatin achieves a high local control. This regimen should be considered for a radiotherapy dose-escalation study using intensity-modulated radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Chan
- Hall-Edwards Radiotherapy Research Group, The Cancer Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
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Nugent B, Parker MJ, McIntyre IA. Nasogastric tube feeding and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube feeding in patients with head and neck cancer. J Hum Nutr Diet 2010; 23:277-84. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-277x.2010.01047.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Cellular repopulation is one of the most important biological determinants of the clinical outcome of fractionated radiation therapy. A number of randomized controlled trials of altered dose-fractionation have been conducted in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) and the main biological lessons from these are summarised. Data for other tumour histologies are relatively sparse. Further progress in radiotherapy for HNSCC is unlikely to result from altered fractionation alone, but a number of novel strategies for overcoming or exploiting repopulation are being researched. In the next 5 years, the top priorities for clinical and translational research in this field should be the development of clinically applicable predictive assays, functional imaging as an aid to optimize the dose distribution, optimization of combined modality therapies and novel biological strategies specifically targeting tumour cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Bentzen
- Gray Cancer Institute, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood HA6 2JR, UK.
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James N, Williams M, Summers E, Jones K, Cottier B. The Management of Interruptions to Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer: An Audit of the Effectiveness of National Guidelines. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2008; 20:599-605. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2008.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2007] [Revised: 04/05/2008] [Accepted: 05/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
OBJETIVO: Avaliar a ocorrência e as causas de interrupção não-programadas da radioterapia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo realizado no Serviço de Radioterapia do Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, na cidade de São Paulo, SP. Os dados foram obtidos dos prontuários dos 560 pacientes submetidos a radioterapia, de 1º de janeiro de 2005 a 31 de dezembro de 2005. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes qui-quadrado e t Student, e os valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados com significância estatística. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 350 pacientes que interromperam seus tratamentos, o que representou 62,5% do total da amostra. Os motivos foram: manutenção do aparelho (55%), motivos particulares dos pacientes (13%), reações do tratamento ou da associação com quimioterapia (6%), piora clínica (3%), associação de motivos (23%). O intervalo de tempo de interrupção variou de 1 a 24 dias, com média geral de 1,4 dia. Na interrupção de um dia a maior incidência foi ocasionada pela manutenção (84,4%); de dois a cinco dias a interrupção foi causada pela associação de motivos (48,28%). CONCLUSÃO: A causa mais freqüente de interrupção encontrada foi a manutenção preventiva e seu intervalo máximo foi de dois dias.
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Sanghera P, McConkey C, Ho KF, Glaholm J, Hartley A. Hypofractionated Accelerated Radiotherapy With Concurrent Chemotherapy For Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2007; 67:1342-51. [PMID: 17241752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2006.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2006] [Revised: 11/11/2006] [Accepted: 11/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the tumor control rates in locally advanced head-and-neck cancer using accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy with chemotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS The data from patients with squamous cell cancer of the larynx, oropharynx, oral cavity, and hypopharynx (International Union Against Cancer Stage II-IV), who received accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy with chemotherapy between January 1, 1998, and April 1, 2005, were retrospectively analyzed. Two different chemotherapy schedules were used, carboplatin and methotrexate, both single agents administered on an outpatient basis. The endpoints were overall survival, local control, and disease-free survival. RESULTS A total of 81 patients were analyzed. The 2-year overall survival rate was 71.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61.5-81.8%). The 2-year disease-free survival rate was 68.6% (95% CI, 58.4-78.8%). The 2-year local control rate was 75.4% (95% CI, 65.6-85.1%). When excluding patients with Stage II oral cavity, larynx, and hypopharynx tumors, 68 patients remained. For these patients, the 2-year overall survival, local control, and disease-free survival rate was 67.6% (95% CI, 56.0-79.2%), 72.0% (95% CI, 61.0-83.0%), and 64.1% (95% CI, 52.6-75.7%), respectively. CONCLUSION Accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy and synchronous chemotherapy can achieve high tumor control rates while being resource sparing and should be the subject of prospective evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Sanghera
- Cancer Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Research or reality: Within the context of UK radiotherapy and cancer services, where should research and investment be focused to best improve UK treatment outcomes? JOURNAL OF RADIOTHERAPY IN PRACTICE 2007. [DOI: 10.1017/s1460396907005079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPurpose: It is now six years since the publication of the NHS Cancer Plan. During this time, there has been considerable investment and research within UK cancer services. Some progress has been made towards improving treatment outcomes, but obstacles persist. This article explores some recent advances in cancer treatment and considers whether UK cancer treatment outcomes will best improve through the clinical advances being made in cancer research or whether improvement now needs to be more explicitly driven via a strategic approach.Methodology: The article explores this question from two differing perspectives. First, from a research perspective, it reviews briefly the evidence for a selection of clinical advancements in cancer therapy that have all been cited as providing breakthroughs in treatment outcomes. Second, it considers the investment in cancer research within a more strategic context, focusing on the reality of managing an improvement programme in UK cancer services. Here, some of the practical obstacles to improving treatment outcomes are highlighted.Findings: Significant progress has been made over the past six years towards improving UK treatment outcomes. Much of this is a direct result of international advances in clinical research. Further progress, however, is required. This article argues that progress will best be achieved by focusing resources and research investment on tackling some of the endemic strategic obstacles, highlighted in this article, that are the present reality within UK cancer services.
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Stalfors J, Lundberg C, Westin T. Quality assessment of a multidisciplinary tumour meeting for patients with head and neck cancer. Acta Otolaryngol 2007; 127:82-7. [PMID: 17364335 DOI: 10.1080/00016480600740589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck oncology MDT meetings are held in our region to establish a correct diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan for each reviewed patient. The quality of these MDT meetings was assessed based on the following factors: How often can a diagnosis, a TNM-classification and a treatment plan be successfully established from the workup presented at the patient's first MDT meeting? And what are the reasons for failure? Further, how often are the TNM-classification altered at treatment start? All patients (n=329) presented at MDT meetings during one year were included prospectively and data were collected in a protocol. As telemedicine recently was introduced to reduce travel, any eventual impact on quality on decisions with regard to telemedicine were also studied. A diagnosis and a treatment plan could be established for 236 (73%) of 324 patients at the first MDT meeting. TNM classification was revised in four patients (1.4%) before treatment. In conclusion, the validity of decisions made at the MDT meeting is satisfactory, but improvements regarding the quality of workups are possible. The mode of presentation of patients at the MDT meeting was not decisive for the quality of decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joacim Stalfors
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenbur, Sweden.
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Williams MV, James ND, Summers ET, Barrett A, Ash DV. National survey of radiotherapy fractionation practice in 2003. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2006; 18:3-14. [PMID: 16477914 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2005.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To document UK practice in radiotherapy fractionation. METHODS All radiotherapy centres in the UK participated in a 1-week audit from 29 September 2003. Fractionation data were collected for all patients starting external beam radiotherapy. This included 2498 patients who were prescribed 32 547 fractions. RESULTS For the radical treatment of non-skin malignancy (n = 708), the prescribed dose ranged from a single fraction of 8 Gy for total-body irradiation to 75 Gy in 43 fractions for prostate cancer. Postoperative treatment for breast cancer was dominated by three regimens: 40 Gy in 15 fractions; 45 Gy in 20 fractions; and 50 Gy in 25 fractions. Palliative treatment was given in a single fraction to 393 patients (36%) with doses of up to 15 Gy. Three hundred and ninety patients (36%) received four to seven fractions delivering 20-25 Gy. Only 89 patients (8%) received more than 10 fractions with palliative intent but used 29% of such fractions. In the treatment of bone metastases, the most common prescriptions were 8-10 Gy in a single fraction and 20 Gy in five fractions. CONCLUSION UK radiotherapy practice has become more uniform and moved closer to practice in North America and Europe over the past 15 years. For radical radiotherapy, 54% of prescriptions were for a fraction size of 1.8-2.0 Gy but the distribution was bi-modal and 20% of patients were prescribed fraction sizes of 2.7-3.0 Gy. Evidence-based practice now supports hypo-fractionated palliative treatment favouring single fractions for bone metastases and one or two fractions for many patients with advanced lung cancer. Two fractions are advised for some patients with brain metastasis. If these guidelines had been applied uniformly, then the number of treatments prescribed for palliation could have fallen by 36% from 5197 to 3313. This would have represented a 6% reduction in the overall radiotherapy workload. Not all patients are suitable for such hypo-fractionated treatments, but this is an area in which resource use can be improved. In the postoperative management of breast cancer, a change in practice to use 15 fractions uniformly would reduce overall radiotherapy workload by 4%. By contrast, a change to 25 fractions would increase overall workload by 7%.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Williams
- Oncology Centre, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK.
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Martin J, Bowden P, Stephens R, Andrews J, Bishop M. Managing waiting time for radiotherapy: A single machine unit experience. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 49:480-4. [PMID: 16351612 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1673.2005.01502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Waiting time (WT) for radiotherapy (RT) is a significant clinical problem. This paper examines various strategies for managing WT for patients treated with radical and palliative intent in the new setting of a rural single machine unit in Australia. Cohorts of patients undergoing both radical and palliative RT in Bendigo had their WT prospectively recorded. Matched cohorts from the hub centre (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne) treated with palliative intent were also collated. Strategies implemented included a devoted priority meeting, palliative points system, and reallocation of appointment times. The audit was to continue until best practice guidelines were bettered. Three cohorts of patients were compared. There is a significant trend for increasing numbers of patients treated per month since the centre opened (P < 0.0001). The ratio of palliative to radical intent patients remained stable between 46 and 52%. Mean WT for palliative RT reduced from 25 days in the first cohort to 7 days in the final cohort (P < 0.0005). Waiting time for palliative RT was initially longer at Bendigo than the hub centre (P < 0.0005), but by the final cohort there was a non-significant difference favouring the Bendigo cohort (P = 0.26). Waiting time for radical treatment also improved throughout the three cohorts in Bendigo (P < 0.0005). A number of new strategies have successfully resulted in the abolition of lengthy WT for RT in Bendigo despite the increasing demand for the RT service.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Martin
- Peter MacCallum Bendigo Radiotherapy Centre, Bendigo Healthcare Group, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
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Bentzen SM, Heeren G, Cottier B, Slotman B, Glimelius B, Lievens Y, van den Bogaert W. Towards evidence-based guidelines for radiotherapy infrastructure and staffing needs in Europe: the ESTRO QUARTS project. Radiother Oncol 2005; 75:355-65. [PMID: 16086915 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2004.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2004] [Accepted: 12/10/2004] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Adequate and equitable access to radiotherapy (RT) must be a reasonable health care goal for the EU. However, there are large variations among the EU countries and even regional variations within countries in the provision of RT. In this report, we combine the best available evidence on the indications for RT with national epidemiological data to arrive at estimates for the appropriate level of RT infrastructure in the 25 EU countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from three systematic overviews of the best available evidence for the indication for RT in 23 main cancer types are combined with epidemiological data from the EUCAN and GLOBOCAN databases on the crude incidence of each of these cancers in the 25 EU countries. Together with published benchmarks for accelerator throughput this allows estimation of the number of linear accelerators per million people required to facilitate appropriate RT utilization rates in each country. Where possible, the estimates are compared with the detailed data available from Sweden. RESULTS The crude incidence of the main cancer types shows large variation among the 25 EU countries. This reflects in part differences in exposure to aetiological risk factors and partly differences among the countries in population age structure. Correspondingly, the estimate of the required number of linear accelerators per million people showed considerable variation: ranging from 4.0 in Cyprus to 8.1 in Hungary. The average for the 25 countries was 5.9 per million people. These estimates were compared with available national guidelines and actual data on RT infrastructure and large shortfalls were found in many countries. Implications for health economics and capacity planning are briefly discussed. CONCLUSIONS The QUARTS project has developed a model that establishes a direct and transparent link between epidemiological data and indications for RT based on the best available evidence. Comparison of the model estimates with current levels of RT infrastructure has revealed major inequalities in provision of RT in the 25 EU countries. Continuation of this study is recommended as a way of improving RT provision on rational grounds throughout the European community and as a model for health care planning in the EU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren M Bentzen
- Gray Cancer Institute and the Cancer Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, UK.
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González San Segundo C, Calvo Manuel FA, Santos Miranda JA. [Delays and treatment interruptions: difficulties in administering radiotherapy in an ideal time-period]. Clin Transl Oncol 2005; 7:47-54. [PMID: 15899208 DOI: 10.1007/bf02710009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Prescribed total radiation dose should be administered within in a specific time-frame and delays in commencing treatment and/or unplanned interruptions in radiation delivery are unacceptable because, in certain cancer sites, treatment-time prolongation can have a deleterious effect on local tumour control, and on patient outcomes. The present review evaluated the causes of initial treatment delays as well as interruptions in the scheduled radiotherapy. The literature search highlighted a significant concern in avoiding treatment-time prolongation in head and neck, cervix, breast and lung cancer. Among the causes involved in delay in radiotherapy commencement factors such as waiting lists, lack of material and human resources, and an increase complexity in planning, simulation and verification are highlighted. Most authors recommend radiotherapy commencement as soon as possible in radical (exclusive irradiation with active tumour present) and palliative situations with a maximum delay of no more than 6 to 8 weeks in the case of adjuvant radiotherapy (post-resection) programs. Interruptions during the course of treatment include: planned unit maintenance and servicing, acute patient toxicity or unexpected malfunction of linear accelerators; this last feature has the most deleterious effect on patients as well as radiotherapy practitioners. Interruptions that impact on the programmed time-course for radiotherapy needs to be compensated-for so as assure the biological equivalence in treatment efficacy with respect to cancer site and stage.
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Martin JM, Ryan G, Duchesne G. Clinical Prioritisation for Curative Radiotherapy: A Local Waiting List Initiative. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2004; 16:299-306. [PMID: 15214655 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2003.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Waiting time for radiotherapy is a major problem in radiation oncology practice. The aim of this paper is to present the experience of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in trialling a number of strategies to reduce patient waiting times. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients starting megavoltage radiotherapy with curative intent in three separate 1-week blocks had their waiting times recorded. The cohorts were each 8 weeks apart and were before (September), during (November) and after (January) the introduction of a priority points system. RESULTS Median waiting time was 35 days in September, 42 days in November and 31 days in January. The number of extremely long waits (>90 days) decreased to 1 by January. Significantly more patients were pre-booked for treatment in January (27/51) compared with September (17/65; P = 0.003) and November (12/65; P < 0.001). Pre-booked patients had shorter waiting times compared with patients who was not pre-booked (P < 0.0001). Difficulties at one particular treating location contributed to the longer median waiting times in November. Although there had no significant difference in waiting time in non-breast unit patients between the three cohorts, there was a decrease in waiting times in breast unit patients, especially between November and January (P = 0.0008). There was no significant increase in delay to starting treatment in other treating units, resulting in more equitable access across all units. CONCLUSIONS A combination of encouraging pre-booking and the introduction of a priority points system has led to a decrease in waiting times, especially among breast unit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Martin
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Andrews Place, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Hunter RD. Increasing delays in starting radical radiotherapy treatment--the challenges. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2003; 15:39-40. [PMID: 12708708 DOI: 10.1053/clon.2003.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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