Implementation of advanced radiotherapy technology to improve clinical outcomes in rural NSW.

Problem: Availability of advanced radiotherapy technology to treat cancer is limited in regional Australia. At Central West Cancer Care Centre, the utilisation rate of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy was significantly lower compared to other NSW public health services. Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy treatment was not available at Central West Cancer Care Centre.

Efficacy and tolerability of weekly low-dose cisplatin concurrent with radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients.

Aims: In this retrospective analysis, we describe the efficacy and tolerability of weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m(2) used in concurrent chemoradiation of head and neck cancer at the Townsville Cancer Centre.

Methods: Review of medical records of patients who received radical chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer at Townsville Cancer Centre from 2003 to 2009.

Results: In all 102 patients were analysed, 62 of whom had definitive chemoradiation and the remainder adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.