Development of an age- and comorbidity- adjusted optimal radiotherapy utilisation rate for lung, rectal, prostate and cervical cancers.

Introduction: Optimal radiotherapy utilisation (RTU) modelling estimates the proportion of people with cancer who would benefit from radiotherapy. Assessment of comorbidities is an important component of the assessment of suitability for radiotherapy in addition to chronological age and life expectancy. Comorbidities have not been considered in previous optimal RTU models.

Gender diversity and leadership in Radiation Oncology in Australia and New Zealand.

Introduction: There has been a groundswell of discussion and activism surrounding gender diversity. Given the growing importance of this issue, a working group was established under the Faculty of Radiation Oncology (FRO) of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists' (RANZCR) Economics and Workforce Committee (EWC) to review the current status of gender diversity within radiation oncology (RO) in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods: De-identified data were provided from two recent FRO workforce censuses conducted in 2014 and 2018 with permission from the EWC.

Radiotherapy utilisation rates for patients with cancer as a function of age: A systematic review.

Introduction: There is an increasing incidence of cancer in older people, but limited data on radiotherapy uptake, and in particular, radiotherapy utilisation (RTU) rates. The RTU rate for older adults with cancer may be lower than recommended due to lower tolerance for radiotherapy as well as additional comorbidities, reduced life expectancy and travel for treatment. Radiotherapy use must be aligned with best available, age-specific evidence to ensure older adults with cancer receive optimal benefit without harms.

Development of an age- and comorbidity adjusted- optimal radiotherapy utilisation rate for women with breast cancer.

Introduction: Optimal radiotherapy utilisation (RTU) modelling estimates the proportion of people with cancer who would benefit from radiotherapy. Older adults with cancer may have comorbidities that can impact physiological reserve and affect radiotherapy recommendations. These have not been considered in previous models.

Factors affecting radiotherapy utilisation in geriatric oncology patients in NSW, Australia.

Background And Purpose: Large non-age-specific radiotherapy utilisation rate (RTU) studies have demonstrated that actual RTU is below the optimal recommended utilisation rate for both curative and palliative intent radiotherapy indications. The optimal utilisation rate for the geriatric oncology cohort of patients has not yet been determined. The purpose of this research was to examine the actual RTU for patients treated in New South Wales (NSW), Australia as a function of increasing age, and the relationship between RTU and tumour site, travelling distance and socio-economic status.

Breast interest group faculty of radiation oncology: Australian and New Zealand patterns of practice survey on breast radiotherapy.

Introduction: This patterns of practice study was conducted on behalf of the RANZCR Breast Interest Group in order to document current radiotherapy practices for breast cancer in Australia and New Zealand. The survey identifies variations and highlights potential contentious aspects of radiotherapy management of breast cancer.

Methods: A fifty-eight question survey was disseminated via the Survey Monkey digital platform to 388 Radiation Oncologists in Australia and New Zealand.