Austrian breast cancer patterns-of-care studies PCS93 and PCS01 versus PCS85 to identify changes in national practice.

Purpose: To determine the patterns of evaluation and treatment in Austrian breast cancer patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy in 1993 (PCS93) and 2001 (PCS01), and to compare these with the results of PCS85.

Material And Methods: According to the evaluation process of the Austrian PCS85, ten randomly selected patient charts from every Austrian radiotherapy center from 1993 (n=100) as well as 2001 (n=120) were reviewed. The work-up included surgical and (histo)pathologic information, systemic therapy and detailed information on radiation therapy.

Results: Availability of histopathologic core data improved distinctly between 1985 and 2001. In 1985, treatment planning included fluoroscopic simulation and/or computed tomography in 55% of the cases as compared to 100% in 2001. The technical equipment in Austria changed distinctly. In 2001, 84% of the breast/chest wall fields and all regional node fields (+/- electrons) were treated by photons. Radiotherapy of the supraclavicular (77% vs. 28%), internal mammary (62% vs. 7.5%) and axillary nodes (51% vs. 5%) diminished from 1985 to 2001. A tumor bed boost was given in 34% of the patients in 1985 compared to 73% in 2001. The use of wedges (21% vs. 97%) and the number of port films (26% vs. 90%) increased substantially.

Conclusion: Comparing both recent Austrian Patterns-of-Care surveys to the results obtained in 1985, an obvious increase in the quality level of histopathologic reporting as well as radiation treatment planning and delivery was found.