AI Article Synopsis
- - The study estimates the necessary number of radiotherapy fractions for cancer treatment across Europe in 2012 and projects it for 2025, indicating a significant rise in treatment needs.
- - Data from the GLOBOCAN database and the CCORE model reveal that about 30 million fractions were estimated in 2012, with a projected increase of 16.1% by 2025, varying by country and tumor type.
- - The discussion highlights the importance of aligning increasing treatment demands with evolving approaches to radiotherapy, such as hypofractionation, and the need for enhanced quality assurance in resource planning.
Article Abstract
Background And Purpose: The optimal number of radiotherapy fractions is a relevant input for planning resource needs. An estimation of the total number of fractions by country and tumour site is assessed for 2012 and 2025.
Methods: European cancer incidence data by tumour site and country for 2012 and 2025 were extracted from the GLOBOCAN database. Incidence and stage data were introduced in the Australian Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CCORE) model, producing an evidence-based proportion of incident cases with an indication for radiotherapy and fractions by indication. An indication was defined as a clinical situation in which radiotherapy was the treatment of choice.
Results: The total number of fractions if radiotherapy was given according to guidelines to all patients with an indication in Europe was estimated to be 30 million for 2012; with a forecasted increase of 16.1% by 2025, yet with differences by country and tumour. The average number of fractions per course was 17.6 with a small range of differences following stage at diagnosis. Among the treatments with radical intent the average was 24 fractions, while it decreased to 2.5 among palliative treatments.
Discussion: An increase in the total number of fractions is expected in many European countries in the coming years following the trends in cancer incidence. In planning radiotherapy resources, these increases should be balanced to the evolution towards hypofractionation, along with increased complexity and quality assurance.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2017.11.009 | DOI Listing |
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