Speaker
Description
Introduction: The aim of this study is to give an overview of the current patterns of practice in radiotherapy for breast cancer management in Asia.
Methods: A survey was conducted during the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)/ Regional Radiation Oncology Societies (RCA) Kick-off and Project Coordination Meeting in Gunma, Japan last May 2018.
Results: The survey had a 95% response rate. Out of the 19 respondents, 18 respondents were from Asia and 1 from Oceania. Majority of the participants came from lower middle income countries (56%) and are government operated facilities (89%). Most of the breast cancer patients were diagnosed with locally advanced disease (78%). Surgical procedures for early staged breast cancer (stage I-II) were usually via breast conserving surgery (71%) while locally advanced stage diseases were mostly treated with modified radical mastectomy (90%).
In terms of radiotherapy, early and locally advanced breast cancer patients were predominantly treated using external beam radiation in 82% and 95%, respectively. Majority of which were 3D-CRT in 45% and 41%, respectively. Most radiation oncologists still utilize conventional fractionation (mostly 50 Gy in 25 fractions) in treating early (50%) and locally advanced diseases (60%). However, hypofractionation (mostly 40 Gy in 15 fractions) are increasingly being adopted in 45% and 50%, respectively. Timing of radiotherapy usually starts at 4-6 weeks after chemotherapy or surgery (83%) and more than half reported to deliver adjuvant radiotherapy after breast reconstruction or flap placement. Most common acute side effect of breast radiotherapy is radiation dermatitis (94%) while the most common chronic side effect is telangiectasia (47%).
Conclusion: Patterns of practice for breast radiotherapy are widely varied in Asia. Technological advancements, accessibility to treatment, socioeconomic status, and, physician and patients’ choice contribute to the different practices employed in breast cancer radiotherapy in Asia.
| Country or Int. Organization | Philippines |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | St. Luke’s Medical Center |
