1
|
Gan DEH, Bustam AZ. Cancer trend and radiotherapy utilization at a tertiary academic hospital in Malaysia. J Cancer Res Ther 2024; 20:358-362. [PMID: 38554346 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1953_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the trend of cancer cases referred to the Department of Clinical Oncology in UMMC in terms of patient volumes over a period of 10 years. To define the stage at presentation of the top five cancers in males and females, respectively. To determine the overall radiotherapy utilization rates. METHODS AND MATERIAL This is a retrospective analysis of all new cases seen at the Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), from the year 2009 to 2018 inclusive. The top five cancers in males and females were defined in terms of patient volumes and stage at presentation. The overall actual radiotherapy utilization rates were determined. RESULTS A total of 12,672 patients were included for analysis. A total of 62.9% of the cases were females and 37.1% were males. The median age of presentation was 59 years old. Breast cancer was the most common cancer, followed by colorectal, lung, thyroid, and prostate cancer. The most common presenting stage was stage 4. The overall actual radiotherapy utilization rate (aRTU) was 40.1%. Curative intent makes up 74.3% of radiotherapy and 66.6% of chemotherapy utilization. CONCLUSIONS The cancer distribution and trends among our patients are comparable with national and regional data. The overall actual radiotherapy utilization rate in the UMMC was lower than the estimated optimal rate of 53% but higher than the actual rate of 28% for Malaysia. This study provides valuable insight into current cancer trends and treatment demands to facilitate service planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E H Gan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Jln Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ong WL, Finn N, Te Marvelde L, Hornby C, Milne RL, Hanna GG, Pitson G, Elsaleh H, Millar JL, Foroudi F. Disparities in radiation therapy utilization for cancer patients in Victoria. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 66:830-839. [PMID: 35357080 PMCID: PMC9543524 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction To evaluate the proportion of cancer patients who received radiation therapy (RT) within 12 months of cancer diagnosis (RTU12) and identify factors associated with RTU12. Methods This is a population‐based cohort of individuals with incident cancer, diagnosed between 2013 and 2017 in Victoria. Data linkages were performed between the Victorian Cancer Registry and Victorian Radiotherapy Minimum Dataset. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who had RTU12. For the three most common cancers (i.e., prostate, breast and lung cancer), the time trend in RTU12 and factors associated with RTU12 were evaluated. Results The overall RTU12 in our study cohort was 26–20% radical RT and 6% palliative RT. Of the 21,735 men with prostate cancer, RTU12 was 17%, with no significant change over time (P‐trend = 0.53). In multivariate analyses, increasing age and lower socioeconomic status were independently associated with higher RTU12 for prostate cancer. Of the 20,883 women with breast cancer, RTU12 was 64%, which increased from 62% in 2013 to 65% in 2017 (P‐trend < 0.05). In multivariate analyses, age, socioeconomic status and area of residency were independently associated with RTU12 for breast cancer. Of the 13,093 patients with lung cancer, RTU12 was 42%, with no significant change over time (P‐trend = 0.16). In multivariate analyses, younger age, male and lower socioeconomic status were independently associated with higher RTU12. Conclusion In this large population‐based state‐wide cohort of cancer patients, only 1 in 4 had RT within 12 months of diagnosis. There were marked sociodemographic disparities in RTU12 for prostate, breast and lung cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wee Loon Ong
- Alfred Health Radiation Oncology Services, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Victoria, UK
| | - Norah Finn
- Victorian Cancer Registry, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luc Te Marvelde
- Victorian Cancer Registry, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin Hornby
- Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roger L Milne
- Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Precision Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gerard G Hanna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graham Pitson
- Department of Cancer Services, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hany Elsaleh
- Alfred Health Radiation Oncology Services, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeremy L Millar
- Alfred Health Radiation Oncology Services, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Farshad Foroudi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Provincial variations in radiotherapy utilization as a measure of access: a pan-Canadian study. Radiother Oncol 2021; 167:122-126. [PMID: 34942281 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Access to radiotherapy (RT) is a key component of a cancer control strategy. However, radiotherapy utilization (RTU) rates fall short of desired benchmarks in certain Canadian provinces. We aimed to describe provincial variations in RTU across Canada. MATERIALS AND METHODS We calculated radiotherapy utilization ratios (RTUR) for each Canadian province from 2016 (RT case counts divided by incidence counts), by cancer type (all cancers, lung, breast, rectal, prostate) and treatment intent (curative, palliative) where data were available. Data were extracted from each provincial RT data repository, cancer registry and/or RT department. We compared RTURs descriptively across provinces and to Ontario benchmarks, and calculated an estimated national RTUR. In provinces with capacity for data linkage, RTURs were compared to a linked (patient-specific) method of calculating utilization, by linking each incident case to whether RT was received within 1 year of diagnosis (RTU-1yr). RESULTS Excluding three provinces that included re-treatments, all-cancer RTURs ranged from 0.31 in Manitoba to 0.40 in Nova Scotia. The national all-cancer RTUR was 0.35, which was comparable to Ontario benchmarks (0.34). Larger variations were seen by cancer type, with an absolute difference in RTURs of 28% for lung cancers, 27% for breast cancers, 21% for rectal cancers, and 18% for prostate cancers. RTURs for nearly all provinces were below established Ontario benchmarks for each cancer type, except prostate cancer. RTURs over-estimated RTU-1yr by at most 5%, except for prostate cancers where they over-estimated RTU-1yr by up to 15%. CONCLUSIONS RTU varies by province in Canada, and most notably by cancer subsite. More granular data at the regional level and by healthcare facility is required to further tailor strategies aimed at improving RT access. RTURs also serve as a reasonable surrogate for linked RTU, and both methods can contribute meaningfully to measure RTU depending on the context and data availability.
Collapse
|
4
|
Actual Versus Optimal Radiotherapy Utilisation for Metastatic Cancer Patients in the 45 and Up Study Cohort, New South Wales. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2021; 33:650-660. [PMID: 33750600 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Radiotherapy can provide quality of life and/or survival benefits to patients with metastatic cancer on diagnosis (MCOD). However, little is known about radiotherapy utilisation in this population. We compared the optimal radiotherapy rates with actual uptake for people who present with MCOD in the 45 and Up Study cohort, and examined factors associated with utilisation. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 267 153 individuals aged ≥45 enrolled in the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study completed a baseline questionnaire during 2006-2009, providing sociodemographic and health information and consent for linkage to administrative health databases. Participants diagnosed up to December 2013 with MCOD were identified in the New South Wales Cancer Registry. Radiotherapy receipt was determined from claims to the Medicare Benefits Schedule and/or records in the New South Wales Admitted Patient Data Collection (2006 to June 2016). The Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation optimal utilisation model was adapted for patients with MCOD to provide a benchmark. RESULTS Of 17 687 participants diagnosed with cancer after completion of the baseline questionnaire, 2392 had MCOD. Of patients with MCOD, 25% had primary lung cancer, which was the most common site. The actual radiotherapy utilisation rate for all patients was 32.3%, lower than the optimal of 45.0%. From multivariable analysis, patients who were aged ≥80 years and/or needed help with daily tasks and/or had a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2 were less likely to receive radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Actual uptake of radiotherapy was below optimal. Elderly patients and/or those with more comorbidities were less likely to receive radiotherapy. These results suggest a potential role for advocacy and education around radiotherapy for these patient groups.
Collapse
|
5
|
Yap ML, O'Connell DL, Goldsbury DE, Weber MF, Smith DP, Barton MB. Patterns of care for men with prostate cancer: the 45 and Up Study. Med J Aust 2021; 214:271-278. [PMID: 33665811 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe patterns of care in New South Wales for men with prostate cancer, and to ascertain factors associated with receiving different types of treatment. DESIGN Individual patient data record linkage study. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS 4003 New South Wales men aged 45 years or more enrolled in the population-based 45 and Up Study in whom prostate cancer was first diagnosed during 2006-2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prostate cancer treatment type received; factors statistically associated with treatment received; proportions of patients who consulted radiation oncologists prior to treatment. RESULTS In total, 1619 of 4003 patients underwent radical prostatectomy (40%), 893 external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (22%), 183 brachytherapy (5%), 87 chemotherapy (2%), 373 androgen deprivation therapy alone (9%), and 848 no active treatment (21%). 205 of 1628 patients who had radical prostatectomies (13%) had radiation oncology consultations prior to surgery. Radical prostatectomy was more likely for patients aged 45-59 years, with regional stage disease, living 100 km or more from the nearest radiotherapy centre, having partners, or having private health insurance, while lower physical functioning, obesity, and living in areas of greater socio-economic disadvantage reduced the likelihood. EBRT was more likely for patients aged 70-79 years, with non-localised or unknown stage disease, living less than 100 km from the nearest radiotherapy centre, or not having private health insurance, while the likelihood was lower for patients aged 45-59 years or more than 80 years and for those who had several comorbid conditions. CONCLUSIONS Men with prostate cancer were twice as likely to have radical prostatectomy as to receive EBRT, and fewer than one in seven had consulted radiation oncologists prior to prostatectomy. The treatment received was influenced by several socio-demographic factors. Given the treatment-specific side effects and costs, policies that affect access to different treatments for prostate cancer should be reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Ling Yap
- Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation (CCORE), Ingham Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW.,Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW.,University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | | | | | - Marianne F Weber
- Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW.,University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | - David P Smith
- Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW.,University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | - Michael B Barton
- Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation (CCORE), Ingham Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yap ML, O'Connell DL, Goldsbury D, Weber M, Barton M. Factors Associated With Radiotherapy Utilisation In New South Wales, Australia: Results From The 45 and Up Study. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2020; 32:282-291. [PMID: 32007353 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Actual radiotherapy utilisation rates tend to be lower than the estimated optimal rates. Little is known about the factors contributing to this difference. Our aim was to identify factors associated with radiotherapy receipt for a cohort of cancer patients in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 267 153 participants in the NSW 45 and Up Study completed a questionnaire during 2006-2009 providing detailed health and socio-demographic information and consented to record linkage with administrative health datasets. Single primary cancers diagnosed after study enrolment were identified through linkage with the NSW Cancer Registry to December 2013. Radiotherapy receipt was determined from claims to the Medicare Benefits Schedule and/or records in the NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection (2006 to June 2016). Competing risks regression was used to examine associations between health and socio-demographic characteristics and radiotherapy treatment. RESULTS Of 17 873 patients with an incident cancer, 5414 (30.3%) received radiotherapy during follow-up (median 5.3 years). Patients less likely to receive radiotherapy were aged <60 or 80+ years, female, had a Charlson co-morbidity index of 1+, needed help with daily tasks or lived ≥100 km from the nearest radiotherapy centre. CONCLUSION Distinct subgroups of patients are less likely to receive radiotherapy. Advocacy and/or policy changes are needed to improve access.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M L Yap
- Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation (CCORE), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Liverpool and Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia; Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Kings Cross, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School - Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - D L O'Connell
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Kings Cross, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School - Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - D Goldsbury
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Kings Cross, NSW, Australia
| | - M Weber
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Kings Cross, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School - Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M Barton
- Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation (CCORE), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Liverpool and Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu W, Liu A, Chan J, Boldt RG, Munoz-Schuffenegger P, Louie AV. What is the optimal radiotherapy utilization rate for lung cancer?-a systematic review. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2019; 8:S163-S171. [PMID: 31673521 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2019.08.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Although radiotherapy (RT) may be beneficial in the radical and/or palliative management of many lung cancer patients, it is underutilized worldwide. Population-level development of RT resources requires estimates of optimal radiotherapy utilization rates (ORUR) and actual radiotherapy utilization rate (ARUR). A systematic review of PubMed database for English-language articles from January 2009 to January 2019 was performed. Keywords included utilization, underutilization, demand, epidemiologic, benchmark, RT and cancer. Data abstracted included: study population, diagnosis, stage, year of diagnosis, timing of RT, intent of RT, ARUR, and ORUR. Eligible studies provided ARUR or ORUR for lung cancer, small cell lung cancer (SCLC), or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Included ARUR were based on at least 1,000 patients who were diagnosed or treated in 2009 or later. Included ORUR were based on evidence review or ARUR in 2009 or later. The initial search strategy yielded 1,627 unique abstracts. After review, 105 articles were determined appropriate for full-text review. From these, a final set of 21 articles met all inclusion criteria. In eight papers, ORUR was estimated. Estimated lifetime ORUR ranged from 61% to 82%. Methods for estimation included the evidence-based guideline model, Malthus model, and criterion-based benchmarking (CBB) model. The majority of estimates (6/8) used the evidence-based guideline model. Fifteen papers provided ARUR on lung cancer, inclusive of SCLC and NSCLC. ARUR within 9 months to 1 year of diagnosis ranged from 39% to 46%. Lifetime ARUR was an estimated 52% in Ontario, Canada. Palliative intent ARUR ranged from 12% in Central Poland to 46% in Ontario, Canada. RT is underutilized for lung cancer globally, and there is wide geographical variation in the level of underutilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Division of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alissa Liu
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Chan
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - R Gabriel Boldt
- Division of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pablo Munoz-Schuffenegger
- Departamento de Hematologia-Oncologia, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Alexander V Louie
- Division of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yu XQ, Goldsbury D, Yap S, Yap ML, O'Connell DL. Contributions of prognostic factors to socioeconomic disparities in cancer survival: protocol for analysis of a cohort with linked data. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030248. [PMID: 31427338 PMCID: PMC6825410 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Socioeconomic disparities in cancer survival have been reported in many developed countries, including Australia. Although some international studies have investigated the determinants of these socioeconomic disparities, most previous Australian studies have been descriptive, as only limited relevant data are generally available. Here, we describe a protocol for a study to use data from a large-scale Australian cohort linked with several other health-related databases to investigate several groups of factors associated with socioeconomic disparities in cancer survival in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and quantify their contributions to the survival disparities. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study participants completed a baseline questionnaire during 2006-2009. Those who were subsequently diagnosed with cancer of the colon, rectum, lung or female breast will be included. This study sample will be identified by linkage with NSW Cancer Registry data for 2006-2013, and their vital status will be determined by linking with cause of death records up to 31 December 2015. The study cohort will be divided into four groups based on each of the individual education level and an area-based socioeconomic measure. The treatment received will be obtained through linking with hospital records and Medicare and pharmaceutical claims data. Cox proportional hazards models will be fitted sequentially to estimate the percentage contributions to overall socioeconomic survival disparities of patient factors, tumour and diagnosis factors, and treatment variables. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This research is covered by ethical approval from the NSW Population and Health Services Research Ethics Committee. Results of the study will be disseminated to different interest groups and organisations through scientific conferences, social media and peer-reviewed articles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Qin Yu
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Goldsbury
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarsha Yap
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mei Ling Yap
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Liverpool and Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dianne L O'Connell
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|