Title of article :
A Nationwide Survey of UK Oncologists’ Views onthe Choice of Radiotherapy Regime for the ReconstructedChest Wall in Breast Cancer Patients
Author/Authors :
Davis, Nicola Kent Oncology Centre - Maidstone Hospital - Maidstone, UK , Jyothirmayi, Rema Kent Oncology Centre - Maidstone Hospital - Maidstone, UK
Abstract :
Aims. This paper describes a UK survey of the choice of radiotherapy regime for the reconstructed chest wall in breast cancerpatients. Questions focused on which fractionation regime consultants choose, their reasons for this, whether the type ofreconstruction influences their choice, and whether bolus is used in patients who have undergone immediate reconstructive surgery.Materials and Methods. Between July 2014 and July 2015 a survey was sent by email to UK consultant radiation oncologists treatingbreast cancer.Results.Theresponseratewas73%.67%ofrespondentsuse40Gray(Gy)in15fractions,with22%using50Gyin 25 fractions and 7% using other regimes. For 90% of consultants the type of reconstruction did not influence their decisionregarding choice of fractionation. 83% of respondents do not usually use a bolus for chest wall radiotherapy in patients who havehad immediate reconstructive surgery.Conclusions. This survey illustrates there is variation in practice in the management ofpatients with breast cancer who have undergone immediate reconstructive surgery in the UK. There is a need for further researchto determine which fractionation regime is optimal, whether the type of surgery is relevant, and whether bolus should be added.
Keywords :
Nationwide Survey , UK Oncologists’ Views , Choice , Radiotherapy Regime , Reconstructed , Chest Wall , Breast Cancer , Patients
Journal title :
International Journal of Breast Cancer