Abstract
We set out to review the Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program (rrrp). We retrospectively reviewed a prospective database of patients referred to the rrrp between August 1, 2008, and June 30, 2012, extracting patient demographics, case dispositions, and wait times in days from referral to consultation and from consultation to treatment. Of 2742 patients referred to the rrrp, 1458 (53%) were men, and 1284 (47%) were women. Median age was 64 years. The most prevalent primary cancer sites were lung (33%), breast (21%), and prostate (17%). The most common reasons for referral were bone metastases (53%) and brain metastases (21%). Palliative radiation therapy was given to 1890 patients. The median wait time from referral to consultation was 3 days. Among treated patients, 60% were treated on the day of their consultation, and 33%, within 1-6 days. The rrrp continues to deliver timely palliative radiation therapy to patients, comparable to earlier reviews. The continued success of the rrrp will remain a model for future rapid-access palliative radiation therapy clinics.
Highlights
Radiation therapy is used in approximately half of all cancer patients at some point in their lifetime[1]
The continued success of the rrrp will remain a model for future rapid-access palliative radiation therapy clinics
Radiation therapy is used with a palliative intent in approximately 40%–50% of patients referred to radiation oncology clinics[1,2]
Summary
Radiation therapy is used in approximately half of all cancer patients at some point in their lifetime[1]. Cancer Care Ontario established wait time targets from planning to treatment for patients in Ontario receiving radiation therapy based on priority categories. It recommends a wait time of 1 day for patients with an immediate life-threatening condition such as spinal cord compression resulting in neurologic compromise. The delivery of timely palliative radiation therapy to patients in Ontario continues to be an issue of concern because of limitations in resources, equipment, and personnel[7]. Prolonged wait times are not an issue confined to Ontario; countries including England and Australia are dealing with the same problem[8]
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