Utilization of single-fraction radiotherapy for the treatment of bone metastases before and after the “Choosing Wisely” campaign.

Abstract

245 Background: Multiple studies have demonstrated equivalence of single vs. multi-fraction regimens for palliation of uncomplicated bone metastases, but single fraction (SF) radiotherapy (RT) remains under-utilized in the United States. To increase physician and patient awareness of RT options for bone metastases, both AAHPM and ASTRO participated in the “Choosing Wisely” campaign. AAHPM recommended 8 Gy X 1 for uncomplicated bone metastases. ASTRO recommended against routine use of courses > 10 fractions and supported strong consideration for the use of SF RT for patients with limited prognosis or transportation difficulties. To identify possible changes in prescribing patterns following “Choosing Wisely”, we evaluated utilization rates of SF (8 Gy x 1) for treatment of bone metastases via treatment requests submitted for preauthorization over a 3 year period. Methods: A proprietary web-based application (eviti Connect ) enables oncology providers to obtain real time automated precertification for patients insured by payers across the U.S. that utilize the platform. All preauthorization requests for RT of bone metastases were evaluated for the prescription of 8 Gy X 1. The overall rate of SF use was calculated as were quarterly rates within the study period. Results: From 6/1/11-6/30/14 7,524 requests were submitted; 658 were for bone metastases. Overall SF was used in 7.6 % of cases. Prior to Q4 of 2012 no prescriptions for 8 Gy X 1 were used. In 2013 SF was prescribed in 9.6% of cases (30/314): 2.8%, 7.3%, 7% and 20% for Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 respectively. During 2014 use of 8 Gy X 1 was 23.9% in Q1 and 19.5% in Q2. Protracted schedules > 10 treatments were prescribed in 31% of cases, but decreased over the study period (from 40% prior to Q4 2012, to 28% in 2013, and to 23% in the first half of 2014). Conclusions: Within this unique dataset of working aged insured patients, utilization of 8 Gy X 1 for treatment of bone metastases has increased. Increases were most pronounced in 2013. This coincides with the announcement and dissemination of the “Choosing Wisely” initiatives. Longer follow-up is needed to determine if increased provider uptake of SF RT as a componant of patient-centered quality care persists.