INTRODUCTION:Cancer Australia guidelines recommend that hypofractionation should be considered for women over the age of 50 years with early breast cancer. GenesisCare is the largest provider of radiation therapy services in Australia. This study aimed to investigate variation in hypofractionation across 4 states encompassing the period when the most recent guidelines had been released.METHODS:Patients with T1 N0 and T2 N0 breast cancer who received radiation therapy as adjuvant therapy after breast conservation surgery between 2014 and 2016 were reviewed. Patient, treatment and disease-related variables were included in the univariate and multivariate models together with other potential explanatory variables such as the state, in which the patient was treated, radiation oncologist and distance from the treatment centre.RESULTS:Of 3374 patients included, 44% received a hypofractionated schedule. There was an increase in the use of hypofractionation from 32% in 2014 to 56% in 2016. Older patients were more likely to receive a hypofractionated treatment schedule - 75% for patients 80 years and over. Multivariate modelling revealed older age, year of treatment, higher T stage and grade, chemotherapy and the individual radiation oncologist (and state) as independent predictors of the use of hypofractionation. There was no difference in hypofractionation based on laterality.CONCLUSIONS:Guidelines from Cancer Australia may impact clinician behaviour. The influence of the individual radiation oncologist remains paramount, and their practice is affected by their immediate colleagues. Subsequent analysis of hypofractionation rates after presentation of these data has resulted in a significant increase in its use.

Symptomatic locally advanced skin cancers in frail elderly patients are difficult to treat. Definitive radiotherapy (RT) is an option. Attending for a fully fractionated course of RT can be problematic for patients but also for the families that need to provide transport and care for a traditionally out-patient service. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Australasian RadiologyVolume 46, Issue 1 p. 142-142 Age-Related Macular Degeneration — Current Treatment Concepts Michael A Izard, Michael A IzardSearch for more papers by this author Michael A Izard, Michael A IzardSearch for more papers by this author First published: 10 December 2003 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1673.2001.01021.xCitations: 1Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume46, Issue1March 2002Pages 142-142 RelatedInformation