Current technological clinical practice in breast radiotherapy; results of a survey in EORTC-Radiation Oncology Group affiliated institutions

Abstract 

Purpose

To evaluate the current technological clinical practice of radiation therapy of the breast in institutions participating in the EORTC-Radiation Oncology Group (EORTC-ROG).

Materials and methods

A survey was conducted between August 2008 and January 2009 on behalf of the Breast Working Party within the EORTC-ROG. The questionnaire comprised 32 questions on 4 main topics: fractionation schedules, treatment planning methods, volume definitions and position verification procedures.

Results

Sixty-eight institutions out of 16 countries responded (a response rate of 47%). The standard fraction dose was generally 2Gy for both breast and boost treatment, although a 2.67Gy boost fraction dose is routinely given in British institutions. The main boost modality was electrons in 55%, photons in 47% and brachytherapy in 3% of the institutions (equal use of photon and electron irradiation in 5% of the institutions). All institutions used CT-based treatment planning. Wide variations are seen in the definition of the breast and boost target volumes, with margins around the resection cavity, ranging from 0 to 30mm. Inverse planned IMRT is available in 27% and breath-hold techniques in 19% of the institutions. The number of patients treated with IMRT and breath-hold varied per institution. Electronic portal imaging for patient set-up is used by 92% of the institutions.

Conclusions

This survey provides insight in the current practice of radiation technology used in the treatment of breast cancer among institutions participating in EORTC-ROG clinical trials.

Keywords: Breast radiotherapy, Clinical practice, Survey, Radiotherapy technique, EORTC