The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of carcinoma of the prostate: a survey of clinical practices in Lombardy, Italy, by the AIRO-Lombardia Cooperative Group. Italian Association for Radiation Oncology

Tumori. 1998 Nov-Dec;84(6):636-9. doi: 10.1177/030089169808400604.

Abstract

Aims and background: We report the results of a survey performed in 1994 by the AIRO-Lombardia Cooperative Group, on the clinical patterns of radiation treatment for prostatic carcinoma in Lombardy, Italy, involving all radiotherapy centers serving an overall local population of about 8,800,000 people.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to all 13 radiotherapy centers throughout Lombardy, asking for demographic and treatment details concerning the local population of patients with a localized (T1-4, N0-1, M0) carcinoma of the prostate treated with radiotherapy; 12 centers responded, making the basis for the present report.

Results: Analysis of collected data showed that in Lombardy: a) approximately 400 patients per year are irradiated for a localized carcinoma of the prostate, accounting for less than 30% of the total expected number of patients with this disease presentation; b) a complete staging (with PSA, transrectal ultrasonography, abdomino-pelvic CT or MRI scan and total-body bone scan) is performed in over 95% of patients before initiating radiotherapy; c) significant differences exist between radiotherapy centers as regards treatment planning and delivery.

Conclusions: An urgent need exists for implementing procedures aimed at standardizing radiotherapy procedures within Lombardy.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome