Attitudes of Canadian radiation oncologists towards post-lumpectomy radiotherapy for elderly women with stage I hormone-responsive breast cancer

Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2010 Mar;22(2):97-106. doi: 10.1016/j.clon.2009.10.001. Epub 2009 Nov 1.

Abstract

Aims: Post-lumpectomy breast radiation is the standard of care for all patient subgroups. However, elderly women with stage I breast cancer on adjuvant tamoxifen therapy have a 4% risk of local recurrence after lumpectomy without adjuvant breast radiation. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes of Canadian radiation oncologists who treat breast cancer with respect to their use of adjuvant post-lumpectomy radiotherapy, and their willingness to implement a decision aid for this patient population.

Materials and methods: The questionnaire was mailed to 141 Canadian radiation oncologists who treat breast cancer. The respondents were asked to complete an online survey consisting of four parts: (1) demographic information; (2) factors determining post-lumpectomy radiation treatment decisions; (3) hypothetical case scenarios; (4) interest in using a decision aid in their practice.

Results: Among the 61 (43%) physicians who completed the survey, there was substantial response variation. After contraindications to radiotherapy, patient overall health and patient preference had the greatest influence on their decision to offer radiotherapy to this patient subgroup. Margin status and use of hormonal therapy were given less importance. For each of the case scenarios, 60-83% of physicians (depending on the case scenario) would offer the patient a choice; far fewer (12-57%) would be comfortable not irradiating. Sixty-four per cent of respondents welcomed the concept of a decision aid for this population.

Conclusions: Although there is significant variation in practice patterns and attitudes among radiation oncologists regarding post-lumpectomy radiotherapy for elderly, low-risk breast cancer patients, the vast majority value patient choice and would be willing to use a decision aid designed for this population in their practice.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Kanada
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / radiotherapy*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mastectomy, Segmental*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / radiotherapy*
  • Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / surgery
  • Postoperative Period
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Radiation Oncology*
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome