An evaluation of radiation therapy patient body mass index trends and potential impact on departmental resource planning

Abstract

Introduction: Radiation therapy (RT) offers a less invasive management option for bariatric cancer patients. As the proportion of Australians categorised overweight or obese approaches 70%, it is not well understood how this growth will impact RT departments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current and potential future body mass index (BMI) of RT patients at one centre, with the purpose of identifying variables that may impact resource planning decisions. Methods: De-identified demographic data including gender, age, diagnosis code, activity code and BMI were obtained from MOSAIQâ oncology information system for 5548 courses of RT commenced between 2017 and 2020, and retrospectively analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Simple and multiple linear regression was used to analyse for statistically significant relationships between variables. Results: Of all patient courses, 64% were overweight or obese. Average BMI increased over time by 0.3 kg/m 2 per year. Courses related to the young and elderly had a lower average BMI. Breast, brain/skull, and pelvis/prostate treatment sites had a significant association with a higher average BMI. Thorax treatment sites had a lower average BMI, but this average is increasing at the fastest rate of all treatment sites. Prone breast courses had an average BMI 5.58 kg/m 2 higher than IMRT/VMAT courses. Conclusion: Results demonstrate that patient BMI is increasing. Resources related to breast courses (breast board, prone board) and thorax courses (lung board) may experience increased strain in the future. Modifications to department workflow and scheduling are likely required. Further research into staffing implications is recommended.

Letter in response to Laing et al., “An evaluation of radiation therapy patient body mass index trends and potential impact on departmental resource planning”

“…We read with interest the recent publication by Laing et al, "An evaluation of radiation therapy patient body mass index trends and potential impact on departmental resource planning". 1 We are currently conducting a scoping review of medical radiation sciences research associated with largebodied patients. This review revealed many papers, such as this one, written with a deficit based lens.…”

“…We read with interest the recent publication by Laing et al ., “An evaluation of radiation therapy patient body mass index trends and potential impact on departmental resource planning”. 1 …”

Response to Letter to the Editor: An evaluation of radiation therapy patient body mass index (BMI) trends and potential impact on departmental resource planning

“…We greatly appreciate the recent letter to the editor in response to our publication "An evaluation of radiation therapy patient body mass index trends and potential impact on departmental resource planning", 1 and welcome the opportunity to respond.…”