Prevalence of Palliative Radiotherapy Abstracts Presented at Annual Scientific Meetings of the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology: 2009-2020

Abstract

genitourinary, 4.9% small-cell lung (SCLC), and 3.3% other. Overall median survival after palliative RT was 5.74 months. Patients receiving lower dose per fraction (2Gy/Fx) were more likely to be younger and healthier, yet experienced worse palliative outcomes with higher median PRLSRT, rates of incompletion, and deaths on treatment (Table 1). Breast and prostate were most likely to complete RT (89.1% and 89.6%), while GI NOS and SCLC were least likely (77.6% and 78.6%) (P < 0.001). Upper GI patients were most likely to die on treatment (1.3%), while prostate patients were the least (0.2%) (P < 0.001). PRLSRT ≥50% was observed more frequently in GI NOS (16.6%), upper GI (10.4), NSCLC (10.3%), and skin (9.8%) compared to prostate (2.4%) and breast (2.7%) (P < 0.001). Logistic regression indicated age, race, insurance status, Charlson-Deyo score, primary site, metastatic involvement, bone RT site, and Gy/Fx were significant factors affecting completion rates of RT. Median PRLSRTs were: 14.89% GI NOS, 9.90% upper GI, 9.49% NSCLC, 7.89% skin, 7.18% SCLC, 6.12% lower GI, 5.64% GYN, 5.42% GU, 5.24% HNC, 2.05% prostate, and 2.02% endocrine, and 1.84% breast (P < 0.001). Those receiving 3Gy/Fx and 2Gy/Fx were less likely to complete RT when compared to 4Gy/Fx, with odds ratios of 1.209 and 15.023 respectively (P < 0.001). Patients with SCLC were least likely to complete RT, with a 1.694 odds ratio compared to breast (P < 0.001). Conclusion: For palliative RT for osseous metastases, dose per fraction and primary cancer impact the palliative outcomes of PRSLRT, the likelihood of completing RT, and death during treatment and should be considered to minimize the burden of care and maximize benefits of treatment.