Radiotherapy resources in Brazil (RT2030): a comprehensive analysis and projections for 2030.

BACKGROUND: The demand for radiotherapy in Brazil is unfulfilled, and the scarcity of data on the national network hampers the development of effective policies. We aimed to evaluate the current situation, estimate demands and requirements, and provide an action plan to ensure access to radiotherapy for those in need by 2030. METHODS: The Brazilian Society for Radiation Oncology created a task force (RT2030) including physicians, medical physicists, policy makers, patient advocates, and suppliers, all of whom were major stakeholders involved in Brazilian radiotherapy care. The group was further divided into seven working groups to address themes associated with radiotherapy care in Brazil. From March 1, 2019, to Aug 3, 2020, there were monthly meetings between the group's leaders and the Central Committee and six general meetings. First, a comprehensive search of all different national databases was done to identify all radiotherapy centres. Questionnaires evaluating radiotherapy infrastructure and human resources and assing the availability, distribution, capacity, and workload of resources were created and sent to the radioprotection supervisor of each centre. Results were analysed nationally and across the country's regions and health-care systems. A pre-planned review of available databases was done to gather data on active radiation oncology centres and the distribution of radiotherapy machines (linear accelerators [LINACs]) across Brazil. We used national population and cancer incidence projections, recommended radiotherapy usage from the medical literature, and national working patterns to project radiotherapy demands in 2030. An action plan was established with suggestions to address the gaps and meet the demands. FINDINGS: The database search yielded 279 centres with an active radiotherapy registry. After applying predefined exclusion criteria, 263 centres were identified that provided external beam radiotherapy machines with or without brachytherapy. All 263 operational centres answered the questionnaires sent on Dec 9, 2019, which were then returned between Jan 1 and June 30, 2020. There were 409 therapy machines, 646 radiation oncologists, 533 physicists, and 230 989 patients undergoing radiotherapy (150 628 [65·2%] in the public health-care system and 80 937 [35·0%] in private). The mean annual occupation rate was 566 patients per treatment machine (SD 250). The number of residents per treatment machine ranged from 258 333 to 1 800 000. Technology availability varied considerably among regions and systems. In 2030, 639 994 new cancer cases are expected, which will require 332 797 radiotherapy courses. Therefore, 530 LINACs, 1079 radiation oncologists, and 1060 medical physicists will be needed. INTERPRETATION: The expected increase in cancer incidence in the coming years will probably increase the disparities in cancer care and the burden for Brazilian patients. We provide a roadmap of the current situation and the particularities of the Brazilian radiotherapy network, which can serve as a starting point for cancer policy planning to improve this scenario. FUNDING: Accuray, BRAINLAB, Elekta, IBA, ONE medical solution, SUN NUCLEAR corporation, VARIAN, and ZIGMA.

Cost containment analysis and access to treatment associated with adopting hypofractionated radiation therapy from the Brazilian perspective.

Background: Estimates show that breast cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide, will continue to increase in incidence, highlighting the need for increased treatment capacity. While postoperative radiation therapy (RT) is commonly used to reduce recurrence and mortality, research has shown that moderately hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) and 5-fraction HFRT are equally safe and effective and can reduce treatment costs. This study aimed to compare the cost of conventional RT (50Gy/25), moderately HFRT (40.05Gy/15), and 5-fraction HFRT (26Gy/5) for breast cancer patients in Brazil. Methods: The cost of each RT regimen was calculated using the International Atomic Energy Agency's Radiotherapy Cost Estimator Tool. The potential annual savings were then estimated by applying the cost of each regime to the 2020 Brazilian cancer incidence rates. Findings: The average costs per patient for 25 fractions, 15 fractions, and 5 fractions are $2,699.20, $1,711.98, and $929.81, respectively. The annual cost savings associated with treating 70% of patients with 15 fraction HFRT and 30% of patients with 5 fraction HFRT as compared to treating all patients with 25 fraction RT is $72,929,315.40. The estimated annual productivity of 1 LINAC machine for 25 fractions, 15 fractions, and 5 fractions is 338, 647, and 1,310 patients, respectively. Interpretation: The cost analysis revealed decreased patients' costs and potential for increased EBRT access associated with HFRT in the Brazilian perspective. Funding: None.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy recommendations for localized prostate cancer in Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: Several prospective randomized trials have shown that hypofractionation has the same efficacy and safety as the conventional fractionation in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. There are many benefits of hypofractionation, including a more convenient schedule for the patients and better use of resources, which is especially important in low- and middle-income countries like Brasil. Based on these data, the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia) organized this consensus to guide and support the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer in Brasil. METHODS: The relevant literature regarding moderate hypofractionation (mHypo) and ultra-hypofractionation (uHypo) was reviewed and discussed by a group of experts from public and private centers of different parts of Brasil. Several key questions concerning clinical indications, outcomes and technological requirements for hypofractionation were discussed and voted. For each question, consensus was reached if there was an agreement of at least 75% of the panel members. RESULTS: The recommendations are described in this article. CONCLUSION: This initiative will assist Brazilian radiation oncologists and medical physicists to safely treat localized prostate cancer patients with hypofractionation.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy recommendations for localized prostate cancer in Brasil

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Several prospective randomized trials have shown that hypofractionation has the same efficacy and safety as the conventional fractionation in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. There are many benefits of hypofractionation, including a more convenient schedule for the patients and better use of resources, which is especially important in low- and middle-income countries like Brasil. Based on these data, the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia) organized this consensus to guide and support the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer in Brasil. METHODS: The relevant literature regarding moderate hypofractionation (mHypo) and ultra-hypofractionation (uHypo) was reviewed and discussed by a group of experts from public and private centers of different parts of Brasil. Several key questions concerning clinical indications, outcomes and technological requirements for hypofractionation were discussed and voted. For each question, consensus was reached if there was an agreement of at least 75% of the panel members. RESULTS: The recommendations are described in this article. CONCLUSION: This initiative will assist Brazilian radiation oncologists and medical physicists to safely treat localized prostate cancer patients with hypofractionation.

Recommendations for hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation

SUMMARY This recommendation consensus for hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy (RT) was organized by the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (SBRT) considering the optimal scenario for indication and safety in the technology applied. All controversies and contraindication matters (hypofractionated RT in patients who underwent chemotherapy [CT], hypofractionated RT in lymphatic drainage, hypofractionated RT after mastectomy with or without immediate reconstruction, boost during surgery, hypofractionated RT in patients under 50 years old, hypofractionated RT in large breasts, hypofractionated RT in histology of carcinoma in situ [DCIS]) was discussed during a meeting in person, and a consensus was reached when there was an agreement of at least 75% among panel members. The grade for recommendation was also suggested according to the level of scientific evidence available, qualified as weak, medium, or strong. Thus, this consensus will aid Brazilian radiotherapy experts regarding indications and particularities of this technique as a viable and safe alternative for the national reality.

RESUMO Este consenso de recomendações para a radioterapia (RT) hipofracionada de toda a mama foi organizado pela Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia (SBRT) considerando o cenário ideal para indicação e segurança na tecnologia aplicada. Questões de controvérsias e contraindicações (RT hipofracionada em pacientes submetidas à quimioterapia [QT], RT hipofracionada nas drenagens linfáticas, RT hipofracionada após mastectomia com ou sem reconstrução imediata, a realização de reforço de dose em leito cirúrgico [ou boost], RT hipofracionada em pacientes com idade menor que 50 anos, RT hipofracionada em mamas volumosas, RT hipofracionada em histologia de carcinoma in situ [CDIS]) foram discutidas em encontro presencial, sendo o consenso atingido quando existisse concordância de pelo menos 75% dos panelistas. O grau de recomendação foi também sugerido de acordo com o nível de evidência científico disponível, qualificado entre fraco, médio ou forte. Assim, este consenso deverá servir para auxiliar os especialistas da radioterapia brasileira em relação às indicações e particularidades dessa técnica, como uma alternativa segura e viável para a realidade nacional.

Recommendations for hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation.

This recommendation consensus for hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy (RT) was organized by the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (SBRT) considering the optimal scenario for indication and safety in the technology applied. All controversies and contraindication matters (hypofractionated RT in patients who underwent chemotherapy [CT], hypofractionated RT in lymphatic drainage, hypofractionated RT after mastectomy with or without immediate reconstruction, boost during surgery, hypofractionated RT in patients under 50 years old, hypofractionated RT in large breasts, hypofractionated RT in histology of carcinoma in situ [DCIS]) was discussed during a meeting in person, and a consensus was reached when there was an agreement of at least 75% among panel members. The grade for recommendation was also suggested according to the level of scientific evidence available, qualified as weak, medium, or strong. Thus, this consensus will aid Brazilian radiotherapy experts regarding indications and particularities of this technique as a viable and safe alternative for the national reality.

Câncer de mama em mulheres acima de 70 anos de idade: diretrizes para diagnóstico e tratamento / Breast cancer in women over 70 years of age:guidelines for diagnosis and treatment

No Brasil, a expectativa de vida para as mulheres é de 75 anos e a população acima de 70 anos, atualmente, ultrapassa os 4,5 milhões de mulheres com previsão de crescimento para os próximos anos. Ao contrário do que se imaginava, a evolução clínica do câncer de mama parece ser semelhante em mulheres idosas quando comparadas àsmais jovens. Estudos prospectivos randomizados com nível I de evidência envolvendo pacientes com mais de 70 anos portadoras de câncer de mama são escassos. O diagnóstico precoce, por meio da mamografia, proporciona tratamentos menos agressivos. Portanto, a mamografia não deve ser negligenciada em idosas. O tratamento cirúrgico é de baixa morbidade e mortalidade mesmo em idosas. Por outro lado, comorbidades,estado geral comprometido e limitada expectativa de vida são fatores que limitam o tratamento sistêmico e radioterápico nessas mulheres. Diante disso, as idosas estão mais sujeitas ao subtratamento com prejuízo para a sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença. Sempre que possível, a abordagem do câncer de mama nas mulheres acima de 70 de idade deve respeitar os protocolos previamente estabelecidos para as mais jovens. Comorbidades, performance status e expectativa de vida devem ser consideradas para a definição do tratamento individualizado.

In Brazil, life expectancy among women is 75 years. The current population aged over 70 years exceeds 4.5 million, and is expected to grow even more in the coming years. Contrary to expectations, the clinical outcome of breast cancer appears to be similar in both younger and older women. Level I evidence randomized prospective studies involving patients older than 70 years with breast cancer are scarce. Early diagnosis using mammography enables less aggressive treatments. Therefore, the need for mammographies should not be overlooked in elderly women. Surgical treatment carries low morbidity and mortality even among elderly women. Nonetheless, comorbidities, impaired general health status and limited life expectancy are factors that limit systemic treatment and radiotherapy in these women. Thus, the elderly are more prone toundertreatment leading to reduced overall survival and disease-free survival. Whenever possible, the approach to breast cancer in women over age 70 should comply with protocols previously established for younger women. Comorbidities, performance status and life expectancy should be factored in planning for individualized treatment.

Retinoblastoma in children older than 5 years of age.

BACKGROUND: Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor of the embryonic neural retina. About 80% of cases are diagnosed before age 4, with a median age at diagnosis of 2 years. OBJECTIVE: To determine characteristics and prognosis of retinoblastoma in children older than 5 years. PROCEDURES: From 1986 to 2002, medical records of 16 patients out of 453 cases referred to Hospital do Câncer AC Camargo, São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis was 73.7 months (range 65-144) and there was an equal gender distribution. Fifteen patients presented with unilateral disease. The mean time between first symptoms and diagnosis was 9.6 months (range 0-48). Most cases were diagnosed in advanced stages and 15 eyes were enucleated. Eleven patients presented with intraocular tumor (1 Reese II and 10 Reese V) and five presented with extraocular disease (one CCG II and four CCG III). Twelve patients are still alive with a median follow-up of 92 months (range 65-199). CONCLUSIONS: Because of its low incidence at this age, diagnosis of retinoblastoma is usually delayed due to low level of suspicion. Therefore, it is important that physicians are aware of this disease in order to perform an earlier diagnosis, and decrease treatment-related morbidity.

Biochemical Relapse for Prostate Cancer Following Radical Prostatectomy: Salvage Radiotherapy Without HormonalTherapy

Objectives: This paper aims to study biochemical control, hormonal therapy-free survival, and prognostic factors related tosalvage radiation for prostate cancer patients submitted to radical prostatectomy (RP) without hormonal therapy (HT) before orduring radiation. Materials and Methods: from August 2002 to July 2004, 39 prostate cancer patients submitted to RPpresented biochemical failure after achieving PSA nadir (<0.2ng/ml). All patients were submitted to three-dimensional conformalexternal beam radiation therapy (3DC-EBRT) and no patients had received HT. Median age was 62 years, median preoperativePSA was 9.4ng/ml, median Gleason Score was 7. We defined PSA rise above 0.2 as biochemical failure after surgery. Median3DC-EBRT dose was 70Gy, and biochemical failure after EBRT was defined as three consecutive rises in PSA or a single risesufficient to trigger HT. Results: Biochemical non-evidence of disease (BNED) in 3 years was 72%. PSA doubling time (PSADT)lower than 4 months (p=0.04), and delay to salvage EBRT (p=0.05) were associated to worse chance of successful salvagetherapy. Late morbidity was acceptable. Conclusion: Expressive PSA control (72% BNED / 3years) could be achieved withsalvage radiotherapy in well-selected patients. The importance of PSADT was confirmed, and radiotherapy should be started asearly as possible. Follow-up is somewhat short, but it is possible to conclude that it is possible to achieve a long interval freefrom hormonal therapy with low rate of toxicity, avoiding or at least delaying morbidity related to hormonal treatment.radiotherapy