Utilization of radiation therapy in Norway after the implementation of the national cancer plan--a national, population-based study.

PURPOSE: To estimate actual utilization rates of radiation therapy (RT) in Norway, describe time trends (1997-2010), and compare these estimates with corresponding optimal RT rates. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Data from the population-based Cancer Registry of Norway was used to identify all patients diagnosed with cancer and/or treated by RT for cancer in 1997-2010. Radiation therapy utilization rates (RURs) were calculated as (1) the proportion of incident cancer cases who received RT at least once within 1 year of diagnosis (RUR1Y); and (2) the proportion who received RT within 5 years of diagnosis (RUR5Y). The number of RT treatment courses per incident cancer case (TCI) was also calculated for all cancer sites combined. The actual RURs were compared with corresponding Australian and Canadian epidemiologic- and evidence-based model estimates and criterion-based benchmark estimates of optimal RURs. The TCIs were compared with TCI estimates from the 1997 Norwegian/National Cancer Plan (NCP). Joinpoint regression was used to identify changes in trends and to estimate annual percentage change (APC) in actual RUR1Y and actual TCI. RESULTS: The actual RUR5Y (all sites) increased significantly to 29% in 2005 but still differed markedly from the Australian epidemiologic- and evidence-based model estimate of 48%. With the exception of RUR5Y for breast cancer and RUR1Y for lung cancers, all actual RURs were markedly lower than optimal RUR estimates. The actual TCI increased significantly during the study period, reaching 42.5% in 2010, but was still lower than the 54% recommended in the NCP. The trend for RUR1Y (all sites) and TCI changed significantly, with the annual percentage change being largest during the first part of the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization rates of RT in Norway increased after the NCP was implemented and RT capacity was increased, but they still seem to be lower than optimal levels.

Telemedicine in radiotherapy: a study exploring remote treatment planning, supervision and economics.

In January 2002, the departments of radiotherapy at the University Hospital of North Norway and the Norwegian Radium Hospital were connected through a 2 Mbit/s digital telecommunication line. The treatment planning systems at the two institutions were connected and videoconferencing units were installed. We explored the feasibility of remote treatment planning, supervision, second opinions and education. Tests involved two dummy cases and six patients. Remote simulation procedures were carried out for five patients. A cost-minimization analysis was performed. Treatment planning was not completely successful as the software could not handle plans including bolus or weighting between the fields. Remote supervision was possible. A common patient record and radiotherapy system, including digital imaging, digital prescription and approval forms and digital signature, were felt to be desirable. The threshold (break-even point) comparing the costs of telemedicine with those of transportation by air was 12 patients/year. Telemedicine in radiotherapy appears to be feasible, but some limitations must be overcome.