Author of

• 12544

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  P3.08 - Poster Session 3 - Radiotherapy (ID 199)

  • Event: WCLC 2013
  • Type: Poster Session
  • Track: Radiation Oncology + Radiotherapy
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 10/30/2013, 09:30 - 16:30, Exhibit Hall, Ground Level

  • 12549

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    P3.08-005 - IAEA RCA 6065: Improving access to stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for lung cancer patients in Asia. (ID 988)

    09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): D. Tan
    • Abstract

    Background
    The IAEA/RCA Project “Strengthening the Application of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy” aims to increase the capacity to deliver SABR in Asia. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Asia. Most patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease, but increased access to diagnostic scanning will result in earlier detection of lung cancers suitable for SABR. The shorter treatment time is beneficial in reducing the burden of treatment and economic costs of radiotherapy treatment. The clinical efficacy and socio-economic benefits of SABR have led to rapid implementation in the US[1], Europe[2] and parts of Asia[3]. SABR lung demands specialised expertise, physical infrastructure, and a long-term commitment to rigorous quality assurance. There is significant heterogeneity in the resources and expertise between the RCA Member States. This project aims to identify and ameliorate obstacles to the safe and effective implementation of SABR within Asia. Figure 1

    Methods
    Each country developed a work-plan specific to their capacities and needs. Key strategies for implementation of the project are: Development of treatment protocols Regional training courses Advocacy with Government bodies responsible for policy-making and funding, and education of the wider medical community and public about the benefits of SABR Expert missions with on-site training Publications including educational materials and the results of implementation( utilisation rates, local control and clinical outcomes) Formation of regional training hubs Specific goals identified for Australia were the need to standardise protocols, advocacy for access to funding through Medicare for advanced radiotherapy technologies, and the safe implementation of SABR in regional centres. The Tripartite Collaboration being developed at a national level between RANZCR, AIR and ACPSEM and the NSW SABR Collaboration will address these concerns.

    Results
    Australia has already contributed physics expertise to facilitate the success of the first regional training course, held in Singapore in December 2012. Sydney will host the final regional training course in 2015 on SABR for lung and spine. We continue to contribute our technical and clinical expertise in developing training materials and resources for the project.

    Conclusion
    Collaboration between well-resourced and developing countries in Asia is helping to sustainably develop resources and expertise to improve access to SABR for lung cancer patients. This networking provides future opportunities for large scale clinical trials and research in diseases with a high prevalence in the region. 1. Pan H et al. Cancer 2011 117(19):4566 2. Palma D et al. J Clin Oncol. 2010;28(35):5153 3. Teshima T al. J Radiati. Res 53.5 (2012): 710