Main Session
Sep
27
PQA 02 - Pediatric Cancer, Sarcoma and Cutaneous Tumors, Medical Education & Professional Development, and Health Services Research
Presenter(s)
Daya Nand Sharma, MD - All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi
D. N. Sharma1, S. K. Saini2, and A. Sharma3; 1AIl India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, 2All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, 3National Cancer Institute, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
Purpose/Objective(s): The concept of establishing Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) facility in developing countries like India is emerging, yet currently here are concerns regarding utilization, cost effectiveness, sustainability and technological skill availability. We performed a survey among the Indian Radiation Oncology community to understand the current perception, understanding and need of PBT in India.
Materials/Methods:
A simple 18-point questionnaire was designed to understand the perception, understanding, and need of proton beam therapy among the Radiation Oncologists of India. The survey was conducted online and the data provided by respondents was analysed.Results:
A total of ninety two responders submitted their responses online. Of them, 55% belonged to Government-Academic Institutes. Sixty percent opined that there is an undue hype and enthusiasm for PBT. In comparison to EBRT, the understanding of PBT was as follows: better dosimetry (79%); better biology (39%); improved local control and survival (27%); less toxicity (79%); less integral dose and reduced rate of secondary cancers (72%). Responses regarding the clinical indications of PBT were: pediatric malignancies (87%); re-irradiation (70%); CNS malignancies (86%). Majority (96%) felt that PBT should be made available in Government/academic institutes as compared to corporate hospitals. Half of the responders opined that PBT will be a sustainable technology in India and 78% preferred multi-gantry compared to single gantry PBT.Conclusion:
The result of our survey indicated that there is an undue hype and enthusiasm for PBT. Radiation oncology community in India has a divided opinion about sustainability of PBT in India. Given an option, a vast majority believe that PBT may be made available in Government/academic institutes.