Palliative radiation and fractionation in medicare patients with incurable non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE: Palliative radiation therapy (RT) can improve quality of life but also incurs time and financial costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with use and intensity of palliative RT for incurable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS AND MATERIALS: This was a retrospective analysis of Medicare's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results data. We identified patients who were diagnosed with incurable (American Joint Committee on Cancer 6(th) edition stage IIIB with malignant effusion or stage IV) NSCLC between 2004 and 2011. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with the receipt of palliative RT and the use of >10 fractions during the first course of radiation. Among patients who were treated with radiation, freestanding versus hospital-based center information was collected on the basis of the location of the RT delivery claim. RESULTS: Among 55,258 patients with incurable NSCLC, 38% (21,053 patients) received palliative RT during the first year after diagnosis. Among patients who received RT, 56% (11,717 patients) received >10 fractions. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with greater RT use included younger age group (overall P < .01), lower modified Charlson comorbidity score (overall P < .01), female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 1.1; P < .01), marital status (OR: 1.1; P < .01), and chemotherapy use (OR: 3.6; P < .01). Predictors for >10 fractions were chemotherapy use (OR: 1.7; P < .01) and treatment at a freestanding versus hospital-based facility (58% vs 43%; OR: 1.7; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: More than a third of patients diagnosed with incurable lung cancer receive palliative RT and 56% received >10 fractions. The use of RT varied by region and patient characteristics, and patients treated at freestanding RT centers were more likely to receive >10 fractions. Further research into factors that influence treatment decisions including potential financial incentives may contribute to the high value and strategic utilization of palliative RT.