An Italian survey on “palliative intent” radiotherapy

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the scenario on radiotherapy (RT) delivered with palliative intent in Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured online questionnaire was submitted to Italian radiation oncologists in order to explore the clinical practice in different areas of palliation, namely: bone, lung, brain, liver, and emergencies suitable to RT. RESULTS: 209 radiation oncologists took part in the study. Stereotactic body irradiation was found to be the preferred technique in lung and liver metastases, whereas 3D conformal RT was registered as the technique of choice for bone and brain metastases. The majority (98%) of participants stated to treat mainly radiotherapy emergencies with 3D conformal RT at doses ranging from 25 to 50 Gy. Re-irradiation is delivered by the majority of respondents, whereas post-treatment follow-up is done only by 51.4% of them. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study highlights some heterogeneity among Italian radiation oncologists regarding treatment and follow-up of metastatic cancer patients.