Positron Emission Tomography For Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Survey Assessing Canadian Practice Patterns And Access

Purpose/Objective(s)Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has emerged as a valuable tool in the management of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), both in assessment of lymph node status and determination of response to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The aim of this study was to survey Canadian radiation oncologists (ROs) to determine access to PET imaging for LACC patients and assess current practice patterns.Materials/MethodsRadiation oncology centers across Canada were contacted to identify ROs who treat patients with LACC. The focus of the survey was patients treated with radical CRT with curative intent. A 23-item questionnaire was sent via an anonymous online tool. Questions asked referred to access to PET imaging, opinions regarding indications for PET imaging, and practice patterns for the use of PET in this patient population. Questionnaire responses were tabulated and analyzed.ResultsResponse rate was 63% (33/52). Most respondents (79%) have access to PET for LACC patients, usually restricted to study protocols. 50% of respondents consider access to PET timely. Frequency of routine ordering of PET pre- and post-treatment (to assess response), is 46% and 15%, respectively. With better access, 91% would routinely order PET pre-treatment, and 61% would order it for post-treatment assessment. 85% consider PET standard of care for initial staging and nearly half (45%) believe it should be standard of care to assess treatment response. Over 70% do not order PET as often as they feel it is clinically indicated due to access limitations. 74% agree that better access to PET would lead to improved care for LACC patients in Canada.ConclusionsSupport is strong among Canadian ROs for the routine use of PET imaging in the initial work up of patients with LACC. Access to PET scans limits routine use for these patients in clinically indicated situations. There is strong support for developing guidelines for PET use in this patient population. Purpose/Objective(s)Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has emerged as a valuable tool in the management of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), both in assessment of lymph node status and determination of response to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The aim of this study was to survey Canadian radiation oncologists (ROs) to determine access to PET imaging for LACC patients and assess current practice patterns. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has emerged as a valuable tool in the management of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), both in assessment of lymph node status and determination of response to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The aim of this study was to survey Canadian radiation oncologists (ROs) to determine access to PET imaging for LACC patients and assess current practice patterns. Materials/MethodsRadiation oncology centers across Canada were contacted to identify ROs who treat patients with LACC. The focus of the survey was patients treated with radical CRT with curative intent. A 23-item questionnaire was sent via an anonymous online tool. Questions asked referred to access to PET imaging, opinions regarding indications for PET imaging, and practice patterns for the use of PET in this patient population. Questionnaire responses were tabulated and analyzed. Radiation oncology centers across Canada were contacted to identify ROs who treat patients with LACC. The focus of the survey was patients treated with radical CRT with curative intent. A 23-item questionnaire was sent via an anonymous online tool. Questions asked referred to access to PET imaging, opinions regarding indications for PET imaging, and practice patterns for the use of PET in this patient population. Questionnaire responses were tabulated and analyzed. ResultsResponse rate was 63% (33/52). Most respondents (79%) have access to PET for LACC patients, usually restricted to study protocols. 50% of respondents consider access to PET timely. Frequency of routine ordering of PET pre- and post-treatment (to assess response), is 46% and 15%, respectively. With better access, 91% would routinely order PET pre-treatment, and 61% would order it for post-treatment assessment. 85% consider PET standard of care for initial staging and nearly half (45%) believe it should be standard of care to assess treatment response. Over 70% do not order PET as often as they feel it is clinically indicated due to access limitations. 74% agree that better access to PET would lead to improved care for LACC patients in Canada. Response rate was 63% (33/52). Most respondents (79%) have access to PET for LACC patients, usually restricted to study protocols. 50% of respondents consider access to PET timely. Frequency of routine ordering of PET pre- and post-treatment (to assess response), is 46% and 15%, respectively. With better access, 91% would routinely order PET pre-treatment, and 61% would order it for post-treatment assessment. 85% consider PET standard of care for initial staging and nearly half (45%) believe it should be standard of care to assess treatment response. Over 70% do not order PET as often as they feel it is clinically indicated due to access limitations. 74% agree that better access to PET would lead to improved care for LACC patients in Canada. ConclusionsSupport is strong among Canadian ROs for the routine use of PET imaging in the initial work up of patients with LACC. Access to PET scans limits routine use for these patients in clinically indicated situations. There is strong support for developing guidelines for PET use in this patient population. Support is strong among Canadian ROs for the routine use of PET imaging in the initial work up of patients with LACC. Access to PET scans limits routine use for these patients in clinically indicated situations. There is strong support for developing guidelines for PET use in this patient population.