OBJECTIVE: To describe delays in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in patients treated by radiotherapy from the first abnormal imaging to the first day of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our retrospective single-center study included all patients treated for primary lung cancer in our center receiving radiotherapy alone or in association to chemotherapy or surgery, between 1st May and 15th September 2011. RESULTS: We included 40 patients. Mean age was 65.3 years and sex ratio was 4 (32 males). In 72.5% (n = 29) of the cases, the objective of the treatment was palliative. Median delay between the first abnormal imaging to the first day of treatment was 75.5 days (CI 95% [63.6-134.4]). Median diagnostic delay to obtain a pathological proof was 38 days (CI 95% [27.9-100]). Median therapeutic delay to start treatment was 31 days (CI 95% [24.6-38.5]). When considering radiotherapy, median delay between multidisciplinary staff decision and first radiotherapy session was 26 days (CI 95% [22.4-33.3]). CONCLUSION: The study of the delays in diagnosis and treatment is the first step to reduce them. Detailed analysis helps to propose some measures to improve these delays.
OBJECTIVE: To describe delays in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in patients treated by radiotherapy from the first abnormal imaging to the first day of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our retrospective single-center study included all patients treated for primary lung cancer in our center receiving radiotherapy alone or in association to chemotherapy or surgery, between 1st May and 15th September 2011. RESULTS: We included 40 patients. Mean age was 65.3 years and sex ratio was 4 (32 males). In 72.5% (n = 29) of the cases, the objective of the treatment was palliative. Median delay between the first abnormal imaging to the first day of treatment was 75.5 days (CI 95% [63.6-134.4]). Median diagnostic delay to obtain a pathological proof was 38 days (CI 95% [27.9-100]). Median therapeutic delay to start treatment was 31 days (CI 95% [24.6-38.5]). When considering radiotherapy, median delay between multidisciplinary staff decision and first radiotherapy session was 26 days (CI 95% [22.4-33.3]). CONCLUSION: The study of the delays in diagnosis and treatment is the first step to reduce them. Detailed analysis helps to propose some measures to improve these delays.
Authors: Y Lupiañez-Perez; J Gomez-Millan; M Lobato; P Pedrosa; I Lupiañez-Perez; J A Medina Journal: Clin Transl Oncol Date: 2017-05-29 Impact factor: 3.405