Target Volume Delineation Training in Radiation Oncology in India : A Survey Evaluating Its Status, the Need for Educational Programs and the Utility of Virtual Teaching.

INTRODUCTION: The complexity of modern-day radiotherapy techniques calls for greater accuracy in target volume delineation which requires intensive training and expert guidance. In this study, we intend to evaluate the status of training in target delineation across radiation oncology curriculums in India and utility of webinars in teaching it. METHODOLOGY: We organized daily webinars on the topics of radiological anatomy and target volume delineation in common sites of cancer over a period of 2 weeks. At the end of the program, a 35 item survey questionnaire was shared with the participants. The responses were analysed and are reported here. RESULTS: Out of the 797 participants that registered for the course, 356 radiation oncologists responded to the survey questionnaire. Majority (96%) of our respondents believe that there is a need for additional training in target volume delineation. Ninety percent of the participants felt that radiation oncology curriculum requires a formal radiology training but only 6.7% reported that their training consisted of a dedicated rotation and regular lectures in radiological anatomy. Majority (97%) responded that they were  likely to incorporate the points learnt from the webinar sessions in their daily practice. Forty eight percent of respondents opted for attending a webinar to an in-person event in the future while 34% would like to have the option to choose between the two. Ninety four percent agreed that online webinars should be conducted routinely even after the pandemic ends. CONCLUSION: Our survey results suggest that target volume delineation training in India is deficient and virtual teaching programs can be a practical and effective way to improve it.

Effect of Hypofractionated, Palliative Radiotherapy on Quality of Life in Late-Stage Oral Cavity Cancer: A Prospective Clinical Trial.

CONTEXT: The study was designed to evaluate the effect of a hypofractionated, palliative conformal radiotherapy regimen of 5250 cGy in 15 fractions in inoperable/incurable oral cavity carcinoma. AIMS: The primary objective was to assess the change in the quality of life (QOL) with respect to pain and mouth opening pre- and post-radiotherapy using standardized questionnaires. The secondary objective was to assess overall QOL using the same questionnaires and also to assess response rates, survival, compliance, early and late toxicity. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a single-arm, prospective trial. Patients with incurable oral cavity cancer referred for palliative intent radiotherapy to the Department of Radiotherapy, RCC, JIPMER were recruited into the study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients were recruited and twenty-five patients were given conformal radiotherapy to a dose of 52.5 Gy in 15 fractions. QOL was assessed using the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires before and 2 months after the completion of radiotherapy. The response assessment was made using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria 2 months after radiotherapy. The early and late toxicities were assessed at 2 months and 6 months after radiotherapy completion, respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Sample size was calculated to be 53. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare QOL scores pre- and post-radiotherapy. Median survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the pain, mouth opening, speech, social contact, social eating, felt ill items of the EORTC QLQ-H and N35 questionnaire and role functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning, fatigue, pain, insomnia, appetite loss, financial difficulties, and Global QOL subscales of the QLQ-C30 questionnaire. 72% of the patients had grade 3 acute radiation oral mucositis and 36% had grade 3 acute radiation dermatitis. There were no significant treatment breaks due to toxicity. There were no grade 3 late toxicities observed. Overall median survival was 5.1 months. The overall response rate was 47%. The median time to treatment completion was 24 days. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement in QOL parameters suggests that the regimen of 52.5 Gy in 15 fractions is suitable for palliative intent radiotherapy in late-stage oral cavity cancer for effective palliation for short periods.