- Email: [email protected]
64 2003 survey of Canadian radiation oncology residents
$20 September 9-12
time it expanded beyond basic brachytherapy information to include clinical trials, educational videos, newsletters, a forum on erectile dysfunction, access to PSA blood results and submission of symptom questionnaires for evaluation. A cross sectional survey was developed to assess demographic profiles, current internet use, satisfaction with the brachy4u website, and needs for future on-line services. The IRB approved survey was converted to web format and distributed to patients registered with the website and through a local manto-man support group. Results: 151 responses were obtained: 38% from patients and the rest from the support group. Demographics showed that 76% had post secondary education and 79% rated themselves as intermediate to expert internet users. Two-thirds accessed brachy4u, and 52% were extremely or very satisfied with the website services. Most commonly used features were online PSA results (61%), basic brachytherapy information (47%), health care links (40%) and FAQ (36%). Most commonly requested additional services were access to appointment booking (53%) and prescription renewal (38%). The majority (88%) still preferred to discuss therapy options in person. Although 98% knew how to send e-mail, 62% had never emailed their doctor. There was a high level of interest in this (83%) and little concern for privacy issues (56% mild or no concern). Despite long distances traveled for clinic visits, 64% would not be willing to pay for virtual followup. Conclusions: For the surveyed population, access to brachytherapy information and PSA test results online is an important adjunct to their management. Expansion of services for e-mail communication, appointment booking and prescription renewal should be explored to optimize use of resources in the prostate cancer population. 64 2003 Survey of Canadian Radiation Oncology Residents.
D. Yee~, A. Fairchild~, M. Keye~, J. ButleP, G Dundas~. ~Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; 2Vancouver Cancer Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia; 3Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba; across Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Background: Radiation oncology's popularity as a career in Canada has increased dramatically in the past 5 years, and resident numbers in Canadian radiation oncology training programs are at all-time highs. This study's purpose was to survey Canadian radiation oncology residents about their opinions of their specialty, residency programs and training experiences. Methods: Residents in Canadian radiation oncology training programs which enroll residents through the Canadian Resident Matching Service were mailed an anonymous survey followed by two separate reminders. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the responses. Results: Eight (7.9%) potential respondents were recipients of foreign funding. Fifty-two of 101 eligible respondents returned surveys for a response rate of 51.5%. A training program with a strong record of successfully graduating its residents was the most important factor considered by residents when choosing their training programs. 92.3% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their training program and 94.3% expressed satisfaction with their specialty. Mastering a large body of material was identified as the biggest challenge of residency. Respondents indicated the most desirable trait of an effective clinical preceptor is one that teaches regularly. The most common strength of residencies respondents identified was the presence of good teachers. Residents from weak programs
CARO 2004
identified a poor history of successfully graduating residents as their program's major weakness. 80.8% of respondents plan to practice in Canada and 76.9% plan to have academic careers. Job availability after graduation and receiving adequate teaching from preceptors during residency were identified as the most important resident concerns. Discussion: Though most respondents are satisfied with their training programs and specialty, job availability and adequate teaching during residency are resident concerns. In the future, limited time and resources along with the continued popularity of radiation oncology as a career will magnify the challenge of training competent radiation oncologists in Canada. 65 Local Control After 5 Years in a Prospectice Phase III Trial of Pre-operative vs Post-operative External Beam Radiotherapy in Extremity Soft-tissue Sarcoma.
B. O'Sullivan 1, A. Davis2, R. Turcotte 3, R. Bell4, C. Catton4, J. Wunder4, A. Hammoncf, C. Freeman~, P. Chabot 7, K. Goddard ~, D. Tu9, IPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario; 2Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; 3Montreal General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; 4Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario; 5London Regional Cancer Center, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario; ~Montreal General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; 7Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec; 8British Columbia Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia; eNCl Canada CTG, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario Objectives: External beam pre-operative (pre-op) or postoperative (post-op) radiotherapy (RT) use is frequent for extremity soft tissue sarcoma. Both approaches have different dose volume considerations that may influence treatment selection and preferential referral of high risk cases to pre-op RT is common. For these reasons there has been controversy about which method is preferred. We report the 5-year local control results of a multi-center prospective randomized trial that compared pre- and post-op RT and was originally designed to address early wound complications (reported previously). Methods: Cases were first stratified by tumor size (dichotomized at 10 cm), then randomized to pre-op (50 Gy in 25 fractions) or surgery followed by post-op RT (66 Gy in 33 fractions). Local control was prospectively evaluated according to several Host (gender and age), Tumor (depth, size, grade, upper vs lower extremity, and intra- vs extra-compartmental status), and Environmental/Treatment factors (RT timing: preop vs post-op RT; resection margin status; treatment center; and presentation with primary vs recurrent status). Cox modeling controlled for the influence of these factors on local control. Results: 94 patients received pre-op and 96 post-op. The 5year local control rate was 93% (95% Ch 88-98) for pre-op and 92% (95% Ch 87-98) for post-op. Predictive factors had minimal effect on local control other than resection margin status which was also the only significant factor on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Although not primarily designed to address this end-point, this trial strongly suggests that identical high rates of local control for pre-op and post-op RT are achieved using the RT protocols on the study. Because of this, the choice of RT approach in soft tissue sarcoma should also consider other factors such as RT doses and treatment volumes that may have different normal tissue sequelae in different anatomic sites.
time it expanded beyond basic brachytherapy information to include clinical trials, educational videos, newsletters, a forum on erectile dysfunction, access to PSA blood results and submission of symptom questionnaires for evaluation. A cross sectional survey was developed to assess demographic profiles, current internet use, satisfaction with the brachy4u website, and needs for future on-line services. The IRB approved survey was converted to web format and distributed to patients registered with the website and through a local manto-man support group. Results: 151 responses were obtained: 38% from patients and the rest from the support group. Demographics showed that 76% had post secondary education and 79% rated themselves as intermediate to expert internet users. Two-thirds accessed brachy4u, and 52% were extremely or very satisfied with the website services. Most commonly used features were online PSA results (61%), basic brachytherapy information (47%), health care links (40%) and FAQ (36%). Most commonly requested additional services were access to appointment booking (53%) and prescription renewal (38%). The majority (88%) still preferred to discuss therapy options in person. Although 98% knew how to send e-mail, 62% had never emailed their doctor. There was a high level of interest in this (83%) and little concern for privacy issues (56% mild or no concern). Despite long distances traveled for clinic visits, 64% would not be willing to pay for virtual followup. Conclusions: For the surveyed population, access to brachytherapy information and PSA test results online is an important adjunct to their management. Expansion of services for e-mail communication, appointment booking and prescription renewal should be explored to optimize use of resources in the prostate cancer population. 64 2003 Survey of Canadian Radiation Oncology Residents.
D. Yee~, A. Fairchild~, M. Keye~, J. ButleP, G Dundas~. ~Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; 2Vancouver Cancer Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia; 3Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba; across Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Background: Radiation oncology's popularity as a career in Canada has increased dramatically in the past 5 years, and resident numbers in Canadian radiation oncology training programs are at all-time highs. This study's purpose was to survey Canadian radiation oncology residents about their opinions of their specialty, residency programs and training experiences. Methods: Residents in Canadian radiation oncology training programs which enroll residents through the Canadian Resident Matching Service were mailed an anonymous survey followed by two separate reminders. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the responses. Results: Eight (7.9%) potential respondents were recipients of foreign funding. Fifty-two of 101 eligible respondents returned surveys for a response rate of 51.5%. A training program with a strong record of successfully graduating its residents was the most important factor considered by residents when choosing their training programs. 92.3% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their training program and 94.3% expressed satisfaction with their specialty. Mastering a large body of material was identified as the biggest challenge of residency. Respondents indicated the most desirable trait of an effective clinical preceptor is one that teaches regularly. The most common strength of residencies respondents identified was the presence of good teachers. Residents from weak programs
CARO 2004
identified a poor history of successfully graduating residents as their program's major weakness. 80.8% of respondents plan to practice in Canada and 76.9% plan to have academic careers. Job availability after graduation and receiving adequate teaching from preceptors during residency were identified as the most important resident concerns. Discussion: Though most respondents are satisfied with their training programs and specialty, job availability and adequate teaching during residency are resident concerns. In the future, limited time and resources along with the continued popularity of radiation oncology as a career will magnify the challenge of training competent radiation oncologists in Canada. 65 Local Control After 5 Years in a Prospectice Phase III Trial of Pre-operative vs Post-operative External Beam Radiotherapy in Extremity Soft-tissue Sarcoma.
B. O'Sullivan 1, A. Davis2, R. Turcotte 3, R. Bell4, C. Catton4, J. Wunder4, A. Hammoncf, C. Freeman~, P. Chabot 7, K. Goddard ~, D. Tu9, IPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario; 2Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; 3Montreal General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; 4Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario; 5London Regional Cancer Center, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario; ~Montreal General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; 7Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec; 8British Columbia Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia; eNCl Canada CTG, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario Objectives: External beam pre-operative (pre-op) or postoperative (post-op) radiotherapy (RT) use is frequent for extremity soft tissue sarcoma. Both approaches have different dose volume considerations that may influence treatment selection and preferential referral of high risk cases to pre-op RT is common. For these reasons there has been controversy about which method is preferred. We report the 5-year local control results of a multi-center prospective randomized trial that compared pre- and post-op RT and was originally designed to address early wound complications (reported previously). Methods: Cases were first stratified by tumor size (dichotomized at 10 cm), then randomized to pre-op (50 Gy in 25 fractions) or surgery followed by post-op RT (66 Gy in 33 fractions). Local control was prospectively evaluated according to several Host (gender and age), Tumor (depth, size, grade, upper vs lower extremity, and intra- vs extra-compartmental status), and Environmental/Treatment factors (RT timing: preop vs post-op RT; resection margin status; treatment center; and presentation with primary vs recurrent status). Cox modeling controlled for the influence of these factors on local control. Results: 94 patients received pre-op and 96 post-op. The 5year local control rate was 93% (95% Ch 88-98) for pre-op and 92% (95% Ch 87-98) for post-op. Predictive factors had minimal effect on local control other than resection margin status which was also the only significant factor on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Although not primarily designed to address this end-point, this trial strongly suggests that identical high rates of local control for pre-op and post-op RT are achieved using the RT protocols on the study. Because of this, the choice of RT approach in soft tissue sarcoma should also consider other factors such as RT doses and treatment volumes that may have different normal tissue sequelae in different anatomic sites.