A systematic review of the effectiveness of palliative radiotherapy and a survey of family physicians on their awareness of the Rapid Palliative Radiotherapy Program

Abstract

Problem. After two years of operation a review of the Rapid Palliative Radiotherapy Program revealed that only 17 family physicians in Eastern Ontario had used the program. Methods of investigation. This thesis consists of: (1) A systematic literature review of the relative effectiveness of a single fraction of radiotherapy to relieve painful bone metastases and (2) A survey of family physicians to assess their awareness of the Rapid Palliative Radiotherapy Program. Results. A single fraction of radiotherapy is of comparable effectiveness to multiple fraction radiotherapy treatment schedules in relieving painful metastatic bone disease (Odds Ratio: 1.13, 95% CI = 0.96 to 1.34). Only 18% of survey responders were aware of the RPRP. Conclusion. Improving family physician awareness of the Rapid Palliative Radiotherapy Program is the first step to improving utilization of the program and access for patients with painful metastatic bone disease to a proven, effective analgesic treatment.