Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy Use for Breast Cancer in Japan: A Nationwide Study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT) was recommended for several cancer sites to reduce outpatient visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to identify the impact of the pandemic on hypofractionated RT for breast cancer in Japan.

Methods and materials

The monthly number of courses for hypofractionated and conventional RTs was counted using sample data sets from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan, a nationwide database accumulating insurance claims data comprehensively. Changes in the number of hypofractionated and conventional RTs were estimated using an interrupted time-series analysis.

Results

The number of hypofractionated RT courses gradually increased before the pandemic in contrast to th

SUBMITTER: Fujita M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11298581 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature