Use of radiotherapy for bladder cancer: A population-based study of evolving referral and practice patterns.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Definitive treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer includes either cystectomy or radiotherapy (RT). We describe use of RT and radiation oncology (RO) referral patterns in the contemporary era.

Methods

The Ontario Cancer Registry and linked records of treatment were used to identify all patients who received cystectomy or RT for bladder cancer from 1994-2013. Physician billing records were linked to identify RO consultation before radical treatment. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to examine patient factors and physician-level variation in referral to RO and use of RT.

Results

A total of 7461 patients underwent cystectomy or RT for bladder cancer from 1994-2013; 5574 (75%) had cystectomy and 1887 (25%) had RT. Use of RT decreased from

SUBMITTER: Wei X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6456345 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature