Prostate brachytherapy utilization in the COVID-19 era: A cross-sectional study of radiation oncologists in the United States.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Despite advantages such as abbreviated treatment course, brachytherapy (BT) utilization rates for prostate cancer (PC) in the United States (US) are declining. We surveyed practicing US radiation oncologists (ROs) to determine the proportion who offer BT for PC and whether the COVID-19 pandemic influenced practice patterns.

Materials and methods

From July-October 2021, we surveyed practicing US ROs. Provider demographic and practice characteristics were collected. Questions assessing utilization of BT and external beam (EBRT) for patients of varying risk groups and the effect of the pandemic on practice patterns were administered. Descriptive statistics were reported. The bivariate relationships between provider characteristics and likelihood of offering BT were asse

SUBMITTER: Prasad RN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9489987 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature