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Author Spotlight: Improving Radiation Therapy Access with Radiation Planning Assistant
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Distance Traveled by Patients Globally to Access Radiation Therapy: A Systematic Review
Sierra Silverwood1, Katie Lichter2, Alexandra Conway3
1Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|November 10, 2023
Summary
Patients travel varying distances for radiation therapy globally, with those outside the US traveling farther. Factors like location and residence influence these travel patterns, highlighting the need for improved access.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Understanding patient travel patterns for radiation therapy is crucial for optimizing access to care.
- Global disparities in travel distance for radiation therapy exist, influenced by various patient and system factors.
Approach:
- A systematic literature review was conducted across four databases.
- 168 observational, retrospective, and randomized studies published between 2000 and 2022 were analyzed.
Key Points:
- Most studies originated from North America (76.3%), predominantly the US (90.7%).
- Breast cancer (26.6%) and external beam radiation therapy (16.6%) were most frequently studied.
- Mean travel distances ranged from 4.8 miles (US) to 276.5 miles (Iran), with international patients traveling further.
Conclusions:
- Geographic location, urban/rural residence, and patient characteristics significantly impact radiation therapy travel distances.
- Further research is needed to understand these factors and develop strategies to reduce patient travel burden and improve access to radiation therapy.
