Project 170647

Radiotherapy is an important form of treatment for cancer patients and has been shown to be useful in about 50% of patients with cancer. It can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or surgery to cure cancer and can help to alleviate pain and other symptoms in patients with more advanced disease. Use of state of the art technology and knowledge has the potential to achieve the best possible outcomes for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy, but only if the knowledge and technology are being used in the best way possible. As part of a larger program aimed at improving cancer outcomes for patients by optimizing the accessibility and quality of radiotherapy in Canada, a national study to look at patterns of care in prostate cancer is being undertaken. The study has two main objectives: 1) To develop a set of Radiation Therapy indicators of quality service that can be used in cancer centres across Canada, and 2) To determine how well Canadian cancer centres meet these quality standards. Since the information that will be collected is very similar to that used in the US, we will be able to compare results not only within Canada but also with our American counterparts. This study will be the first step in developing a standardized Canadian quality assurance program in prostate cancer radiotherapy.

development and use of national quality indicators for prostate cancer radiation therapy