Oncology patients' experience of a routine surveillance CT examination: Relationships and communication

IntroductionThe question of radiographers' capacity to establish short time relationships as well as decoding patients' needs and expectations simultaneously with performing high technological examination frequently arises in the clinical practice. Additionally, the constant focus on technology and the fact that radiographers work in high productive departments accentuates the issue. Patients' experiences with radiology seem to be a neglected area of research and may help to identify areas for improvement in this highly technological and productive field. The purpose of the study was to explore oncology patients’ experiences of a routine surveillance CT examination and their need for relationships and communication with the radiographer as part of the CT examination.MethodsThe study included patients diagnosed with cancer and in need of a CT examination as part of their course of treatment, and 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Themes were constructed and narratively reported. To increase validity, the themes were identified, discussed and formulated by the author group.ResultsFour themes were constructed based on the analysis: 1: The professional radiographer, 2. Disease and treatment, 3. The examination environment and 4: While waiting.ConclusionThe lack of focus on radiographers' capacity to establish relations, to consider each patient as an individual human being and being able to show sincere interest and empathy were highlighted. Findings illuminated the patient's need for relationship and communication with the radiographer as part of a CT examination.     

Relationships Between Health Care Disparities and Coverage Policies for Breast,Colon, and Lung Cancer Screening

Disparities in outcomes exist for breast, colon, and lung cancer among diverse populations, particularly racial and ethnic underrepresented minorities (URMs) and individuals from lower socioeconomic status. For example, blacks experience mortality rates up to about 42% higher than whites for these cancers. Furthermore, although overall death rates have been declining, the differential access to screening and care has aggravated disparities. Our purpose is to assess how the coverage policies of CMS and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) influence these disparities. Additionally, barriers are often encountered in accessing screening tests and receiving prompt treatment. To narrow, and potentially eliminate, outcomes disparities, CMS and USPSTF could consider revising their decision-making processes regarding coverage. Some options include (1) extending their evidence base to include observational studies that involve groups at higher risk; (2) lowering the threshold ages for screening to encompass differences in incidence; (3) CMS approving screening CT colonography coverage, which can even increase compliance with other screening tests; (4) clarifying and streamlining guidelines; (5) supporting research on improving access to screening; and (6) encouraging the development of more navigation services for URMs.     

Implementation of an HDR brachytherapy–based breast IORT program: Initial experiences

PurposeA multidisciplinary team at our institution developed a novel method of intraoperative breast radiation therapy (precision breast intraoperative radiation therapy [PB-IORT]) that uses high-dose-rate brachytherapy with CT on-rails imaging to deliver high-dose, customized radiotherapy to patients with early-stage breast cancer. This report summarizes our program's experience developing and implementing PB-IORT.Methods and MaterialsLiterature on PB-IORT was reviewed including published articles and abstracts. To evaluate case volume, all patients with a breast cancer diagnosis who underwent breast surgery or breast radiation (2010–2017) at our academic institution were identified. Patients were stratified into pre-IORT and post-IORT eras with initiation of our PB-IORT program in October 2013. Overall trends in surgical and radiation therapy volume in each era were analyzed by linear regression. Travel distance for all surgical patients was calculated using Google Maps (Alphabet Inc.) and then compared between IORT and non-IORT patients.ResultsData from a PB-IORT Phase 1 trial found that the primary endpoints were met and that PB-IORT is feasible and safe. The direct health system's delivery costs for PB-IORT exceed those of 16-fraction whole-breast irradiation when accounting for consumable supplies (multilumen balloon applicator = $2,750 per patient). There was a significant increase in yearly growth of breast cancer surgical volume with PB-IORT.ConclusionsAccrual rates for the ongoing Phase II trial have been quicker than expected in an area where more research is needed. The rapid accrual indicates patient interest and demand for this treatment and that it is very feasible to get more data from randomized trials.     

A Geospatial Analysis of Factors Affecting Access to CT Facilities: Implications for Lung Cancer Screening

ObjectiveThe association between access to CT facilities for lung cancer screening and population characteristics is understudied. We aimed to determine the relationship between census tract–level socioeconomic characteristics (SEC) and driving distance to an ACR-accredited CT facility.MethodsCensus tract–level SEC were determined from the US Census Bureau. Distance to nearest ACR-accredited CT facility was derived at the census tract level. Census tract–level multivariable regression modeling was used to determine the relationship between driving distance to a CT facility and census tract SEC, including population density (a marker of rural versus urban), gender, race, insurance status or type, and education level.ResultsIn an adjusted multivariable model, census tract–level population density was the greatest relative determinant of distance to a CT facility. Namely, rural census tracts had relatively longer distances to CT facilities than urban census tracts (P < .001). Census tracts with higher uninsured, Medicaid, undereducated (less <high school degree) populations had relatively greater distances to CT facilities (p<0.001), whereas those with higher non-White, female, and Medicare populations had shorter distances (p<0.001).DiscussionRural populations have relatively less geographic access to CT facilities. Furthermore, other vulnerable populations, such as the uninsured, those on Medicaid, and the undereducated, may also have relatively less access to CT imaging facilities. These variations in access to CT may affect the uptake and utilization of lung cancer screening.     

不同扫描参数对宽体探测器CT散射线的影响研究

目的 探讨宽体探测器CT在使用不同扫描模式、不同探测器宽度时在z轴方向上散射线的分布特点。方法 使用美国GE Revolution 16 cm宽体探测器CT,在机架扫描孔洞中心轴（z轴）上,以一定间隔布放热释光剂量计（TLD）,分别在逐层扫描模式下使用4、8、16 cm和螺旋扫描模式下4、8 cm探测器宽度,对CT标准剂量模体进行扫描,扫描条件：管电压为120 kV,有效管电流为200 mAs,扫描长度为16 cm,螺旋扫描时螺距分别为0.984∶1、0.516∶1。所有扫描重复4次,曝光后将所有TLD测量值除以4,并对数据进行统计学分析。结果 z轴方向上,人体头侧散射线剂量值均高于人体足侧（Z=-2.366、-2.197、-2.366、-2.371、-2.028、-2.236、-2.028,P<0.05）。逐层扫描时,不同探测器宽度的散射线分布差异有统计学意义（χ²=28.000,P<0.05）,均为探测器4 cm时最大,16 cm时最小,最大差值为67.5 μGy。螺旋扫描时,不同探测器宽度的散射线分布差异有统计学意义（Z=-3.233、-2.982,P<0.05）,均为探测器8 cm时最大,4 cm时最小,其中螺距0.516∶1时最大差值为97.67 μGy。螺旋扫描相同探测器宽度及有效管电流条件下,螺距为0.516∶1时高于螺距为0.984∶1的散射线,差异有统计学意义（Z=-3.296、-3.296,P<0.05）,其中探测器宽度为8 cm时最大差值为49.95 μGy。结论 宽体探测器CT不同探测器宽度的选择,可显著影响辐射场的分布和辐射值,应根据具体的临床需求选择合理的探测器宽度和相关参数,从而降低受检者、近台操作医务人员以及陪护人员的辐射剂量。     

不同年龄段儿童与成人肺部CT扫描体型特异性剂量估计

目的 使用常规辐射剂量评估参数与体型特异性剂量估计方法比较不同年龄段儿童和成人肺部CT扫描时所受辐射剂量的差异。方法 回顾性连续抽样华中科技大学同济医学院附属协和医院2017年1月至2018年7月肺部CT扫描患者,共406例,按照年龄分为6组（0~2岁、3~6岁、7~10岁、11~14岁、15~18岁、18岁以上）。基于MATLAB平台开发的dicom数据处理软件,抽取每例患者的容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）值、剂量长度乘积（DLP）值,同时根据美国医学物理师学会（AAPM）220报告提出的体型特异性剂量估计（SSDE）方法,计算每例患者的水当量直径D_w及SSDE值。分析分别使用两种方法时,不同年龄段儿童和成人肺部CT扫描时所受辐射剂量的差异。结果 各年龄组CTDI_vol值均显著低于SSDE值,差异有统计学意义（t=-36.36、-32.83、-30.36、-28.74、-23.89,P<0.05）,不同年龄组SSDE值较CTDI_vol值分别增加137%、94%、79%、57%、42%。成人组的CTDI_vol值同样低于SSDE值,差异有统计学意义（t=-21.92,P<0.05）,SSDE值较CTDI_vol值增加41%。随着年龄的升高,各年龄组儿童患者CTDI_vol值、DLP值、D_w值、SSDE值逐渐升高,并均明显小于成人组,差异有统计学意义（F=63.39、203.28、89.27、103.44,P<0.05）。各年龄组的转换系数f随着年龄的增加显著降低,均明显高于成人组,差异有统计学意义（F=109.83,P<0.05）。结论 在肺部扫描中,相比于成人,CTDI_vol会严重地低估儿童所受的辐射剂量,年龄越小的患者,被低估得越严重,而SSDE方法考虑到受检者体型差异,能够更准确地反映不同患者所受的辐射剂量。