Abstract
Background
Despite the pivotal role of radiotherapy in oncology, the provision of radiation treatments remains inadequate in many areas of the world. The present report is an assessment conducted among Radiation Oncology centers of Veneto region with the aim to collect information concerning radiotherapy assets and technological equipment availability.
Methods
Data concerning Veneto Radiation Oncology departments about radiotherapy activities, number of treatments, techniques used and radiotherapy machines available were collected. The reference time period was 2018. Reimbursement system databases and business intelligence systems were used. Extra-regional attraction and migration were evaluated. When available, data were compared to previous years.
Results
Veneto in 2018 was endowed with 1 megavolt unit for about 153,000 inhabitants. The number of megavolt machines per million inhabitants resulted to be 6.72. In 51% of radiotherapy treatments, intensity-modulated techniques were performed. Six percent of treatments were administered to extra-regional patients.
Conclusion
Radiotherapy assets and equipment in Veneto seem to be appropriate to standard requests in terms of availability and technology.
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Bellometti, S., Nube, G., Alongi, F. et al. Radiotherapy activities and technological equipment in Veneto, Italy: a report from the Rete Radioterapica Veneta. Radiol med 126, 623–629 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-020-01308-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-020-01308-6