53P - Radiotherapy utilization rate for breast cancer in Indonesia: A call for empowering cancer care

Background

Breast cancer is the predominant malignancy in Indonesia, as per recent data from The Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2020. Employing a multifaceted therapeutic approach has curbed breast cancer patient mortality. Radiotherapy's pivotal role in comprehensive breast cancer care underscores its significance. This study marks the inaugural effort to assess radiotherapy utilization rate (RUR) among Indonesian breast cancer patients.

Methods

Secondary data were gathered from breast cancer patients diagnosed within Indonesian radiotherapy centers during 2019-2021. The primary goal was a pre-pandemic evaluation of radiotherapy utilization. After rigorous data cleansing, involving duplicate elimination, meticulous analysis ensued. This unveiled actual RUR (aRUR) and optimal RUR (oRUR) for this cohort. Comparative RUR assessment with global counterparts complemented the analysis.

Results

This study encompassed 11,037 breast cancer patients from 34 Indonesian radiotherapy centers. Of these, 96.8% were female, with a minority (2.6%) being male. Notably, 60.38% were diagnosed at advanced stages (Stages 3 and 4), mirroring developing nation trends. 17 radiotherapy centers met the criteria for aRUR analysis, resulting in 26.2%. For oRUR, 9 centers were suitable, indicating 66.3% (50.7% - 78.2%). Consequently, unmet RUR needs in Indonesian breast cancer patients stood at 60.4% (48.3% - 66.4%). Data from Australia's Cancer Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research & Evaluation (CCORE) 2013 exhibited a higher oRUR of 83.5% (82.5% - 84.6%), attributed to significant stage distribution differences.

Conclusions

The underutilization of radiotherapy for Indonesian breast cancer patients persists. A notable disparity between oRUR and aRUR remains. Given these outcomes, imperative next steps entail delving into underlying factors fueling this gap and devising targeted strategies to mitigate the concern.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.