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Open Access 01-02-2022 | Systemic Therapy | Original Article

Patterns of care analysis for salivary gland cancer: a survey within the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) and recommendations for daily practice

Authors: Jens von der Grün, MD, Claus Rödel, Sabine Semrau, Panagiotis Balermpas, Daniel Martin, Rainer Fietkau, Marlen Haderlein

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 2/2022

Abstract

Background

Salivary gland cancer (SGC) is rare and a heterogeneous type of cancer. Prospective randomized trials are lacking. No guideline focusing on standard procedures of radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of SGC exists. Therefore, we surveyed the members of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) to gain information about current therapeutic strategies of SGC.

Methods

An anonymous questionnaire was designed and made available on the online platform umfrageonline.com. The corresponding link was sent to all DEGRO members who provided their user data for contact purposes. Alternatively, a PDF printout version was sent. Frequency distributions of responses for each question were calculated. The data were also analyzed by type of institution.

Results

Sixty-seven responses were received, including answers from 21 university departments, 22 non-university institutions, and 24 radiation oncology practices. Six participants reported that their departments (practice: n = 5, non-university hospital: n = 1) did not treat SGC, and therefore the questionnaire was not completed. Concerning radiation techniques, target volume definition, and concomitant chemotherapy, treatment strategies varied greatly among the participants. Comparing university vs. non-university institutions, university hospitals treat significantly more patients with SGC per year and initiated more molecular pathological diagnostics.

Conclusion

SGC represents a major challenge for clinicians, as reflected by the inhomogeneous survey results regarding diagnostics, RT approaches, and systemic therapy. Future prospective, multicenter clinical trials are warranted to improve and homogenize treatment of SGC and to individualize treatment according to histologic subtypes and risk factors.

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Title: Patterns of care analysis for salivary gland cancer: a survey within the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) and recommendations for daily practice
Authors: Jens von der Grün, MD
Claus Rödel
Sabine Semrau
Panagiotis Balermpas
Daniel Martin
Rainer Fietkau
Marlen Haderlein
Publication date: 01-02-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Systemic Therapy
Radiotherapy
Salivary Gland Cancer
Salivary Gland Cancer
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-021-01833-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Patterns of care analysis for salivary gland cancer: a survey within the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) and recommendations for daily practice

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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