Treatment interruption during radiation therapy: Experience at a single institution in the Republic of Korea

AimOur study analyzed the frequency and causes of treatment interruption among patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT). MethodsA total of 1637 RT courses in 1500 patients were reviewed from September 2009 to October 2013. A continuous break over 7days or a discontinuous break over 14days was regarded as a temporary break and RT under 80% of planned treatment was regarded as incomplete. ResultsTwo-hundred and twenty courses (13.4%) with treatment interruption were identified. Half of the patients received RT with a definitive aim, and the other half for palliative care. Completion after temporary break, near completion and incompletion were noticed in 12.3%, 21.3%, and 66.4% of cases, respectively. Among patients with a definite aim, thorax (19.2%) and abdomen (16.3%) had a higher interruption rate. For brain and bone with a palliative aim, the frequency of interruption was about 16%. Old age and worse performance negatively affected interruption. The most common cause of treatment interruption was cancer progression including death (30%) and the next was treatment-related side effects (23.1%). ConclusionAbout 13% of RT cases were interrupted. Two third of patients received less than 80% of the planned RT. To improve RT completion rate, multidirectional efforts are needed.