Need of collaborative radiology-radiation oncology workshops in decision making for head and neck cancer (HNC) management in India: Perspectives of the radiation oncologists

Abstract

Background: In India, head and neck cancer (HNC) has always been a challenge to treatment due to its various disease., treatment., and patient.related factors. Recent developments in the field of both radiology and radiation oncology brings us to a stage where combined collaborative efforts are required for proper management of HNC. The article identifies the potential areas of such need through online survey. Materials and Methods: This anonymous online survey with specific questions and their responses from radiation oncology community identifies potential areas of radiology expertise as perceived by a radiation oncologist. The questions were simple Likert-type and the best possible response was sought for. Results: There were 57 email responses and majority (37) agreed upon the extreme importance of such collaborative efforts. The major areas where a radiation oncologist would seek help are target volume delineation and response evaluation posttreatment in HNC, though other areas are also important albeit to a lesser degree. Conclusion: There is urgent need of radiology.radiation oncology workshops in managing HNC in the modern era of image.based and image-guided treatment. Future larger hospital.based survey would determine need on a large scale basis at resolving these issues.