Stereotactic radiotherapy in India: Cross-sectional survey of patterns and socio-economic insights.

Abstract

Background: In the context of the largest democracy of the world (India) with wide variations in the demographic and socio-economic parameters, there is an immense need for a wide reach of advanced radiotherapy facilities. We aim to study the patterns and socio-economic aspects of stereotactic radiosurgery in India.

Methods: The study is based on an online survey consisting of 20 questions. The participants were all radiation oncology professionals in India.

Results: An online questionnaire was prepared and sent to nearly 400 radiation oncologists across the country and we received responses from 78 members. The majority of the participants were practicing Stereotactic radiotherapy. 76% of the participants were located in urban regions. All centers are equipped with Linear accelerators. 89% of centers have facilities to practice SRS. 65% of them have less than 3 years of experience. There were wide variations in the cost of treatment with an average cost of between 1-3lakhs INR (1350-4100$). The majority of people with medical insurance reside in urban locations and those patients who go to small and medium private hospitals and government colleges have state-run health schemes. Participants gave various suggestions for the wider accessibility of SRS facilities across the nation.

Conclusions: Initiatives are to be taken at multiple levels to make stereotactic radiotherapy easily and widely available across the country.