Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
A survey of veterinary radiation facilities in 2010.
- Journal:
- Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
- Year:
- 2014
- Authors:
- Farrelly, John & McEntee, Margaret C
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Cancer Center
Plain-English summary
In 2010, a survey was conducted to gather information about veterinary radiation therapy facilities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The survey looked at the types of equipment used, treatment protocols, and the number of patients treated, among other details. Out of 76 facilities, 39 responded, revealing a wide range of practices and equipment across different locations. Most facilities had a linear accelerator for treatment, and many reported having the ability to use electron therapy, which was an increase from a similar survey done in 2001. In total, 1,376 dogs and 352 cats received radiation treatment that year, with soft tissue sarcomas being the most common tumors treated in dogs and oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats.
Abstract
A survey of veterinary radiation therapy facilities in the United States, Canada, and Europe was done in 2010, using an online survey tool, to determine the type of equipment available, radiation protocols used, caseload, tumor types irradiated, as well as other details of the practice of veterinary radiation oncology. The results of this survey were compared to a similar survey performed in 2001. A total of 76 facilities were identified including 24 (32%) academic institutions and 52 (68%) private practice external beam radiation therapy facilities. The overall response rate was 51% (39/76 responded). Based on this survey, there is substantial variation among facilities in all aspects ranging from equipment and personnel to radiation protocols and caseloads. American College of Veterinary Radiology boarded radiation oncologists direct 90% of the radiation facilities, which was increased slightly compared to 2001. All facilities surveyed in 2010 had a linear accelerator. More facilities reported having electron capability (79%) compared to the 2001 survey. Eight facilities had a radiation oncology resident, and academic facilities were more likely to have residents. Patient caseload information was available from 28 sites (37% of radiation facilities), and based on the responses 1376 dogs and 352 cats were irradiated in 2010. The most frequently irradiated tumors were soft tissue sarcomas in dogs, and oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24798372/