R. Valdagni et al., Minimal requirements in prostate cancer irradiation: A consensus document by the AIRO Lombardia cooperative group, TUMORI, 85(2), 1999, pp. 143-148
Purpose: With the aim of establishing clinical and technical criteria to ho
mogenize radiotherapy practice, a working group of AIRO-Lombardia (Associaz
ione Italiana di Radioterapia Oncologica - Gruppo regionale della Lombardia
) has tried to define minimal requirements for radical and postoperative ir
radiation in prostate cancer. The document has been structured in such a wa
y as to be also of interest to the urological and medical oncology communit
ies.
Methods: The working group, composed of representatives of most of the regi
onal radiotherapy departments in the Lombardy region, had monthly meetings
during 1996 and 1997. The document on minimal requirements has been derived
from the participants' combined experience and knowledge, from review of t
he literature, and from a 1995 regional survey on current practice of prost
ate irradiation.
Results: Minimal requirements for radical and postoperative irradiation of
prostate cancer have been defined with respect to treatment strategies, pre
-treatment diagnostic evaluation and staging, treatment prescription, prepa
ration and execution, and quality assurance procedures.
Conclusion: Standards of reference for minimal requirements in prostate can
cer irradiation adapted to the regional structures and resources have been
defined.