S2661
RTT - Patient experience and quality of life
ESTRO 2026
A.M., et al., DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.1019655. Probst, H., et al., DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2020.09.011.6. CI NSW. Multicultural demographics data explorer 2023. Available from https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/getmedia. Keywords: Modesty, Unease, Tattoos Digital Poster Highlight 1826 Long-term Patient Reported Outcomes, satisfaction and clinical outcomes following High Dose Rate Brachytherapy boost for high risk prostate cancer Ashok D Nikapota, Ritika Abrol, Angus J Robinson, Audine Johns, John Reardon, Rhian Woods, Fran Cowtan Department of Radiotherapy, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom Purpose/Objective: HDR brachytherapy boost for prostate cancer has been shown to improve local disease control and biochemical progression free survival in men with high risk prostate cancer. Our service was introduced in 2014 and more than 350 men have been treated to date. The collection of Patient Reported Outcomes (PROMS) and survival outcomes in daily clinical practice are not routine in many centres. PROMS are an important determinant of the success of treatment, and help manage treatment related morbidity and develop local support services, and has been shown to be associated with better survival outcomes (1). We present our outcomes. Material/Methods: We reviewed the results of the first 197 patients treated between March 2014 – March 2020. Patients were identified from the prostate brachytherapy database and had prospectively completed a modified Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-26) questionnaire annually for 5 years following treatment, along with general questions of health and wellbeing and overall satisfaction. Overall survival and progression free survival were calculated using Kaplin-Meyer. Results:
average or above levels of unease (IRT theta values > - 0.3). 67.5% of reported treatment room unease was related to waiting room unease, gender of treating staff and baseline levels of modesty unease (p < 0.001) (Figure 1). Summative content analysis indicated i) functionality of treatment garments and waiting spaces were connected to patient ease (f=41% and 46% respectively); ii) resignation (f=20%) and perceived connection with precision (f=17%) were connected with OK-neutral attitudes to tattoos, pain/needle phobia (f=12%), permanent reminder (f=10%) and desire for an alternative (f=11%) were themes of negative responses (Figure 2).Figure 1 - Final SEM of factors affecting unease
Figure 2 - Content analysis themes
Conclusion: Patient modesty influences experiences of unease during radiotherapy. This study highlights these concerns within a multicultural population and across anatomical sites. While patients accept tattoos, many experience distress regarding their permanence and symbolism, from treatment onset. Modesty and tattoo concerns are not limited to female patients with breast cancer. Given continuing technological advancements, a future without permanent tattoos should be prioritised. Additionally, providing personalised treatment garments and flexible waiting area options can help accommodate diverse cultural and personal preferences. Patient education materials should clearly communicate the need for undressing during
radiotherapy. References:
1. Andrews, C.S., DOI: 10.1007/s10943-010-9435-72. Moser, T., et al., doi: 10.1111/tbj.135913. Clow, B. and J. Allen, Psychosocial impacts of radiation tattooing for breast cancer patients: A critical review. Canadian Woman Studies/les cahiers de la femme, 2010.4. Grilo,
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