Research Article

CAUSES, TIMING AND EFFECTS OF RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT BREAKS IN NSIA-LUTH CANCER CENTRE

Bolanle Adegboyega1*, Habeebu Muhammad1, Adewumi O. Alabi2, Mariam Bashir3, Esther Adegbolagun1, Adedayo Joseph1, Nimotallahi Bello1, Emmanuel Olufisayo1, Tolulope Fashola1, John Onyeji4, Taiwo Afekhai1, Jummai Desiree Jimeta-Tuko5, Anthonia Sowunmi1
1 Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 102215, Lagos, Nigeria
2 Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy & Radiodiagnosis, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos.
3 Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Central Bank of Nigeria, 900247, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
4 Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences Bingham University, Jos Campus.
5 Diagnostic and Treatment Centre CBN
* Corresponding author: abecee2001@yahoo.com
Published: Jan, 2025
DOI: 10.67579/njo.2025.8blzbtat
Pages: 123-133
Views: 282
Downloads: 138

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer treatment includes several modalities that must be completed within specified periods to improve treatment outcome. Radiotherapy as a vital part of managing cancer demands that overall time be kept as short as possible to prevent repopulation of the cells which can affect local control and thus the overall survival of the patient. This study highlights the causes, timing, and patients’ attitude to this break during radiotherapy treatment at NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre (NLCC).

Methods: In this hospital based cross sectional study, 217 patients undergoing curative radiotherapy were recruited. Data analysis was done using STATA 16 and results were presented as measures of central tendency.

Results: The prevalent reasons for missing treatment included public holidays (82%), side effects (27.2%) and machine breakdown (11.1%). The average number of days missed due to machine breakdown was about 4 to 5 days and for side effects and public holidays was 2 to 3 days. Treatment break peaks was at the fourth week in gynecologic and head and neck cancers while second week in breast cancers. The findings showed significant association between increased number of missed treatment days and concurrent chemotherapy, and gynaecological cancers while reduced number of missed treatment days with increasing age.

Conclusion: We aimed to improve cancer care delivery by identifying the key factors causing interruptions and suggesting actionable recommendations. It is crucial to plan for the treatment period and avoid unnecessary breaks, which should be compensated to prevent adverse effects.

Therefore, we urge Nigerian public health services to prioritize the expansion of radiotherapy access through upgrades in equipment, workforce capacity, and aligning resources with the evolving needs of cancer patients in the country for research and clinical purposes.

Keywords

Radiotherapy Treatment- Breaks Cancer

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How to Cite

Adegboyega, B., Muhammad, H., Alabi, A. O., Bashir, M., Adegbolagun, E., Joseph, A., Bello, N., Olufisayo, E., Fashola, T., Onyeji, J., Afekhai, T., Jimeta-Tuko, J. D., & Sowunmi, A. (2025). CAUSES, TIMING AND EFFECTS OF RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT BREAKS IN NSIA-LUTH CANCER CENTRE. Nigerian Journal of Oncology, 1(1), 123-133. https://doi.org/10.67579/njo.2025.8blzbtat

B. Adegboyega, H. Muhammad, A. O. Alabi, M. Bashir, E. Adegbolagun, A. Joseph, N. Bello, E. Olufisayo, T. Fashola, J. Onyeji, T. Afekhai, J. D. Jimeta-Tuko, and A. Sowunmi, "CAUSES, TIMING AND EFFECTS OF RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT BREAKS IN NSIA-LUTH CANCER CENTRE," Nigerian Journal of Oncology, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 123-133, January 2025. doi: 10.67579/njo.2025.8blzbtat

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