Radiate equity: the inclusion of radiation oncology and other specialties in lymphoma collaborative groups.

in The Lancet. Haematology by Omran Saifi, Chelsea C Pinnix, Chris R Kelsey, Leslie K Ballas, Sarah A Milgrom, Ranjana Advani, Margaret T Kasner, Stella Flampouri, Stephanie A Terezakis, Mark Sellmyer, John P Plastaras, Bradford S Hoppe

TLDR

  • A study assessed the representation of different specialties in lymphoma-related fields and found that haematology and oncology were overrepresented, while radiation oncology and other specialties were underrepresented.
  • The study highlights the need for increased multidisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes and quality of care in lymphoma.

Abstract

There has been a notable decrease in the use of radiation in lymphoma clinical practice and research in recent years. The NRG Hematologic Malignancies Working Group aimed to assess the inclusion of radiation oncology alongside haematology and oncology, pathology and molecular biology, and diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine in lymphoma academic leadership positions. The haematology and oncology specialty had the highest representation among National Comprehensive Cancer Network lymphoma guideline committees, lymphoma research cooperative groups, lymphoma research foundations, and the editorial boards of seven high-impact haematology journals, with under-representation of radiation oncology and other specialties, such as diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine. The NRG Hematologic Malignancies Working Group advocates for increased multidisciplinary representation and collaboration to enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes for patients with lymphoma.

Overview

  • The study aimed to assess the inclusion of radiation oncology in academic leadership positions in lymphoma-related fields.
  • The NRG Hematologic Malignancies Working Group collected data on the representation of different specialties in various lymphoma-related committees, foundations, and journals.
  • The primary objective was to identify underrepresented specialties and advocate for increased multidisciplinary representation in lymphoma care.

Comparative Analysis & Findings

  • Haematology and oncology had the highest representation across various lymphoma-related committees, foundations, and journals.
  • Radiation oncology and other specialties, such as diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine, were underrepresented.
  • The study highlights the need for increased multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes for patients with lymphoma.

Implications and Future Directions

  • The study's findings emphasize the importance of promoting increased representation of all specialties involved in lymphoma care.
  • Future research should focus on identifying strategies to increase multidisciplinary collaboration and representation in lymphoma care.
  • The NRG Hematologic Malignancies Working Group advocates for increased multidisciplinary representation to improve patient outcomes and quality of care.
Read Full Article