Background:This survey aims to provide an insight into the variations of knowledge and perception amongst radiation oncologists across India regarding proton beam therapy (PBT).

Methods:Participants of this anonymized online survey included radiation oncologists from all over India. Unique links were electronically mailed from a database populated from professional associations. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to closed-ended questions, expressed as frequency for categorical variables. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test was used for comparisons.

Results:Total number of respondents were 253.Seventy percent respondents said 1-10% patients from their current practice were eligible for PBT. Modern PBT significantly different from older proton techniques as believed by 74% respondents. Although 50% respondents believed PBT is suitable for only small sized tumours; chordomas, chondrosarcomas, other skull base tumours (94%) followed by paediatric tumours (90%) were the top indications for PBT.  Dose-escalation possibility was believed to be amongst the top PBT benefits by 82% respondents in adults. Limited access (67%), lack of high-quality evidence (61%) for PBT are responsible for slower adoption of PBT across the world, while in India it is lack of awareness amongst the practitioners (46%) and public (30%). Conducting randomized controlled trials (PBT vs photon) for children was deemed ethical by 69% respondents. Need for more awareness about PBT was expressed by 90% respondents. 

Conclusion: In view of the wide variation in perception and knowledge amongst the radiation oncologists across India, our survey provides significant information which can act as a suitable benchmark to create awareness regarding PBT.

Survey on variations of knowledge and perception amongst radiation oncologists across India regarding proton beam therapy (PBT).