INNV-32. ACCESS TO SPECIALTY RADIATION CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH RESECTABLE BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract INTRODUCTION Many patients with brain tumors face challenges access to care. For rural patients, prolonged travel times may limit appropriate radiotherapy. Radiation centers (RCs) offering specialized radiotherapy, e.g., stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), are geographically limited. Brain brachytherapy at the time of resection offers an option for such but technical have limited adoption. To address limitations traditional brachytherapy, a device Cs-131 seeds embedded in bioresorbable collagen tile (GammaTile (GT), GT Medical Technologies, Tempe, AZ) was developed. The is FDA-cleared permanent implantation all recurrent intracranial and newly diagnosed malignant neoplasms. investigate if wider availability this treatment could possibly lower geographic barrier care, we mapped US population against existing RCs tumor expertise neurosurgery (NSCs) performing craniotomies. METHODS We analyzed 2018 CMS claims data using CPT codes single- multi-fraction SRS identify these population. Using similar methodology, craniotomies, identified NSCs, as any facility craniotomies potentially eligible implant device. RESULTS 135 used SRS. 193-, 119-, 82-, 52-million Americans lived >30-, >60-, >90-, >120-minutes from one centers, respectively. 530 NSCs preform including ≥ 1 every state, 4-fold increase over number CONCLUSIONS many substantial distances expertise. In contrast, craniotomy-performing far greater dispersion. undergoing radiation craniotomy brings closer millions, ensures compliance, reduces additional follow-up treatment.