Quelle organisation pour la prise en charge des cancers thoraciques en 2008 ? Résultats d'une enquête sur les pratiques en oncologie thoracique en région Rhône-Alpes

This survey, conducted in Rhône-Alpes region (France), aims to better understand the actual conditions of practice in thoracic oncology. A questionnaire was distributed to all oncologists, pulmonologists, radiotherapy physicians and thoracic surgeons in the region. Of 401 questionnaires, the response rate was 56%. Among the responders 46% reported exercising the Thoracic Oncology (TO). Most physicians practicing TO are pulmonologists (62%). The majority (45%) are engaged in secondary hospital or university hospital (27%). However, practitioners with the most important activity exerts in university hospitals and cancer centre (71% of physicians practicing in secondary hospitals and 75% of those in private practice reported to manage fewer than 80 new NSCLC cases per year in structure). Furthermore, 91% are regularly involved in a multidisciplinary team. Radiation oncologist, pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons are assiduous to these meeting; however radiologists and, to a lesser extent, pathologists are less attentive. Moreover, 92% of practitioners belong to cancer networks. Similarly, over one third of working together in a cooperative clinical research institution and nearly half are involved in clinical trials (with nearly half in secondary hospital). These results highlight the reality of practice in Rhône-Alpes and will serve as the basis for coordinating authorities to correct dysfunctions or monitor certain activities of interest (clinical trials).