AIM: To analyze malpractice trials in radiation oncology and assess how ASTRO APEx
METHODS: The Westlaw database was reviewed using PICOS/PRISMA methods. Fisher\u27s exact and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to find factors associated with outcomes.
RESULTS: Of 34 cases identified, external beam was used in 26 (77%). The most common factors behind malpractice were excessive toxicity (80%) and lack of informed consent (66%). ASTRO APEx pillars and ROI-LS had applicability to all but one case. Factors favoring the defendant included statute of limitations (odds ratio: 8.1; 95% CI: 1.3-50); those favoring the plaintiff included patient death (odds ratio: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.54-0.94).
CONCLUSION: APEx and RO-ILS are applicable to malpractice trials in radiation oncology
