Patterns of care according to treatment intent for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): A 2.5-year review of routine practice.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e16516-e16516
Author(s):  
Kathryn Maree Field ◽  
Jayesh Desai ◽  
Jeanne Tie ◽  
Suzanne Kosmider ◽  
Susie Bae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Dominant Strategy ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Palliative Intent ◽  
Operative Strategies ◽  
Treatment Intent

e16516 Background: Cure is potentially achievable in select patients with mCRC with limited metastatic disease to liver and/or lung. To date the peri-operative strategies undertaken by oncologists in routine practice for such pts have not been well documented. Methods: A clinical database recording information on all pts diagnosed with mCRC since July 2009 from 5 hospitals was analysed. Management strategies where a curative-intent resection had occurred; was planned; or was a potential option were compared with those managed with palliative intent. Results: Status at the time of first review regarding systemic chemotherapy (CT) was documented for 354 pts. 15 (4.2%) had undergone curative-intent resection; 37 (10.5%) had a resection planned; 36 (10.2%) were considered potentially resectable if response to treatment was good; and 266 (75.1%) were treated with palliative intent. Only one patient (1.9%) already resected or planned for resection was >ECOG1, compared with 8% (3/36) potentially resectable and 20% (53/266) palliative pts. CT was delivered in 12 (80%) already-resected, 29 (78%) planned for resection, 33 (92%) potentially-resectable and 202 (76%) palliative-intent pts. Combination CT was the dominant strategy, although 5 of 12 (42%) resected pts received single agent treatment. 17% (n=2) resected pts received bevacizumab with CT, compared with 29% (n=18) of planned or potentially-curative pts and 55% (n=112) of those treated with palliative intent. At the time of analysis 17 pts (46%) with a planned resection and 7 (20%) considered potentially curative have had surgery, while 6 (2.3%) where treatment was initially considered palliative have had curative-intent surgery. Conclusions: Treatment strategies for pts with mCRC differ significantly based on the treatment intent, and may be affected by surgical preference and referral pattern. Bevacizumab was less likely to be used for already-resected pts and the use of single agent therapy in this group was also not uncommon. Many pts initially considered resectable do not ultimately undergo resection, whereas occasional ‘palliative’ pts may become resectable, confirming the importance of continued consideration of this option.

Patterns of care according to treatment intent for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): A two-year review of routine practice.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 682-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Maree Field ◽  
Jayesh Desai ◽  
Jeanne Tie ◽  
Suzanne Kosmider ◽  
Susie Bae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Dominant Strategy ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Palliative Intent ◽  
Operative Strategies ◽  
Treatment Intent

682 Background: Cure is potentially achievable in select patients (pts) with mCRC with limited metastatic disease to liver and/or lung. To date the peri-operative strategies undertaken by oncologists in routine practice for such pts have not been well documented. Methods: A clinical database recording information on all pts diagnosed with mCRC since July 2009 from 5 hospitals was analysed. Management strategies where a curative-intent resection had occurred; was planned; or was a potential option were compared with those managed with palliative intent. Results: Status at the time of first review regarding systemic chemotherapy (CT) was documented for 280 pts. 11 (4%) had already undergone curative-intent resection; 31 (11%) had a resection planned; 27 (10%) were considered potentially resectable if their response to treatment was good; and 207 (74%) were treated with palliative intent. No pts already resected or planned for resection were >ECOG 1, compared with 11% (3/27) potentially resectable and 17% (36/207) palliative pts. CT was delivered in 9 (82%) already-resected, 26 (84%) planned for resection, 26 (96%) potentially-resectable and 159 (77%) palliative-intent pts. Combination CT was the dominant strategy, although 7 of 11 (66%) already-resected pts received single agent treatment. No already-resected pts received bevacizumab with CT, compared with 27% (n=14) of planned or potentially-curative pts and 55% (n=88) of those treated with palliative intent. At the time of analysis 13 pts (42%) with a planned resection and 8 (30%) considered potentially curative have had surgery, while 3 (1.4%) where treatment was initially considered palliative have had curative-intent surgery. Conclusions: Treatment strategies for pts with mCRC differ significantly based on the treatment intent, and may be affected by surgical preference and referral pattern. Bevacizumab was less likely to be used for already-resected pts and the use of single agent therapy in this group was also not uncommon. Many pts initially considered resectable do not ultimately undergo resection, whereas occasional ‘palliative’ pts may become resectable, confirming the importance of continued consideration of this option.

scholarly journals Changes in Cancer Management due to COVID-19 Illness in Patients with Cancer in Northern California

2020 ◽  
pp. OP.20.00790
Author(s):  
Julie Tsu-Yu Wu ◽  
Daniel H. Kwon ◽  
Michael J. Glover ◽  
Solomon Henry ◽  
Douglas Wood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Palliative Intent ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Cancer Management ◽  
Bay Area ◽  
Treatment Intent ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Active Cancer

PURPOSE: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the management of patients with cancer. In this pooled retrospective analysis, we describe changes in management patterns for patients with cancer diagnosed with COVID-19 in two academic institutions in the San Francisco Bay Area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19 with a current or historical diagnosis of malignancy were identified from the electronic medical record at the University of California, San Francisco, and Stanford University. The proportion of patients undergoing active cancer management whose care was affected was quantified and analyzed for significant differences with regard to management type, treatment intent, and the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. The duration and characteristics of such changes were compared across subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 131 patients were included, of whom 55 were undergoing active cancer management. Of these, 35 of 55 (64%) had significant changes in management that consisted primarily of delays. An additional three patients not undergoing active cancer management experienced a delay in management after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The decision to change management was correlated with the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, with more delays identified in patients treated with palliative intent earlier in the course of the pandemic (March/April 2020) compared with later (May/June 2020) (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.03 to 17.3; P = .0497). This difference was not seen among patients treated with curative intent during the same timeframe. CONCLUSION: We found significant changes in the management of cancer patients with COVID-19 treated with curative and palliative intent that evolved over time. Future studies are needed to determine the impact of changes in management and treatment on cancer outcomes for patients with cancer and COVID-19.

Measuring alignment with evidence-informed practice in Ontario’s systemic treatment funding model.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (30_suppl) ◽  
pp. 15-15
Author(s):  
Leonard Kaizer ◽  
Vicky Simanovski ◽  
Irene Blais ◽  
Carlin Lalonde ◽  
Huma Tariq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Treatment ◽  
Life Time ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Palliative Intent ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Funding Model ◽  
Disease Site ◽  
Episodes Of Care ◽  
Treatment Intent ◽  
The Impact

15 Background: A new systemic treatment funding model (STFM) was implemented in Ontario on April 1, 2014, transitioning from life-time per case funding to reimbursement based on evidence-informed episodes of care. The effectiveness of the model will be evaluated against key indicators including the percent of patients on evidence-informed regimens (PPEIR). Methods: Provincial Disease Site Group (DSG) experts reviewed all chemotherapy regimens administered in Ontario over the two years prior to implementation. Each DSG identified the treatment regimens to be STFM reimbursed, based on evidence of clinical benefit according to treatment intent (curative/adjuvant vs. palliative or both). A year of pre-implementation data will serve as a baseline to assess the impact of transition to the new funding model. Clinical and administrative stakeholders have received their baseline facility-level data and will receive monthly reports, including the PPEIR, to aid in identifying and resolving clinical practice and/or data quality issues post-implementation. Results: Of approximately 1,000 regimens reviewed by the DSGs, ~100 were deemed to be evidence informed for adjuvant/curative intent, ~325 for palliative intent, and ~90 for both intents. Overall, the 2013/14 baseline provincial PPEIR was 91.6% for 16,200 treatment courses given with adjuvant/curative intent while 93.2% of 56,800 patient-months of treatment with palliative intent were aligned with the proposed evidence informed definition. Significant variation in baseline PPEIR was seen for the 29 level 1-3 provincial treatment facilities (range = 71-99%) and for the 10 different disease sites. Conclusions: Knowledge of the PPEIR utilized increases understanding of practice at the system (provincial), regional, facility and disease site level and will provide opportunities for benchmarking and ongoing improvement in quality of care.

scholarly journals Managing sarcoma: where have we come from and where are we going?

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 637-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenna S. Bleloch ◽  
Reyna D. Ballim ◽  
Serah Kimani ◽  
Jeannette Parkes ◽  
Eugenio Panieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
Robust Response

Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. Approximately 80% arise from soft tissue and 20% originate from bone. To date more than 100 sarcoma subtypes have been identified and they vary in molecular characteristics, pathology, clinical presentation and response to treatment. While sarcomas represent <1% of adult cancers, they account for approximately 21% of paediatric malignancies and thus pose some of the greatest risks of mortality and morbidity in children and young adults. Metastases occur in one-third of all patients and approximately 10–20% of sarcomas recur locally. Surgery in combination with preoperative and postoperative therapies is the primary treatment for localized sarcoma tumours and is the most promising curative possibility. Metastasized sarcomas, on the other hand, are treated primarily with single-agent or combination chemotherapy, but this rarely leads to a complete and robust response and often becomes a palliative form of treatment. The heterogeneity of sarcomas results in variable responses to current generalized treatment strategies. In light of this and the lack of curative strategies for metastatic and unresectable sarcomas, there is a need for novel subtype-specific treatment strategies. With the more recent understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of some of these tumours, the treatment of sarcoma subtypes with targeted therapies is a rapidly evolving field. This review discusses the current management of sarcomas as well as promising new therapies that are currently underway in clinical trials.

scholarly journals "Real-World" Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas Experience in Portugal: Is There Reason for Optimism?

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 5287-5287
Author(s):  
Ivan Dlouhy ◽  
Rita Gavancha ◽  
Inês Coelho ◽  
Catalina Gomez ◽  
Inês Barbosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Large Cell ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Histologic Subtype ◽  
T Cell Lymphomas ◽  
Peripheral T Cell Lymphomas

Introduction: Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are a heterogeneous group of mature T-cell neoplasms with aggressive behavior and dismal outcomes. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy is commonly used upfront; hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is employed as consolidation by some groups. Refractory/relapsed cases (R/R) have a median survival of less than 6 months. Our objective was to analyze the outcomes of all consecutive PTCLs diagnosed and treated in a single center during 16 years according to histological subtype, disease phase (first line and R/R) and treatment strategies. Patients and methods: All adult PTCL patients referred to our center between 2003 and 2019 were included. All cases were locally diagnosed based on the current WHO classification by an expert hemato-pathologist. Initial clinical features, treatment and outcomes were analyzed, as well as salvage strategies. Results: A total of 188 patients were included (118 male, 70 female; median age 62 years). Median OS was 22.7 months, with a median follow up of 54 months. Histological subtypes, initial features, response to treatment and survival are detailed in table 1. Briefly, most cases were diagnosed at advanced stages, with extranodal involvement in 69% and elevated beta-2 microglobulin (B2m) in 77%; half had B symptoms. OS according to different subtypes is shown in figure 1. Of note, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)-ALK+ patients had a 5-year OS of 88%. Interestingly, fifteen patients had circulating lymphoma cells (12 PTCL not otherwise specified [NOS], 2 hepatosplenic lymphoma and 1 angioimmunoblastic lymphoma [AITL]), with no impact on outcome. PTCL-NOS was the most prevalent subtype (40%) followed by AITL; unexpectedly, the proportion of PTCL-NOS cases increased while AITL cases decreased after 2008. Seven cases belonging to the recently recognized nodal PTCL with T follicular helper (TFH) phenotype were observed, with baseline characteristics and outcome similar to other PTCLs. IPI score index stratified patients into 4 groups with 24-month OS of 71%, 55%, 42% and 16% for low, int-low, int-high and high risk patients, respectively (P=.049). Only B2m and IPI score maintained independent significance for OS (HR= 3.2 and 1.8, respectively, P<.01) in a multivariate analysis that also included histologic subtype and frontline treatment. Most patients were treated with CHOP (75%), although other regimens were increasingly used in recent years, including CHOEP (9%). Young (<65 years) PTCL-NOS patients had a better outcome when treated with CHOEP compared to CHOP (24-month OS of 100% vs. 37%, P=.04); this difference was not noted in ALCL-ALK- and in AITL cases. Twenty-three patients (21% of transplant-eligible cases) underwent HSCT (18 autologous, 5 allogeneic), mostly (16/23) in first remission. As expected, patients not responding to frontline therapy or relapsing after CR showed a dismal outcome (median OS of 4.1 months from R/R date). Intensive platinum-based salvage treatments (26 cases) led to a median OS from relapse of only 6 months. In contrast, single-drug Gemcitabine at first relapse showed a median OS 17.4 months in 5 elderly patients. Of 76 R/R transplant eligible patients, only 7 underwent HSCT(4 allogeneic, 3 autologous), with a 5-year OS of 86%. Eight patients (4 AITL, 4 ALCL) received Brentuximab-Vedotin (BV) at first or later relapse, with improved outcomes compared to other regimes (24-month OS of 63% vs. 22%, P=.03). Conclusion: Initial features, treatments and outcomes for PTCL have not significantly changed in a 16-year period. Only a minority of cases underwent HSCT or received new agents. Ideal salvage regimens are not defined and, in our experience, single agent Gemcitabine or BV performed better than more aggressive combinations. Although promising new drugs have been recently approved for PTCL, their impact on outcome is still not clear. Recent progresses in molecular characterization of the disease may translate into better outcomes through prospective collaborative efforts in the near future. Disclosures Silva: Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Other: Travel support, Research Funding; Janssen Cilag: Consultancy, Other: Travel support; Abbvie: Consultancy, Other: Travel support; Celgene: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy, Other: Travel support.

The impact of treatment intent on overall survival after radiofrequency ablation of colorectal cancer liver metastases: The Royal Marsden Hospital experience.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 622-622
Author(s):  
Khurum Hayat Khan ◽  
Anita Wale ◽  
James McCall ◽  
Nevin Wijesekera ◽  
Nasir Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Overall Survival ◽  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Liver Metastases ◽  
Hepatic Resection ◽  
Survival Outcomes ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Palliative Intent ◽  
Palliative Procedure ◽  
Treatment Intent

622 Background: 50% of patients with colorectal cancer will develop liver metastases (CLM), for many patients this will be the first and only site of metastatic disease. A minority of the patients will undergo surgical resection with curative intent, the remainder may be offered treatment with chemotherapy and local ablative techniques. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is increasingly used to treat patients deemed unsuitable for surgery, as an adjunct to or holding procedure before hepatic resection or for patients with recurrent disease. In addition some centres use RFA in the palliative setting. The aim of this study was to determine survival outcomes according to RFA treatment intent in patients with CLM. Methods: Clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of all patients with CLM treated with RFA between 2005-2011 were recorded. Patients were grouped according to the intent with which they underwent their first RFA procedure, namely "curative intent", "holding intent" or "palliative intent". Overall survival was compared between the groups using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Log Rank testing. Results: A total of seventy eight pts with CLM (M:F= 44:34), age (median=66, range 43-65 years), who underwent their first RFA procedure between 2005 and 2011 were identified. Thirty pts underwent RFA as a curative procedure (38%), 18 (23%) as a “holding procedure” before hepatic resection and 30 (38%) as a palliative procedure. The median OS for all patients was 25 months after first RFA treatment. Log Rank test showed survival was significantly different according to treatment intent; patients who underwent RFA as a holding procedure before hepatic resection had improved survival over those who underwent RFA with curative intent, who in turn had improved survival over those who underwent RFA with palliative intent (47 vs. 32 vs. 16 months, p = <0.001). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that patients do best if RFA is used as neo-adjuvant treatment prior to hepatic resection, compared to when it is used as curative or palliative procedure. Careful selection of pts is required to optimise outcomes for the pts receiving RFA.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for bladder cancer: Practice patterns and outcomes in the general population.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e16025-e16025
Author(s):  
Ketan Ghate ◽  
Kelly Brennan ◽  
Safiya Karim ◽  
William J. Mackillop ◽  
Christopher M. Booth
Keyword(s):  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
General Population ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Practice Patterns ◽  
Propensity Score Analysis ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Score Analysis

e16025 Background: Clinical trials have shown that CRT improves survival compared to RT alone in muscle invasive bladder cancer. We describe uptake of CRT and outcomes in routine practice. Methods: Electronic treatment records were linked to the population-based Ontario Cancer Registry to identify all patients treated with curative intent RT for bladder cancer in Ontario 1999-2013. Practice patterns were described in three eras: 1999-2003, 2004-2008, 2009-2013. Modified Poisson regression was used to analyze factors associated with use of CRT. Cox model and propensity score analysis were used to explore the association between CRT and overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Results: 1398 patients underwent curative intent RT during 1999-2013; median age was 79 and 75% (1050/1398) were male. Use of CRT increased over time: 33% (135/409) in 1999-2003, 35% (170/482) in 2004-2008, 46% (232/507) in 2009-2013 (p < 0.001). Among the 80% (431/537) of CRT cases with available drug details, the most common regimens were single-agent Cisplatin (57%, 245/431), single-agent Carboplatin (31%, 133/431) and 5-FU/Mitomycin (4%, 19/431). Factors associated with CRT include younger age (p < 0.001), male sex (p = 0.027), and lower co-morbidity (p < 0.001). There were large regional differences in use of CRT (range 14% to 85%, p < 0.001). Five year OS, CSS, and cystectomy-free survival rates among CRT cases were 34% (95%CI 30%-39%), 45% (95%CI 40%-50%), and 30% (95%CI 26%-34%). On adjusted analyses CRT was associated with superior survival compared to RT alone (OS HR 0.68, 95%CI 0.60-0.70; CSS HR 0.64, 95%CI 0.54-0.76). These results were consistent on propensity score analysis. There was a non-significant trend towards improved survival among all treated cases in 2009-2013 compared to 1999-2003 irrespective of chemotherapy delivery (OS HR 0.86, 95%CI 0.74-1.01; CSS HR 0.82, 95%CI 0.67-1.01). Conclusions: Although there has been substantial uptake of CRT in routine practice, utilization rates vary widely by region. CRT is associated with superior survival compared to RT alone and its uptake corresponded to a temporal trend towards improved survival among all treated cases in the general population.

scholarly journals Prostatectomy as a treatment for canine prostate cancer: a literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelle Stans
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Palliative Therapy ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Rare Condition ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Keywords Cancer ◽  
Tract Infections

Canine prostate cancer is a relatively rare condition with a poor prognosis. Both total and partial prostatectomy have been described as treatment  strategies for this condition. Based on the available literature, it is clear that prostatectomy is usually employed in combination with other  therapeutic strategies. However, it is apparent that the procedure is currently not suitable for curative intent. Its role as a palliative therapy has been better established. Among others, urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections were reported as important complications. The reported  frequencies varied per study. Future research is needed to establish the role of prostatectomy in the treatment of canine prostate cancer. Based on the current lack of prospective studies, it is difficult to state whether prostatectomy should become a routine practice or first-line standard of care. Novel protocols for treating canine prostate cancer should be established. Keywords: Cancer, Carcinoma, Dogs, Prostate, Prostatectomy.

scholarly journals Long-term cancer survivors treated with multiple courses of repeat radiation therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian M. Christ ◽  
Maiwand Ahmadsei ◽  
Lotte Wilke ◽  
Anja Kühnis ◽  
Matea Pavic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Median Overall Survival ◽  
Anatomical Site ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Palliative Intent ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Treatment Intent ◽  
Long Term Survivors ◽  
Median Interval

Abstract Introduction and background Through recent advances in cancer care, the number of long-term survivors has continuously increased. As a result, repetitive use of local radiotherapy for curative or palliative indications might have increased as well. This analysis aims to describe patterns of care and outcome of patients treated with multiple courses of repeat radiotherapy. Materials and methods All patients treated with radiotherapy between 2011 and 2019 at our department of Radiation Oncology were included into this analysis. A course of radiotherapy was defined as all treatment sessions to one anatomical site under one medical indication. Demographics, cancer and treatment characteristics and overall survival of patients having undergone multiple radiotherapy courses (minimum n = 5) were evaluated. Results The proportion of cancer patients treated with a minimum five courses of radiotherapy increased continuously from 0.9% in 2011 to 6.5% in 2019. In the 112 patients treated with a minimum of five radiotherapy courses, the primary tumor was lung in 41.9% (n = 47), malignant melanoma in 8.9% (n = 10) and breast in 8.0% (n = 9) of cases. A median interval of 3 years (maximum 8 years) elapsed between the first and the last radiotherapy course. The maximum number of courses in a single patient were n = 10. Treatment intent was curative or palliative in 46.4% and 53.6% for the first radiotherapy, respectively. The proportion of curative intent decreased to 11.6% at the 5th, and the last radiotherapy course was following a palliative intent in all patients. Five-year overall survival measured from the 1st radiotherapy course was 32.7%. Median overall survival was 3.3, 2.4, 1.3, and 0.6 years when measured from the 1st, the 1st palliative, the 5th and last course of radiotherapy, respectively. Discussion and conclusion A continuously increasing number of patients is treated with multiple courses of radiotherapy throughout their long-term cancer survivorship.

scholarly journals Understanding the Impact of Different Landscape-Level Fuel Management Strategies on Wildfire Hazard in Central Portugal

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 522
Author(s):  
Akli Benali ◽  
Ana C. L. Sá ◽  
João Pinho ◽  
Paulo M. Fernandes ◽  
José M. C. Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Fire Season ◽  
Burned Area ◽  
Treatment Area ◽  
Fuel Treatment ◽  
The North ◽  
Wildfire Hazard ◽  
Central Portugal ◽  
The Impact

The extreme 2017 fire season in Portugal led to widespread recognition of the need for a paradigm shift in forest and wildfire management. We focused our study on Alvares, a parish in central Portugal located in a fire-prone area, which had 60% of its area burned in 2017. We evaluated how different fuel treatment strategies may reduce wildfire hazard in Alvares through (i) a fuel break network with different extents corresponding to different levels of priority and (ii) random fuel treatments resulting from a potential increase in stand-level management intensity. To assess this, we developed a stochastic wildfire simulation system (FUNC-SIM) that integrates uncertainties in fuel distribution over the landscape. If the landscape remains unchanged, Alvares will have large burn probabilities in the north, northeast and center-east areas of the parish that are very often associated with high fireline intensities. The different fuel treatment scenarios decreased burned area between 12.1–31.2%, resulting from 1–4.6% increases in the annual treatment area and reduced the likelihood of wildfires larger than 5000 ha by 10–40%. On average, simulated burned area decreased 0.22% per each ha treated, and cost-effectiveness decreased with increasing area treated. Overall, both fuel treatment strategies effectively reduced wildfire hazard and should be part of a larger, holistic and integrated plan to reduce the vulnerability of the Alvares parish to wildfires.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document