A cancer registry for the community radiation center.

A common problem for cancer treatment centers is maintenance and utilization of the cancer registry. Computerization of the large amount of patient information involved is desirable. Organization and implementation of a patient registry using a PC-12 treatment planning computer is described. This application is reasonable and effective for community radiation centers, and retains the interactive features that make these dedicated mini-computers so useful. Details of organizing and running this type of registry are included. Examples of the patient data from a radiation therapy department are given and the possibilities for analysis of the information discussed. An important part of the registry is the one-line summary of individual cases, termed the "patient status graph," that condenses patient follow-up history for quick review. The importance of a pertinent and practical registry for all cancer centers is discussed.