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Boldrini L, La Porta L, Gasparotto C, Eriksen JG. The Future of Education in Radiation Oncology. Semin Radiat Oncol 2024; 34:468-473. [PMID: 39271282 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2024.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Boldrini
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini e Radioterapia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura La Porta
- European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Jesper Grau Eriksen
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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2
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Claridge Mackonis E, Stensmyr R, Poldy R, White P, Moutrie Z, Gorjiara T, Seymour E, Erven T, Hardcastle N, Haworth A. Improving motion management in radiation therapy: findings from a workshop and survey in Australia and New Zealand. Phys Eng Sci Med 2024; 47:813-820. [PMID: 38805104 PMCID: PMC11408578 DOI: 10.1007/s13246-024-01405-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Motion management has become an integral part of radiation therapy. Multiple approaches to motion management have been reported in the literature. To allow the sharing of experiences on current practice and emerging technology, the University of Sydney and the New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory branch of the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) held a two-day motion management workshop. To inform the workshop program, participants were invited to complete a survey prior to the workshop on current use of motion management techniques and their opinion on the effectiveness of each approach. A post-workshop survey was also conducted, designed to capture changes in opinion as a result of workshop participation. The online workshop was the most well attended ever hosted by the ACPSEM, with over 300 participants and a response to the pre-workshop survey was received from at least 60% of the radiation therapy centres in Australia and New Zealand. Motion management is extensively used in the region with use of deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) reported by 98% of centres for left-sided breast treatments and 91% for at least some right-sided breast treatments. Surface guided radiation therapy (SGRT) was the most popular session at the workshop and survey results showed that the use of SGRT is likely to increase. The workshop provided an excellent opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and experience, with most survey respondents indicating that their participation would lead to improvements in the quality of delivery of treatments at their centres.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rachel Poldy
- Canberra Region Cancer Centre, Canberra, Australia
| | - Paul White
- South Eastern Sydney LHD, Randwick, Australia
| | - Zoë Moutrie
- South Western Sydney Cancer Services, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of NSW, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Tania Erven
- South Western Sydney Cancer Services, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas Hardcastle
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centres, Melbourne, Australia
- Institute of Medical Physics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Annette Haworth
- Institute of Medical Physics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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3
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Kirby AM, Guckenberger M, Slotman BJ, Clark CH, Eriksen JG, van der Heide U, De Ioanna S, Gasparotto C, Cortese AJ. European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) strategy 2024-2026: Growth and diversification in a rapidly changing world. Radiother Oncol 2024; 196:110283. [PMID: 38641262 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
In 2019, the European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) published its 2030 Vision "Radiation Oncology, Optimal Health, For All, Together". However, in 2020, the global pandemic, coinciding with the Society's 40th anniversary, had long-term consequences on global behaviours and on the financial environment for scientific associations worldwide. In 2022, ESTRO conducted a survey among its members, revealing their strong appreciation for networking opportunities and the creation of high-quality interdisciplinary scientific content. In response to the survey findings and to address the evolving landscape following the COVID pandemic, ESTRO initiated a strategic review process to respond to, and refocus on, the opportunities and challenges ahead. This paper, marking a turning point in ESTRO's strategy for achieving its Vision 2030 in a post-pandemic era, describes the 2022-23 strategic review process, discussions, and consequent recommendations. The comprehensive strategic review process involved: (i) pre-meeting preparations with surveys and strategic documents; (ii) a carefully themed three-day retreat in Brussels incorporating a blend of plenary sessions, workshops focusing on ESTRO's role, value creation and capture, strategic objectives; and (iii) a post-retreat phase including qualitative analysis and development of action plans. The strategic review emphasized the need for adaptive tactics for scientific associations to remain current and productive in the face of changing global conditions. The development of key strategic goals for the years 2024-2026 focused on improving research impact, strengthening and diversifying ESTRO's educational offerings and fostering proactive and mutually beneficial partnerships. The Board approved these objectives, alongside prioritising digital innovation, financial sustainability, and community engagement for ESTRO's continued growth and development. In essence, ESTRO aims to advocate, empower, expand, and diversify its community, with the overarching goal of enhancing cancer care for patients in Europe, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Kirby
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust & Institute of Cancer Research, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT, UK.
| | - M Guckenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B J Slotman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C H Clark
- University College London Hospital, London, UK; Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, London, UK; Medical Physics Department, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
| | - J G Eriksen
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - U van der Heide
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S De Ioanna
- European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Gasparotto
- European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A J Cortese
- European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology, Brussels, Belgium; Antwerp Management School, University of Antwerp, Belgium
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4
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Vens C, van Luijk P, Vogelius RI, El Naqa I, Humbert-Vidan L, von Neubeck C, Gomez-Roman N, Bahn E, Brualla L, Böhlen TT, Ecker S, Koch R, Handeland A, Pereira S, Possenti L, Rancati T, Todor D, Vanderstraeten B, Van Heerden M, Ullrich W, Jackson M, Alber M, Marignol L. A joint physics and radiobiology DREAM team vision - Towards better response prediction models to advance radiotherapy. Radiother Oncol 2024; 196:110277. [PMID: 38670264 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Radiotherapy developed empirically through experience balancing tumour control and normal tissue toxicities. Early simple mathematical models formalized this practical knowledge and enabled effective cancer treatment to date. Remarkable advances in technology, computing, and experimental biology now create opportunities to incorporate this knowledge into enhanced computational models. The ESTRO DREAM (Dose Response, Experiment, Analysis, Modelling) workshop brought together experts across disciplines to pursue the vision of personalized radiotherapy for optimal outcomes through advanced modelling. The ultimate vision is leveraging quantitative models dynamically during therapy to ultimately achieve truly adaptive and biologically guided radiotherapy at the population as well as individual patient-based levels. This requires the generation of models that inform response-based adaptations, individually optimized delivery and enable biological monitoring to provide decision support to clinicians. The goal is expanding to models that can drive the realization of personalized therapy for optimal outcomes. This position paper provides their propositions that describe how innovations in biology, physics, mathematics, and data science including AI could inform models and improve predictions. It consolidates the DREAM team's consensus on scientific priorities and organizational requirements. Scientifically, it stresses the need for rigorous, multifaceted model development, comprehensive validation and clinical applicability and significance. Organizationally, it reinforces the prerequisites of interdisciplinary research and collaboration between physicians, medical physicists, radiobiologists, and computational scientists throughout model development. Solely by a shared understanding of clinical needs, biological mechanisms, and computational methods, more informed models can be created. Future research environment and support must facilitate this integrative method of operation across multiple disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vens
- School of Cancer Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - P van Luijk
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - R I Vogelius
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - I El Naqa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, United States.
| | - L Humbert-Vidan
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, United States; Department of MedicalPhysics, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - C von Neubeck
- Department of Particle Therapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - N Gomez-Roman
- Strathclyde Institute of Phrmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - E Bahn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - L Brualla
- West German Proton Therapy Centre Essen (WPE), Essen, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - T T Böhlen
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - S Ecker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Wien, Austria
| | - R Koch
- Department of Particle Therapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - A Handeland
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - S Pereira
- Neolys Diagnostics, 7 Allée de l'Europe, 67960 Entzheim, France
| | - L Possenti
- Data Science Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - T Rancati
- Data Science Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - D Todor
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States
| | - B Vanderstraeten
- Department of Radiotherapy-Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium; Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - M Van Heerden
- Center for Proton Therapy, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | | | - M Jackson
- School of Cancer Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - M Alber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - L Marignol
- Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity (ARTT), Discipline of Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Gaito S, Aznar MC, Burnet NG, Crellin A, France A, Indelicato D, Kirkby KJ, Pan S, Whitfield G, Smith E. Assessing Equity of Access to Proton Beam Therapy: A Literature Review. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2023; 35:e528-e536. [PMID: 37296036 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Proton beam therapy (PBT) is one of the most advanced radiotherapy technologies, with growing evidence to support its use in specific clinical scenarios and exponential growth of demand and capacity worldwide over the past few decades. However, geographical inequalities persist in the distribution of PBT centres, which translate into variations in access and use of this technology. The aim of this work was to look at the factors that contribute to these inequalities, to help raise awareness among stakeholders, governments and policy makers. A literature search was conducted using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) criteria. The same search strategy was run in Embase and Medline and identified 242 records, which were screened for manual review. Of these, 24 were deemed relevant and were included in this analysis. Most of the 24 publications included in this review originated from the USA (22/24) and involved paediatric patients, teenagers and young adults (61% for children and/or teenagers and young adults versus 39% for adults). The most reported indicator of disparity was socioeconomic status (16/24), followed by geographical location (13/24). All the studies evaluated in this review showed disparities in the access to PBT. As paediatric patients make up a significant proportion of the PBT-eligible patients, equity of access to PBT also raises ethical considerations. Therefore, further research is needed into the equity of access to PBT to reduce the care gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gaito
- Proton Clinical Outcomes Unit, The Christie NHS Proton Beam Therapy Centre, Manchester, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Department of Proton Beam Therapy, The Christie Proton Beam Therapy Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - M C Aznar
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - N G Burnet
- Department of Proton Beam Therapy, The Christie Proton Beam Therapy Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - A Crellin
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; National Lead Proton Beam Therapy NHS England, UK
| | - A France
- Proton Clinical Outcomes Unit, The Christie NHS Proton Beam Therapy Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - D Indelicato
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - K J Kirkby
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Department of Proton Beam Therapy, The Christie Proton Beam Therapy Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - S Pan
- Department of Proton Beam Therapy, The Christie Proton Beam Therapy Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - G Whitfield
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Department of Proton Beam Therapy, The Christie Proton Beam Therapy Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - E Smith
- Proton Clinical Outcomes Unit, The Christie NHS Proton Beam Therapy Centre, Manchester, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Department of Proton Beam Therapy, The Christie Proton Beam Therapy Centre, Manchester, UK
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6
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Tomassen ML, Damen PJJ, Verkooijen HM, Peters M, van der Stap J, van Lindert ASR, Verhoeff JJC, van Rossum PSN. Feasibility and first results of the 'Trials-within-Cohorts' (TwiCs) design in patients undergoing radiotherapy for lung cancer. Acta Oncol 2023; 62:237-244. [PMID: 36927251 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2023.2183778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Background: 'Trials-within-Cohorts' (TwiCs), previously known as 'cohort multiple randomized controlled trials' is a pragmatic trial design, supporting an efficient and representative recruitment of patients for (future) trials. To our knowledge, the 'COhort for Lung cancer Outcome Reporting and trial inclusion' (COLOR) is the first TwiCs in lung cancer patients. In this study we aimed to assess the feasibility and first year results of COLOR.Material and Methods: All patients diagnosed with lung cancer referred to the Radiotherapy department were eligible to participate in the ongoing prospective COLOR study. At inclusion, written informed consent was requested for use of patient data, participation in patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and willingness to participate in (future) trials. Feasibility was studied by assessing participation and comparing baseline PROs to EORTC reference values. First-year results of PROs at baseline and 3 months after inclusion were evaluated separately for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and conventional radiotherapy patients.Results: Of the 338 eligible patients between July 2020 and July 2021, 169 (50%) participated. Among these, 127 (75%) gave informed consent to PROs participation and 110 (65%) were willing to participate in (future) trials. The inclusion percentage dropped from 77% to 33% when the information procedure was switched from in-person to by phone (due to COVID-19 pandemic measures). Baseline PROs for physical and cognitive functioning were comparable in COLOR patients compared to the EORTC reference values. No significant changes in PROs were observed 3 months after inclusion, except for a slight increase in pain scores in the SBRT group (n = 97).Conclusions: The TwiCs-design appears feasible in lung cancer patients with fair participation rates (although negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic). With a planned expansion to other centers, the COLOR-study is expected to enable multiple (randomized) evaluations of experimental interventions with important advantages for recruitment, generalizability, and long-term outcome data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathijs L Tomassen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pim J J Damen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Helena M Verkooijen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Max Peters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Joost J C Verhoeff
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter S N van Rossum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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7
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Patient engagement with radiation therapists: Patient perspectives, challenges, and opportunities. A systematic review. Radiography (Lond) 2023; 29 Suppl 1:S128-S136. [PMID: 36907794 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiotherapy is a major component of cancer care and treatment is delivered almost exclusively by therapeutic radiographers/radiation therapists (RTTs). Numerous government and professional guidance publications have recommended a person-centred approach to healthcare through communication and collaboration between professionals, agencies, and users. With approximately half of patients undergoing radical radiotherapy experiencing some degree of anxiety and distress, RTTs are uniquely placed as frontline cancer professionals to engage with patients regarding their experience. This review seeks to map the available evidence of patient reported views of their experience of being treated by RTTs and any impact, this treatment had on the patient's frame of mind or perception of treatment. METHODS In line with the principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) systematic review methodology, a review of relevant literature was conducted. Electronic databases MEDLINE, PROQUEST, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched. RESULTS Nine hundred and eighty-eight articles were identified. Twelve papers were included in the final review. CONCLUSION Increased time with, and continuity of RTTs during treatment has a positive influence on patients' perspectives of RTTs. A positive patient perspective of their engagement with RTTs can be a strong predictor of overall satisfaction in radiotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE RTTs should not underestimate the impact of their supportive role in guiding patients through treatment. A standardised method for integrating patients' experience and engagement with RTTs is lacking. Further RTT led research is required in this area.
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Kaplan SO, Atalar B, Akboru MH, Tilki B, Kanat S, Yucel SB, Tepetam H, Ozyigit G. A new perspective on the future of Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology: Young Radiation Oncologists Group (TROD/GROG 001). Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2023; 28:88-92. [PMID: 37122905 PMCID: PMC10132199 DOI: 10.5603/rpor.a2023.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation oncology is a field of medicine that has been rapidly growing with advances in technology, radiobiology, treatment algorithms and quality of life of modern radiotherapy over the last century. In the context of these advances, it is critical to be aware of the role of the young radiation oncologists and enable them to discover new perspectives. For this purpose, "The Young Radiation Oncologists Group" (GROG) has been established by the Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology (TROD), a subgroup which has focused on the professional developments, early career and integrating into the TROD family while supporting education and innovative research of young radiation oncologists. The purpose of this paper was to outline the structure and responsibilities of GROG and its scientific and social activities within TROD and in its own right.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Banu Atalar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Maslak Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mehmet Ali Aydinlar Acibadem University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | | | - Burak Tilki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Sevda Kanat
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Serap Baskaya Yucel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Atakent Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mehmet Ali Aydınlar Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Hüseyin Tepetam
- Ministry of Health, Department of Radiation Oncology, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Gökhan Ozyigit
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
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9
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Eriksen JG, Boldrini L, Gershkevitsh E, Guckenberger M, van der Heide U, Heijmen B, Joiner M, Nout R, Pruschy M, Rasch C, Tan LT, Verellen D, Vozenin MC, Palmu M, La Porta L, Gasparotto C. Postgraduate education in radiation oncology during the COVID-19 pandemic - What did we learn? Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 2022; 24:73-77. [PMID: 36247369 PMCID: PMC9554011 DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic the ESTRO School who provides international non-profit postgraduate education in Radiation Oncology and related disciplines, including Medical Physics and Radiation Technology, had to close down all live educational activities and turn online, although having only limited experience. The paper describes the experience, discusses the limitations and benefits of online education and suggests directions for the future. Materials and methods Data about format and feedback from attendees and faculty members from the course activities held in 2019, 2020 and 2021 were made available from the ESTRO School. Results In 2020, all but two out of thirty live courses that happened before the lockdown were canceled. Among the 18 courses scheduled in the second half of the year, seven went online with a short notice. Each course planned their activities quite differently, from compressed courses with consecutive full days online program to courses over several weeks with a few hours online a week. Both numbers of participants and different nationalities were higher than live courses in 2019 for the seven courses happening online, and courses were well evaluated by participants and faculties. Roughly-one-third of participants would prefer online courses in the future. Discussion Although online education was well received by the majority, pros and cons exist and especially the personal discussions and networking were missed. Online education and live education are not comparable but can complement each other. Careful balancing these activities in the future is important and strategies for online andragogy are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Grau Eriksen
- Corresponding author at: Dept of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, C108, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
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10
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Dionisi F, Scartoni D, Fracchiolla F, Giacomelli I, Siniscalchi B, Goanta L, Cianchetti M, Sanguineti G, Brolese A. Proton therapy in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:959552. [PMID: 36003769 PMCID: PMC9393743 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.959552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents one of the most common causes of death from cancer worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 90% of all primary liver cancers. Among local therapies, evidence regarding the use of radiation therapy is growing. Proton therapy currently represents the most advanced radiation therapy technique with unique physical properties which fit well with liver irradiation. Here, in this review, we aim to 1) illustrate the rationale for the use of proton therapy (PT) in the treatment of HCC, 2) discuss the technical challenges of advanced PT in this disease, 3) review the major clinical studies regarding the use of PT for HCC, and 4) analyze the potential developments and future directions of PT in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dionisi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Francesco Dionisi,
| | - Daniele Scartoni
- Proton Therapy Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Irene Giacomelli
- Proton Therapy Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Goanta
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Cianchetti
- Proton Therapy Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari, Trento, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sanguineti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Brolese
- General Surgery & Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari, Trento, Italy
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11
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Sarria GR, Timmerman R, Hermansen M, Malhotra S, Chang B, Carter R, Martinez DA, Sarria GJ, Giordano FA, Chetty IJ, Roa D, Li B. Longitudinal Remote SBRT/SRS Training in Latin America: A Prospective Cohort Study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:851849. [PMID: 35480106 PMCID: PMC9035934 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.851849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundContinuing medical education in stereotactic technology are scarcely accessible in developing countries. We report the results of upscaling a longitudinal telehealth training course on stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), after successfully developing a pilot course in Latin America.MethodsLongitudinal training on SBRT and SRS was provided to radiation oncology practitioners in Peru and Colombia at no cost. The program included sixteen weekly 1-hour live conferencing sessions with interactive didactics and a cloud-based platform for case-based learning. Participant-reported confidence was measured in 16 SBRT/SRS practical domains, based on a 1-to-5 Likert scale. Pre- and post-curriculum exams were required for participation credit. Knowledge-baseline, pre- and post-curriculum surveys, overall and single professional-group confidence changes, and exam results were assessed.ResultsOne hundred and seventy-three radiotherapy professionals participated. An average of 56 (SD ±18) attendees per session were registered. Fifty (29.7%) participants completed the pre- and post-curriculum surveys, of which 30% were radiation oncologists (RO), 26% radiation therapists (RTT), 20% residents, 18% medical physicists and 6% neurosurgeons. Significant improvements were found across all 16 domains with overall mean +0.55 (SD ±0.17, p<0.001) Likert-scale points. Significant improvements in individual competences were most common among medical physicists, RTT and residents. Pre- and post-curriculum exams yielded a mean 16.15/30 (53.8 ± 20.3%) and 23.6/30 (78.7 ± 19.3%) correct answers (p<0.001).ConclusionLongitudinal telehealth training is an effective method for improving confidence and knowledge on SBRT/SRS amongst professionals. Remote continuing medical education should be widely adopted in lower-middle income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo R. Sarria
- Rayos Contra Cancer, Inc., Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- *Correspondence: Gustavo R. Sarria,
| | - Ramsey Timmerman
- Rayos Contra Cancer, Inc., Nashville, TN, United States
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Michael Hermansen
- Rayos Contra Cancer, Inc., Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, AZ, United States
| | - Sameeksha Malhotra
- Rayos Contra Cancer, Inc., Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Betty Chang
- Rayos Contra Cancer, Inc., Nashville, TN, United States
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Raymond Carter
- Rayos Contra Cancer, Inc., Nashville, TN, United States
- Molecular Oncology Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - David A. Martinez
- Rayos Contra Cancer, Inc., Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oncosalud-Auna, Lima, Peru
| | - Gustavo J. Sarria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oncosalud-Auna, Lima, Peru
- Department of Radiotherapy, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Frank A. Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Indrin J. Chetty
- Rayos Contra Cancer, Inc., Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Dante Roa
- Rayos Contra Cancer, Inc., Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Benjamin Li
- Rayos Contra Cancer, Inc., Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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12
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Establishing a benchmark of diversity, equity, inclusion and workforce engagement in radiation oncology in Europe – an ESTRO collaborative project. Radiother Oncol 2022; 171:198-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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ESTRO vision 2030: the young Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (yAIRO) commitment statement. Radiol Med 2021; 126:1374-1376. [PMID: 34283336 PMCID: PMC8520506 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-021-01398-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this document is to share the action plan from the young Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (yAIRO). We believe it is important to enhance a constructive dialog between societies. The hope is to offer to young radiation oncologists a wealth of opportunities to refine their skills and gain access to the latest developments, according to a shared European vision.
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14
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Value-based radiotherapy: A new chapter of the ESTRO-HERO project. Radiother Oncol 2021; 160:236-239. [PMID: 33992629 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy interventions are rapidly evolving and improving, holding promise for better patient outcomes, yet at the possible detriment of higher societal costs. The ESTRO-HERO value-based radiotherapy project aims to develop a framework defining and assessing the value of radiotherapy innovations, to support clinical implementation and equitable access, within a sustainable healthcare system.
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15
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Corradini S, Niyazi M, Verellen D, Valentini V, Walsh S, Grosu AL, Lauber K, Giaccia A, Unger K, Debus J, Pieters BR, Guckenberger M, Senan S, Budach W, Rad R, Mayerle J, Belka C. X-change symposium: status and future of modern radiation oncology-from technology to biology. Radiat Oncol 2021; 16:27. [PMID: 33541387 PMCID: PMC7863262 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-021-01758-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Future radiation oncology encompasses a broad spectrum of topics ranging from modern clinical trial design to treatment and imaging technology and biology. In more detail, the application of hybrid MRI devices in modern image-guided radiotherapy; the emerging field of radiomics; the role of molecular imaging using positron emission tomography and its integration into clinical routine; radiation biology with its future perspectives, the role of molecular signatures in prognostic modelling; as well as special treatment modalities such as brachytherapy or proton beam therapy are areas of rapid development. More clinically, radiation oncology will certainly find an important role in the management of oligometastasis. The treatment spectrum will also be widened by the rational integration of modern systemic targeted or immune therapies into multimodal treatment strategies. All these developments will require a concise rethinking of clinical trial design. This article reviews the current status and the potential developments in the field of radiation oncology as discussed by a panel of European and international experts sharing their vision during the "X-Change" symposium, held in July 2019 in Munich (Germany).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Corradini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Niyazi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Verellen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Iridium Network, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vincenzo Valentini
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Hematology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anca-L Grosu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Lauber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Amato Giaccia
- Division of Radiation and Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Kristian Unger
- Integrative Biology Group, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bradley R Pieters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias Guckenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suresh Senan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfried Budach
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), TU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Mayerle
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Claus Belka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
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Fiorino C, Jeraj R, Clark CH, Garibaldi C, Georg D, Muren L, van Elmpt W, Bortfeld T, Jornet N. In reply to the letter to the editor: "In reply to Fiorino et al: The central role of the radiation oncologist in the multidisciplinary and multiprofessional model of modern radiation therapy". Radiother Oncol 2021; 155:e22-e23. [PMID: 33412208 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Fiorino
- Medical Physics, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Robert Jeraj
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA; Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Catharine H Clark
- University College London Hospital, University College London and National Physical Laboratory, UK
| | - Cristina Garibaldi
- Unit of Radiation Research, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Dietmar Georg
- Division Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna/AKH Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ludvig Muren
- Danish Centre for Particle Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Wouter van Elmpt
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Bortfeld
- Division of Radiation Biophysics, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Nuria Jornet
- Servei de Radiofisica i Radioprotecció. Hospital Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Grand challenges for medical physics in radiation oncology. Radiother Oncol 2020; 153:7-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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18
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Thwaites D. Beginnings, endings, histories and horizons. Radiother Oncol 2020; 153:1-4. [PMID: 33189761 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Thwaites
- Institute of Medical Physics, School of Physics, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Medical Physics, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, School of Medicine, The University of Leeds, UK; West Sydney Radiation Oncology Network and Cancer Research Network, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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19
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van Rossum PSN, Jeene PM, Rozema T, Braam PM, Lips IM, Muller K, van Kampen D, Vermeulen BD, Homs MYV, Oppedijk V, Berbée M, Hulshof MCCM, Siersema PD, El Sharouni SY. Patient-reported outcomes after external beam radiotherapy versus brachytherapy for palliation of dysphagia in esophageal cancer: A matched comparison of two prospective trials. Radiother Oncol 2020; 155:73-79. [PMID: 33065190 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A matched comparison of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) versus brachytherapy recently demonstrated that EBRT appears at least as effective for palliating dysphagia in patients with incurable esophageal cancer. The aim of this analysis was to compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after EBRT versus brachytherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a multicenter prospective cohort study, patients with incurable esophageal cancer requiring palliation of dysphagia were included to undergo EBRT (20 Gy in 5 fractions). This EBRT cohort was compared to the single-dose 12 Gy brachytherapy cohort of the previously reported SIREC-trial. Propensity score matching was applied to adjust for baseline imbalances. The primary endpoint of dysphagia improvement was reported previously. PROs were secondary outcomes and assessed at baseline and 3 months after treatment using EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OES18 questionnaires. RESULTS A total of 115 enrolled EBRT patients and 93 brachytherapy patients were eligible. After matching, 69 well-balanced pairs remained. At follow-up, significant deteriorations in functioning (i.e. physical, role, social), pain, appetite loss, and trouble with taste were observed after brachytherapy. In the EBRT group, such deterioration was observed only for role functioning, while significant improvements in trouble with eating and pain were found. Between-group comparison showed mostly comparable PRO changes, but significantly favored EBRT with regard to nausea, vomiting, pain, and appetite loss. CONCLUSION Short course EBRT results in similar or better PROs at 3 months after treatment compared to single-dose brachytherapy for the palliation of malignant dysphagia. These findings further support its use and inclusion in clinical practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S N van Rossum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul M Jeene
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Radiotherapiegroep, location Deventer, The Netherlands.
| | - Tom Rozema
- Instituut Verbeeten, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Pètra M Braam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Irene M Lips
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Muller
- Radiotherapiegroep, location Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne van Kampen
- Zuidwest Radiotherapeutisch Instituut, Vlissingen and Roosendaal, The Netherlands
| | - Bram D Vermeulen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Y V Homs
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vera Oppedijk
- Radiotherapeutisch Instituut Friesland, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Berbée
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW School for Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten C C M Hulshof
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter D Siersema
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sherif Y El Sharouni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
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20
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Franco P, Tesio V, Bertholet J, Gasnier A, Gonzalez del Portillo E, Spalek M, Bibault JE, Borst G, Van Elmpt W, Thorwarth D, Mullaney L, Røe Redalen K, Dubois L, Chargari C, Perryck S, Heukelom J, Petit S, Lybeer M, Castelli L. The role of alexithymia and empathy on radiation therapists' professional quality of life. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 2020; 15:29-36. [PMID: 32904144 PMCID: PMC7451808 DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Physical and mental well-being are crucial for oncology professionals as they affect performance at work. Personality traits, as alexithymia and empathy, may influence professional quality of life. Alexithymia involves diminished skills in emotion processing and awareness. Empathy is pertinent to the ability to understand another's 'state of mind/emotion'. The PROject on Burn-Out in RadiatioN Oncology (PRO BONO) investigates professional quality of life amongst radiation oncology professionals, exploring the role of alexithymia and empathy. The present study reports on data pertinent to radiation therapists (RTTs). MATERIAL AND METHODS An online survey targeted ESTRO members. Participants were asked to fill out 3 questionnaires for alexithymia, empathy and professional quality of life: (a) Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20); (b) Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI); (c) Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQoL). The present analysis focuses on RTTS to evaluate compassion satisfaction (CS), secondary traumatic stress (STS) and Burnout and their correlation with alexithymia and empathy, using generalized linear modeling. Covariates found significant at univariate linear regression analysis were included in the multivariate linear regression model. RESULTS A total of 399 RTTs completed all questionnaires. The final model for the burnout scale of ProQoL found, as significal predictors, the TAS-20 total score (β = 0.46, p < 0 0.001), and the individual's perception of being valued by supervisor (β = -0.29, p < 0.001). With respect to CS, the final model included TAS-20 total score (β = -0.33, p < 0.001), the Empatic Concern domain (β = 0.23, p < 0.001) of the IRI questionnaire and the individual's perception of being valued by colleagues (β = 0.22, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Alexithymia increased the likelyhood to experience burnout and negatively affected the professional quality of life amongst RTTs working in oncology. Empathy resulted in higher professional fulfillment together with collegaues' appreciation. These results may be used to benchmark preventing strategies and implement organization-direct and/or individual-directed interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierfrancesco Franco
- European Society for Radiotherapy&Oncology (ESTRO) Young Committee, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Radiation Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Tesio
- Department of Psychology, “ReMind the Body” Research Group, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Jenny Bertholet
- European Society for Radiotherapy&Oncology (ESTRO) Young Committee, Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne Gasnier
- Radiotherapy Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Mateusz Spalek
- European Society for Radiotherapy&Oncology (ESTRO) Young Committee, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jean-Emmanuel Bibault
- European Society for Radiotherapy&Oncology (ESTRO) Young Committee, Brussels, Belgium
- Jean-Emmanuel Bibault, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5847, USA
| | - Gerben Borst
- Department of Oncology, Radiation Oncology Department, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter Van Elmpt
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW – School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniela Thorwarth
- Section for Biomedical Physics, University Hospital for Radiation Oncology Tubingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Laura Mullaney
- European Society for Radiotherapy&Oncology (ESTRO) Young Committee, Brussels, Belgium
- Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity Research Group, Discipline of Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathrine Røe Redalen
- European Society for Radiotherapy&Oncology (ESTRO) Young Committee, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ludwig Dubois
- European Society for Radiotherapy&Oncology (ESTRO) Young Committee, Brussels, Belgium
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW – School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Cyrus Chargari
- European Society for Radiotherapy&Oncology (ESTRO) Young Committee, Brussels, Belgium
- Radiotherapy Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Sophie Perryck
- European Society for Radiotherapy&Oncology (ESTRO) Young Committee, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jolien Heukelom
- European Society for Radiotherapy&Oncology (ESTRO) Young Committee, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Radiation Oncology Department, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Steven Petit
- European Society for Radiotherapy&Oncology (ESTRO) Young Committee, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiation Oncology – Erasmus Cancer Institute, Rotterdam the Netherlands
| | | | - Lorys Castelli
- Department of Psychology, “ReMind the Body” Research Group, University of Turin, Italy
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Garibaldi C, Jornet N, Tan LT, Boejen A, Franco P, Bussink J, Troost EGC, Bak B, Bibault JE, Dzhugashvili M, Van den Berghe L, Fizaine L, Leci A, Ricardi U, Jereczek-Fossa BA. National societies' needs as assessed by the ESTRO National Societies Committee survey: A European perspective. Radiother Oncol 2020; 151:176-181. [PMID: 32771614 PMCID: PMC7410806 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A survey to assess the National Societies needs has been developed. 64 out of 89 National societies from 32 European countries completed the questionnaire. The highest priority is Optimal patient care to cure cancer & reduce treatment-related toxicity. High need for more consensus guidelines, exchange of best practices and high quality accredited education. Networking between National Societies and ESTRO will be further reinforced.
Purpose To determine how ESTRO can collaborate with Radiation Oncology National Societies (NS) according to its mission and values, and to define the new roadmap to strengthen the NS network role in the forthcoming years. Materials and methods The ESTRO NS committee launched a survey addressed to all European National Societies, available online from June 5th to October 30th 2018. Questions were divided into three main sections: (1) general information about NS; (2) relevant activities (to understand the landscape of each NS context of action); (3) relevant needs (to understand how ESTRO can support the NS). Eighty-nine European NS were invited to participate. Respondents were asked to rank ESTRO milestones in order of importance, indicating the level of priority to their society. Results A total of 58 out of 89 NS (65.2%) from 31 European countries completed the questionnaire. The majority of NS ranked “Optimal patient care to cure cancer and to reduce treatment-related toxicity” as the highest level of priority. This aligns well with the ESTRO vision 2030 “Optimal health for all together.” NS also indicated a high need for more consensus guidelines and exchange of best practices, access to high quality accredited education, implementation of the ESTRO School Core Curriculum at the national level, and defining quality indicators and standard in Radiation Oncology, improved communication and increased channelling of information. Conclusion The results of this survey will be used to strengthen the relations between ESTRO and European NS to promote and develop initiatives to improve cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Garibaldi
- Unit of Radiation Research, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Nuria Jornet
- Servei de Radiofísica i Radioprotecció. Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Li Tee Tan
- Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Annette Boejen
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Johan Bussink
- Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Esther G C Troost
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany
| | - Bartosz Bak
- Department of Radiotherapy II, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Barbara A Jereczek-Fossa
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Division of Radiotherapy, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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22
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Dionisi F, Brolese A, Siniscalchi B, Giacomelli I, Fracchiolla F, Righetto R, Morganti AG, Pravadelli C, Avancini I, Rozzanigo U, Mattiuzzi A, Frisinghelli M, Pertile R, Ciarleglio FA, Vitale A, Schwarz M, Amichetti M. Clinical results of active scanning proton therapy for primary liver tumors. TUMORI JOURNAL 2020; 107:71-79. [PMID: 32648818 DOI: 10.1177/0300891620937809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence for the efficacy of radiation therapy for primary liver cancer is growing. In this context, proton therapy (PT) can potentially improve the therapeutic ratio, as demonstrated by recent clinical studies. Here we report the first European clinical experience on the use of PT for primary liver cancer. METHODS All patients treated for primary liver cancer in our center entered the analysis. Patients were simulated during deep expiration breath-hold. A 15-fraction treatment schedule was adopted using active scanning PT. Clinical outcome and toxicity were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS Between January 2018 and December 2019, 18 patients were treated. Fourteen patients had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), three patients had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and one patient had synchronous ICC-HCC. The Child-Pugh score was A5 in the majority of patients with HCC (71.4%). Median prescription dose was 58.05 Gy (range, 50.31-67.5). Median follow-up was 10 months (range, 1-19). The majority of deaths occurred from liver tumor progression. One-year overall survival (OS) was 63%. A significant correlation between worse OS and patient performance status, vascular invasion, and tumor stage was recorded. One-year local control was 90%. Toxicity was low, with a decrease in Child-Pugh score ⩾2 points detected in one patient. No cases of classic radiation-induced liver disease occurred. CONCLUSIONS Our initial results of active scanning PT for primary liver cancer demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of this advanced technique in this setting. The potential of the combination of PT with other locoregional therapies is under evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dionisi
- Proton Therapy Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | | | | | - Irene Giacomelli
- Proton Therapy Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Francesco Fracchiolla
- Proton Therapy Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Roberto Righetto
- Proton Therapy Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | | | | | - Ivo Avancini
- Gastroenterology Department, APSS, Trento, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alessandro Vitale
- Department of Surgical, Oncological & Gastroenterological Sciences, Padua University Hospital, Italy
| | - Marco Schwarz
- Proton Therapy Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy.,Trento Insitute for Fundamental Physics and Applications, TIFPA, National Institute for Nuclaer Physics, INFN, Trento, Italy
| | - Maurizio Amichetti
- Proton Therapy Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
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Lievens Y, Borras JM, Grau C. Provision and use of radiotherapy in Europe. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:1461-1469. [PMID: 32293084 PMCID: PMC7332207 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy is one of the core components of multidisciplinary cancer care. Although ~ 50% of all European cancer patients have an indication for radiotherapy at least once in the course of their disease, more than one out of four cancer patients in Europe do not receive the radiotherapy they need. There are multiple reasons for this underutilisation, with limited availability of the necessary resources – in terms of both trained personnel and equipment – being a major underlying cause of suboptimal access to radiotherapy. Moreover, large variations across European countries are observed, not only in available radiotherapy equipment and personnel per inhabitant or per cancer patient requiring radiotherapy, but also in workload. This variation is in part determined by the country's gross national income. Radiation therapy and technology are advancing quickly; hence, recommendations supporting resource planning and investment should reflect this dynamic environment and account for evolving treatment complexity and fractionation schedules. The forecasted increase in cancer incidence, the rapid introduction of innovative cancer treatments and the more active involvement of patients in the healthcare discussion are all factors that should be taken under consideration. In this continuously changing oncology landscape, reliable data on the actual provision and use of radiotherapy, the optimal evidence‐based demand and the future needs are crucial to inform cancer care planning and address and overcome the current inequalities in access to radiotherapy in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolande Lievens
- Department of Radiation OncologyGhent University Hospital and Ghent UniversityBelgium
| | - Josep M. Borras
- Department of Clinical SciencesIDIBELLUniversity of BarcelonaSpain
| | - Cai Grau
- Department of Oncology and Danish Center for Particle TherapyAarhus University HospitalDenmark
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Coffey M, Leech M, Hentschel H, Kristensen I, Boejen A, Scherer P. Guest Editorial: RTT Workshops-Preparing the RTT profession for the future. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 2019; 10:13-15. [PMID: 32095542 PMCID: PMC7033758 DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Coffey
- Discipline of Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
- EBG MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radio-Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University Hospital Salzburg, Landeskrankenhaus, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michelle Leech
- Discipline of Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
- EBG MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radio-Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University Hospital Salzburg, Landeskrankenhaus, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Harald Hentschel
- EBG MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radio-Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University Hospital Salzburg, Landeskrankenhaus, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ingrid Kristensen
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radio-Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University Hospital Salzburg, Landeskrankenhaus, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Annette Boejen
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radio-Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University Hospital Salzburg, Landeskrankenhaus, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Philipp Scherer
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radio-Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University Hospital Salzburg, Landeskrankenhaus, Salzburg, Austria
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