1
|
Thwaites DI, Prokopovich DA, Garrett RF, Haworth A, Rosenfeld A, Ahern V. The rationale for a carbon ion radiation therapy facility in Australia. J Med Radiat Sci 2024; 71 Suppl 2:59-76. [PMID: 38061984 PMCID: PMC11011608 DOI: 10.1002/jmrs.744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Australia has taken a collaborative nationally networked approach to achieve particle therapy capability. This supports the under-construction proton therapy facility in Adelaide, other potential proton centres and an under-evaluation proposal for a hybrid carbon ion and proton centre in western Sydney. A wide-ranging overview is presented of the rationale for carbon ion radiation therapy, applying observations to the case for an Australian facility and to the clinical and research potential from such a national centre.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David I. Thwaites
- Institute of Medical Physics, School of PhysicsUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Radiation OncologySydney West Radiation Oncology NetworkWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
- Radiotherapy Research Group, Institute of Medical ResearchSt James's Hospital and University of LeedsLeedsUK
| | | | - Richard F. Garrett
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology OrganisationLucas HeightsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Annette Haworth
- Institute of Medical Physics, School of PhysicsUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Radiation OncologySydney West Radiation Oncology NetworkWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Anatoly Rosenfeld
- Centre for Medical Radiation Physics, School of PhysicsUniversity of WollongongSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Verity Ahern
- Department of Radiation OncologySydney West Radiation Oncology NetworkWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vinod SK, Merie R, Harden S. Quality of Decision Making in Radiation Oncology. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2024:S0936-6555(24)00067-0. [PMID: 38342658 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2024.02.001] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
High-quality decision making in radiation oncology requires the careful consideration of multiple factors. In addition to the evidence-based indications for curative or palliative radiotherapy, this article explores how, in routine clinical practice, we also need to account for many other factors when making high-quality decisions. Foremost are patient-related factors, including preference, and the complex interplay between age, frailty and comorbidities, especially with an ageing cancer population. Whilst clinical practice guidelines inform our decisions, we need to account for their applicability in different patient groups and different resource settings. With particular reference to curative-intent radiotherapy, we explore decisions regarding dose fractionation schedules, use of newer radiotherapy technologies and multimodality treatment considerations that contribute to personalised patient-centred care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S K Vinod
- Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - R Merie
- Icon Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | - S Harden
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khong J, Tee H, Gorayski P, Le H, Penniment M, Jessop S, Hansford J, Penfold M, Green J, Skelton K, Saran F. Proton beam therapy in paediatric cancer: Anticipating the opening of the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2023. [PMID: 38146017 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13614] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) has the potential to improve paediatric cancer care by reducing radiation exposure and thus long-term toxicities. Ethical concerns and debates surrounding the treatment, such as eligibility and accessibility, are ongoing in Australia. The Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research (ABCPTR) (named after Sir William Henry Bragg who described the Bragg peak in his laboratory at the University of Adelaide in 1903) aims to increase access to PBT in Australasia and offer a patient-centred care approach. Research is underway to assess PBT's safety and cost-effectiveness, using tools including Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) models. Collaborative efforts are focused on developing tailored survivorship clinics to enhance patient follow-up and quality of life. With the anticipated opening of the ABCPTR, Australia is preparing to take a significant step in radiation oncology, offering new research opportunities and creating a publicly funded treatment centre. The initiative aims to balance treatment efficacy with patient care, setting the stage for a future in which radiation therapy will reduce long-term side effects compared to the current standard of care. The implementation of PBT in Australia represents a complex and promising approach to paediatric oncology. This article provides an overview of the current landscape, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of a treatment that could redefine the quality of survivorship and contribute to global research and best clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Khong
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hui Tee
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Gorayski
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Allied Health and Human Performance Academic Unit, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hien Le
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Allied Health and Human Performance Academic Unit, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Penniment
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sophie Jessop
- Michael Rice Centre for Haematology and Oncology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jordan Hansford
- South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Michael Rice Centre for Haematology and Oncology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australia ImmunoGenomics Cancer Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Melanie Penfold
- South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Julia Green
- South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kelly Skelton
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Allied Health and Human Performance Academic Unit, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Frank Saran
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Allied Health and Human Performance Academic Unit, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|