194 research outputs found
Real-time <i>in vivo</i> luminescence dosimetry in radiotherapy and mammography using Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>:C
The impact of technology on the changing practice of lung SBRT
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for lung tumours has been gaining wide acceptance in lung cancer. Here, we review the technological evolution of SBRT delivery in lung cancer, from the first treatments using the stereotactic body frame in the 1990's to modern developments in image guidance and motion management. Finally, we discuss the impact of current technological approaches on the requirements for quality assurance as well as future technological developments
An impact model to understand and improve work-life balance in early-career researchers in radiation oncology.
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial effect on mental health and work productivity of early-career researchers working in Radiation Oncology (RO). However, the underlying mechanisms of these effects are unclear. The aim of the current qualitative study was therefore to achieve a better understanding of how these effects arose and could be managed in the future.
Methods
This study was conducted jointly by RO and qualitative health researchers. Data was collected in four online Focus Groups with 6-11 RO researchers (total N = 31) working in Europe. The transcripts were analysed through a qualitative cross-impact analysis.
Results
Causal relations were identified between seventeen variables that depict the impact of disrupted working conditions. Mental health and work productivity were indeed the most important affected variables, but relations between variables towards these impacts were complex. Relations could either be positive or negative and direct or indirect, leading to a cascade of interrelated events which are highly personal and could change over time. We developed the model 'impact of disrupted working conditions' depicting the identified variables and their relations, to allow more individual assessment and personalised solutions.
Conclusion
The impacts of disrupted working conditions on RO researchers varied due to the complexity of interrelated variables. Consequently, collective actions are not sufficient, and a more personal approach is needed. Our impact model is recommended to help guide conversations and reflections with the aim of improving work/life balance. The participants showed high levels of personal responsibility towards their own mental health and work productivity. Although being an individual issue, a collective responsibility in developing such approaches is key due to the dependency on organizational variables
An impact model to understand and improve work-life balance in early-career researchers in radiation oncology
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial effect on mental health and work productivity of early-career researchers working in Radiation Oncology (RO). However, the underlying mechanisms of these effects are unclear. The aim of the current qualitative study was therefore to achieve a better understanding of how these effects arose and could be managed in the future.Methods: This study was conducted jointly by RO and qualitative health researchers. Data was collected in four online Focus Groups with 6-11 RO researchers (total N = 31) working in Europe. The transcripts were analysed through a qualitative cross-impact analysis.Results: Causal relations were identified between seventeen variables that depict the impact of disrupted working conditions. Mental health and work productivity were indeed the most important affected variables, but relations between variables towards these impacts were complex. Relations could either be positive or negative and direct or indirect, leading to a cascade of interrelated events which are highly personal and could change over time. We developed the model 'impact of disrupted working conditions' depicting the identified variables and their re-lations, to allow more individual assessment and personalised solutions.Conclusion: The impacts of disrupted working conditions on RO researchers varied due to the complexity of interrelated variables. Consequently, collective actions are not sufficient, and a more personal approach is needed. Our impact model is recommended to help guide conversations and reflections with the aim of improving work/life balance. The participants showed high levels of personal responsibility towards their own mental health and work productivity. Although being an individual issue, a collective responsibility in devel-oping such approaches is key due to the dependency on organizational variables
A modeling study of functional magnetic resonance imaging to individualize target definition of seminal vesicles for external beam radiotherapy
Background
Pre-treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can give patient-specific evaluation of 25 suspected pathologically-involved volumes in the seminal vesicles (SV) in prostate cancer patients. By 26 targeting this suspicious volume we hypothesize that radiotherapy is more efficient without introducing more 27 toxicity. In this study we evaluate the concept of using MRI-defined target volumes in terms of tumor 28 control probability (TCP) and rectal normal tissue complication probability (NTCP).
Materials and methods
Twenty-one high-risk prostate cancer patients were included. Pre-treatment CT 30 images, T2 weighted (T2w) MRI and two multi-parametric MRI were acquired. Overlap between a 31 suspicious volume in the SV observed on T2w images and a suspicious volume observed on either multi-32 parametric MRI was assumed to reflect a true malignant region (named “MRI positive”). In addition the 33 entire SV on the CT-scan was delineated. Three treatment plans of 2Gyx39 fractions were generated per 34 patient: one covering the MRI positive volume in SV and prostate with margin of 11 mm to the MRI positive 35 in the SV and two plans covering prostate and SV using 11mm and 7mm SV margin, respectively. All plans 36 prescribed the same PTV mean dose. Rectal NTCP grade≥2 was evaluated with the Lyman-Kutcher-Burman 37 model and TCP was estimated by a logistic model using the combined MRI positive volume in SV and 38 prostate as region-of-interest.
Results
14/21 patients were classified as MRI positive, 6 of which had suspicious volumes in all three MRI 40 modalities. On average TCP for the plan covering prostate and the MRI positive volume was 3% higher (up 41 to 11%) than the two other plans which was statistically significant. The increased TCP was obtained without 42 increasing rectal NTCP grade≥2.
Conclusion
Using functional MRI for individualized target delineation in the seminal vesicles may improve 44 the treatment outcome in radiotherapy of prostate cancer without increasing the rectal toxicity.</p
A systematic literature review of definitions and classification systems for radiotherapy innovation: A first step towards building a value-based assessment tool for radiation oncology.
INTRODUCTION: Timely access to radiotherapy innovations remains suboptimal, partly because there is no commonly agreed appraisal system suitable for the broad range of radiotherapy interventions. The Health Economics in Radiation Oncology (HERO) programme of ESTRO therefore engaged in building a radiotherapy-specific value-based framework. We report on a first step towards that aim, documenting the available definitions and classification systems for radiotherapy interventions. METHODS: A systematic literature search was carried out in Pubmed and Embase, following PRISMA methodology and using search terms on 'innovation', 'radiotherapy', 'definition' and 'classification'. Data were extracted from articles that met prespecified inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Out of 13,353 articles, 25 met the inclusion criteria, resulting in the identification of 7 definitions of innovation and 15 classification systems applicable to radiation oncology. Iterative appraisal divided the classification systems into two groups. A first group of 11 systems categorized innovations according to the perceived magnitude of innovation, typically 'minor' versus 'major'. The remaining 4 systems categorised innovations according to radiotherapy-specific characteristics, such as the type of radiation equipment or radiobiological properties. Here, commonly used terms as 'technique' or 'treatment' were found to be used in different meanings. DISCUSSION: There is no widely accepted definition or classification system for radiotherapy innovations. The data however suggest that unique properties of radiotherapy interventions can be used to categorise innovations in radiation oncology. Still, there remains a need for clear terminology denoting radiotherapy-specific characteristics. CONCLUSION: Building on this review, the ESTRO-HERO project will define what is required for a radiotherapy-specific value-based assessment tool
Gender-related and geographic trends in interactions between radiotherapy professionals on Twitter.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Twitter presence in academia has been linked to greater research impact which influences career progression. The purpose of this study was to analyse Twitter activity of the radiotherapy community around ESTRO congresses with a focus on gender-related and geographic trends.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Tweets, re-tweets and replies, here designated as interactions, around the ESTRO congresses held in 2012-2021 were collected. Twitter activity was analysed temporally and, for the period 2016-2021, the geographical span of the ESTRO Twitter network was studied. Tweets and Twitter users collated during the 10 years analysed were ranked based on number of 'likes', 're-tweets' and followers, considered as indicators of leadership/influence. Gender representation was assessed for the top-end percentiles.
RESULTS
Twitter activity around ESTRO congresses was multiplied by 60 in 6 years growing from 150 interactions in 2012 to a peak of 9097 in 2018. In 2020, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, activity dropped by 60 % to reach 2945 interactions and recovered to half the pre-pandemic level in 2021. Europe, North America and Oceania were strongly connected and remained the main contributors. While overall, 58 % of accounts were owned by men, this proportion increased towards top liked/re-tweeted tweets and most-followed profiles to reach up to 84 % in the top-percentiles.
CONCLUSION
During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Twitter activity around ESTRO congresses substantially decreased. Men were over-represented on the platform and in most popular tweets and influential accounts. Given the increasing importance of social media presence in academia the gender-based biases observed may help in understanding the gender gap in career progression
TEDDI : radiotherapy delivery in deep inspiration for pediatric patients - a NOPHO feasibility study
Background: Radiotherapy (RT) delivered in deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) is a simple technique, in which changes in patient anatomy can significantly reduce the irradiation of the organs at risk (OARs) surrounding the treatment target. DIBH is routinely used in the treatment of some adult patients to diminish the risk of late effects; however, no formalized studies have addressed the potential benefit of DIBH in children. Methods/Design: TEDDI is a multicenter, non-randomized, feasibility study. The study investigates the dosimetric benefit of RT delivered in DIBH compared to free breathing (FB) in pediatric patients. Also, the study aims to establish the compliance to DIBH and to determine the accuracy and reproducibility in a pediatric setting. Pediatric patients (aged 5-17 years) with a tumor in the mediastinum or upper abdomen with the possible need of RT will be included in the study. Written informed consent is obligatory. Prior to any treatment, patients will undergo a DIBH training session followed by a diagnostic PET/CT-or CT-staging scan in both DIBH and FB. If the patient proceeds to RT, a RT planning CT scan will be performed in both DIBH and FB and two separate treatment plans will be calculated. The superior treatment plan, i.e. equal target coverage and lowest overall dose to the OARs, will be chosen for treatment. Patient comfort will be assessed daily by questionnaires and by adherence to the respiratory management procedure. Discussion: RT in DIBH is expected to diminish irradiation of the OARs surrounding the treatment target and thereby reduce the risk of late effects in childhood cancer survivors.Peer reviewe
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