A code orange for traffic-light-protocols as a communication mechanism in IGRT.

Introduction: Traffic-light protocols (TLPs) use color codes to standardize image registration and improve interdisciplinary communication in IGRT. Generally, green indicates no relevant anatomical changes, orange signals changes requiring follow-up but does not compromise the current fraction, and red flags unacceptable changes. This study examines the communication aspect, specifically the reporting accuracy for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC), and identifies barriers to reporting.

The Radiation Therapist profession through the lens of new technology: A practice development paper based on the ESTRO Radiation Therapist Workshops.

Technological advances in radiation therapy impact on the role and scope of practice of the radiation therapist. The European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) recently held two workshops on this topic and this position paper reflects the outcome of this workshop, which included radiation therapists from all global regions. Workflows, quality assurance, research, IGRT and ART as well as clinical decision making are the areas of radiation therapist practice that will be highly influenced by advancing technology in the near future.

A prospective randomized study comparing two frameless immobilization systems for cranial stereotactic radiotherapy.

Introduction: The Dual Shell Encompass Fibreplast™ System (DS-Encompass) by CQ Medical™ is validated for frameless immobilization in stereotactic brain radiotherapy. An alternative mask model has been proposed with the rear shell replaced by a Moldcare® cushion (M-Encompass). To validate the use of this model in our cranial stereotactic workflow method including HyperArc™, we performed a prospective randomized study comparing inter-and intrafractional motion and patients comfort between both masks.

Professional development through mentoring: Final evaluation of the pilot mentoring programme of the European society of radiotherapy and oncology.

The European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) organized a one-year pilot mentoring programme. At evaluation after one year, both mentors and mentees scored the programme with a median score of 9 on a scale of 10. All of the mentors indicated that they wanted to participate again as mentors.

Are offline ART decisions for NSCLC impacted by the type of dose calculation algorithm?

Introduction: Decisions for plan-adaptations may be impacted by a transitioning from one dose-calculation algorithm to another. This study examines the impact on dosimetric-triggered offline adaptation in LA-NSCLC in the context of a transition from superposition/convolution dose calculation algorithm (Type-B) to linear Boltzmann equation solver dose calculation algorithms (Type-C).

Materials & Methods: Two dosimetric-triggered offline adaptive treatment workflows are compared in a retrospective planning study on 30 LA-NSCLC patients.

Patient-reported outcomes versus proxy-reported outcomes in supportive and palliative care: a summary of recent literature.

Purpose Of The Review: Patient-reported outcomes are one of the most valuable clinical outcome measures. In palliative care, however, they are often difficult to retrieve. Therefore, proxy-reported outcomes are sometimes used as a surrogate.