Single high-energy arc proton therapy with Bragg peak boost (SHARP).

Introduction: Because of the co-location of critical organs at risk, base of skull tumours require steep dose gradients to achieve the prescribed dosimetric criteria. When available, proton beam therapy (PBT) is often considered a desirable modality for these cases, but in many instances, compromises in target coverage are still required to achieve critical organ at risk (OAR) tolerance doses. A number of techniques have been proposed to further improve the penumbra of PBT.

Dosimetric comparison of gantry and horizontal fixed-beam proton therapy treatment plans for base of skull chordoma.

Introduction: Australia's first proton beam therapy (PBT) centre will house a fixed-beam room and two gantry rooms. As the only PBT facility in Australia for at least the short term, there is a need to efficiently allocate treatment appointments between the gantry and fixed-beam rooms. This planning study assesses the dosimetric differences between fixed-beam and gantry-based treatment plans for base of skull chordoma, one of the core indications likely to be referred for PBT in Australia.

A study in patient satisfaction regarding telemedicine consultations in radiation oncology.

Introduction: Telemedicine consultations can be a cost-effective and convenient method of communication, particularly with patients living in remote areas. Given the dearth of patient-reported satisfaction data with this form of consultation in Radiation Oncology, we surveyed patients to assess this in our department.

Methods: The study recruited patients who had experienced both a Telemedicine consultation and an in-person consultation with the same radiation oncologist at our tertiary centre in South Australia.