The development and implementation of a radiation therapy bariatric protocol.

The rate of obesity is increasing in the Australian population, and this also includes patients with cancer. The safety and dignity of this cohort of patients is paramount as well as the timely acquisition of equipment required to assist patients with obesity to complete a course of radiation therapy (RT). The design and manufacture of equipment used in most RT departments is not suitable for the weight or BMI of all patients presenting for treatment.

An evaluation of the use and efficacy of behavioural therapy when treating paediatric patients with radiation therapy.

Introduction: The paediatric radiation therapy group (PRTG) provided a multidisciplinary network to support patients accessing radiation therapy (RT). This study aims to evaluate the use and efficacy of behaviour therapy practices used by the PRTG.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional review of general anaesthetic (GA) utilisation for paediatric patients was completed between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2014.

Dosimetric effect of external beam planning preceding combined high-dose-rate brachytherapy of the prostate.

Purpose: The sequencing of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and a high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRB) boost is often interchangeable in clinical practice. When given before EBRT, HDRB could induce volume alterations in the prostate, which may have significant implications for EBRT dosimetry. We aimed to assess the influence of HDRB on prostate volume and, hence, prostate dosing via subsequent EBRT.