German radiation oncology's next generation: a web-based survey of young biologists, medical physicists, and physicians-from problems to solutions.

Background: Radiation science is of utmost significance not only due to its growing importance for clinical use, but also in everyday life such as in radiation protection questions. The expected increase in cancer incidence due to an aging population combined with technical advancements further implicates this importance and results in a higher need for sufficient highly educated and motivated personnel. Thus, factors preventing young scientists and medical personnel from entering or remaining in the field need to be identified.

Survey in radiation oncology departments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: state of digitalization by 2023.

Purpose: The aim of this work was to assess the current state of digitalization in radiation oncology departments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Methods: A comprehensive survey was conducted in a digital format, consisting of 53 questions that covered various aspects of digitalization including patient workflow, departmental organization, radiotherapy planning, and employee-related aspects.

Results: Overall, 120 forms were eligible for evaluation.

Reduction of intrafraction pancreas motion using an abdominal corset compatible with proton therapy and MRI.

Background And Purpose: Motion mitigation is of crucial importance in particle therapy (PT) of patients with abdominal tumors to ensure high-precision irradiation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent modality for target volume delineation and motion estimation of mobile soft-tissue tumors. Thus, the aims of this study were to develop an MRI- and PT-compatible abdominal compression device, to investigate its effect on pancreas motion reduction, and to evaluate patient tolerability and acceptance.

Dose-escalated simultaneously integrated boost photon or proton therapy in pancreatic cancer in an study: Gastrointestinal organs remain critical.

Purpose: To compare the dosimetric results of an study among intensity-modulated photon (IMRT) and robustly optimized intensity-modulated proton (IMPT) treatment techniques using a dose-escalated simultaneously integrated boost (SIB) approach in locally recurrent or advanced pancreatic cancer patients.

Material And Methods: For each of 15 locally advanced pancreatic cancer patients, a volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), a Tomotherapy (TOMO), and an IMPT treatment plan was optimized on free-breathing treatment planning computed tomography (CT) images. For the photon treatment plans, doses of 66 Gy and 51 Gy, both as SIB in 30 fractions, were prescribed to the gross tumor volume (GTV) and to the planning target volume (PTV), respectively.

Comparison of pancreatic respiratory motion management with three abdominal corsets for particle radiation therapy: Case study.

Background And Purpose: Abdominal organ motion seriously compromises the targeting accuracy for particle therapy in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This study compares three different abdominal corsets regarding their ability to reduce pancreatic motion and their potential usability in particle therapy.

Materials And Methods: A patient-individualized polyurethane (PU), a semi-individualized polyethylene (PE), and a patient-individualized three-dimensional-scan based polyethylene (3D-PE) corset were manufactured for one healthy volunteer.