The training, competency requirements and scope of practice of professionals within a radiation oncology department vary across countries. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the current status of radiotherapy training in the USA by discussing current benchmarks for medical residency, physics residency, radiation therapy and dosimetry training programmes. Although there are notable strengths, the US radiotherapy workforce training system also faces several challenges when it comes to standardising education to develop a competent workforce that meets societal needs. Continued efforts are needed at a systemic level to improve training in areas such as brachytherapy and proton therapy, promote research involvement and develop trainees who are equipped to form a competent radiation therapy workforce.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clon.2024.01.019 | DOI Listing |
Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol
March 2025
Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
This study investigates whether an Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) workbook and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) case studies enhances Radiation Therapists' (RTTs) confidence analysing Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) CBCTs. An 11-participant questionnaire-based study was conducted to assess pre- and post-training confidence. Prior to training, RTTs exhibited higher confidence in photon CBCT decision-making over proton CBCT, highlighting the need for PBT-specific IGRT training, irrespective of prior photon experience.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRadiography (Lond)
December 2024
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels University Hospital, Jules Bordet Institute, Radiotherapy Department, Rue Meylemeersch 90, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium.
Introduction: Radiation Therapists (RTTs) are crucial in delivering Radiotherapy (RT) to cancer patients. The advancements in RT technology and the increasing cancer incidence have heightened the demand for RTTs, necessitating strategic workforce planning at the national level. This study aims to identify and estimate current and future RTT workforce in Belgium.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMed Phys
December 2024
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA.
Background: Automation in radiotherapy presents a promising solution to the increasing cancer burden and workforce shortages. However, existing automated methods for breast radiotherapy lack a comprehensive, end-to-end solution that meets varying standards of care.
Purpose: This study aims to develop a complete portfolio of automated radiotherapy treatment planning for intact breasts, tailored to individual patient factors, clinical approaches, and available resources.
Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol
December 2024
Baptist Institute for Health Sciences, Mbingo, Cameroon.
Although radiotherapy is critical for cancer cure and palliation, access to such expensive and sophisticated technology is very limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Cancer incidence in Africa is currently 1.5 million case per year, thus urgent and innovative solutions are required to build necessary infrastructure needed to address this global health challenge.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLancet Oncol
December 2024
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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