Which areas within the radiation therapist (RTT) field are seeing the most significant growth based on abstract submissions this year?

This year, abstract submissions reveal significant advancements in areas such as adaptive radiotherapy (ART) and proton beam therapy. The growth in the latter reflects its increasing role in standard clinical practice to provide the optimal care to our patients. Technical and psychosocial innovations have also featured highly in the enhancement of patient care and the patient experience. In general, submissions also highlight increasing amounts of RTT research across the radiotherapy patient pathway in treatment planning and quality-of-life studies, underlining the breadth and depth of our scope of practice.

Are there any novel techniques or technologies or key trends that are drawing attention in the RTT community?

The RTT community is buzzing with excitement over transformative innovations such as ART workflows, proton beam therapy, and novel tools that can be used to define organs at risk and targets. Trends such as improving the patient experience through personalised care strategies and embedding RTTs into research teams are shaping the future of oncology. The integration of these innovations is prompting RTTs to redefine how they approach their roles and the education they need to support this increased role in the multidisciplinary field.

What would you say is the biggest benefit for RTTs attending ESTRO 2025?

ESTRO 2025 offers RTTs an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the latest developments that are shaping our profession. Attendees can engage with current research in transformative innovations that directly impact their daily practice and patient care and can gain insights into the growing role of advanced practice. The strong RTT track highlights our pivotal role in research and multidisciplinary partnerships, and this strength should ensure that participants leave feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to make tangible differences in their daily work. This track isn’t just a series of sessions; it’s a celebration of the vital, expanding role that RTTs play in oncology care as it develops.

How does the RTT track foster collaboration and learning among attendees?

The RTT track is a special opportunity for attendees to connect and set up collaborations. It offers attendees a variety of presentation modes, i.e. debates and symposia at which they can hear about current research and best practices. It brings together RTTs from diverse backgrounds to discuss real-world challenges, exchange ideas, and work towards shared solutions to meet our universal priority – providing the best care to our patients. This year, the emphasis on partnership aligns with ESTRO's theme of "Transformative Innovation through Partnership," which ensures that learning is rooted in teamwork and interdisciplinary cooperation. As has become customary at the annual congress, the ESTRO RTT committee will host a meet-and-greet session that will offer RTTs a wonderful opportunity to connect, share, and collaborate. This session highlights how ESTRO champions the vital role of RTTs while enabling attendees to share insights into RTT practices in their own countries. It’s a valuable forum for shaping the future that ensures that ESTRO continues to serve and support RTTs in advancing patient care worldwide.

How does this year’s RTT track reflect the evolving role of RTTs in multidisciplinary oncology care?

This year’s RTT track celebrates the growing recognition of RTTs as indispensable members of multidisciplinary oncology teams. With sessions that emphasise their leadership in ART, image-guided radiation therapy verification, and innovations that improve the patients’ experiences, the track reflects how RTTs are shaping the future of radiation oncology. The focus on education, advanced practice, and research underscores the transformative role that RTTs play in driving innovation. By championing partnerships across disciplines, the RTT track positions RTTs as leaders in the delivery of holistic, high-quality cancer care.

Maeve Kearney

Chair of the ESTRO 2025 RTT Track​

 

Late Registration deadline: 2 april 2025

ESTRO members benefit from an extra discount