Vienna, Austria

ESTRO 2023

Session Item

Sunday
May 14
15:15 - 16:30
Strauss 2
Supportive care and toxicity assessment in brachytherapy
Luca Tagliaferri, Italy;
Magdalena Stankiewicz, Poland
The modern oncology is characterized by a personalized approach and the physicians, in the daily practice, should propose to the patients the best treatments considering not only the classical oncological outcome such as local control, disease free survival and overall survival but also the quality of life after treatment, especially in terms of late side effects. In this symposium toxicity assessment and supportive care before, during and after brachytherapy procedures (Interventional Radiotherapy) will be discussed. The lectures will be focused on different tumors: gynecological, breast, head & neck and skin cancers and different strategies to reduce toxicity and improve patient compliance will be discussed in multidisciplinary approach involving not only interventional radiation oncologists but also psychologist. In addition, the role of new technologies to improve patients’ psychological profile will be highlight
Symposium
Brachytherapy
16:09 - 16:27
Patient-centric approach among psychological aspects, humane relationships and technologies
Loredana Dinapoli, Italy
SP-0545

Abstract

Patient-centric approach among psychological aspects, humane relationships and technologies
Authors:

Loredana Dinapoli1

1Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOS Psicologia Clinica , ROME, Italy

Show Affiliations
Abstract Text

The diagnosis of gynecological cancer (cervix and endometrium cancer) and the subsequent treatments such as interventional radiotherapy (IRT, also called brachytherapy) may result in emotional anxiety and distress, which may have an impact on the clinical outcome. High levels of anxiety prior to starting RT are reported in about 10- 20% of patients. At the time of simulation and IRT delivery, anxiety is commonly expressed as a result of immobilization techniques, of isolation in a room, altogether associated with their own problems and fear of cancer. In this scenario, multidisciplinary and multiprofessional approaches are necessary to ensure that patients will be adequately informed about treatment but also to obtain their inner serenity. For this reason, recently, several studies have focused on gynecologic cancer survivors and the information needs of this population. Particularly, in our department we examined the needs of patients affected by gynecological cancer focusing on physician–patient communication and treatment approach, as well as on the need for information concerning therapy effectiveness, side effects, toxicities and consequences. Aim of my presentation is to describe our patient-centered approach in IRT, based on psychological evidence-based interventions,  integrating technologies and human relationship.