Programme

Overview: The main aim of radiotherapy in H&N is to achieve tumor control with minimal normal tissue toxicity. This symposium addresses the issue of toxicity from a different perspectives: tumour biologic exploration of the heterogeneity of radiosensitivity in H&N – biomarkers as classifiers?; the use of Comprehensive Toxicity Risk Profiles in identification of the most relevant toxicity and thereby organ at risk to spare for the individual patient; novel radiotherapy/drug treatment combinations’ effect on the toxicity profile; 10 years of experience in reducing radiation-induced toxicity by reducing the irradiated volume.

Overview: Delivering radiation therapy treatment to a high standard is dependent on patient immobilisation and treatment verification. This in turn is dependent on high quality patient positioning and a suitable treatment environment. In this symposium, we will explore key factors and considerations in patient immobilisation and verification, with specific focus on challenges relating to breast treatment and the impact of sharing knowledge and ideas, considerations in the use of particle therapy for treatments such as cranio-spinal, head and neck and prostate, with additional consideration of the impacts of the ambient environment of the treatment room, such as music and lighting.

Overview: The characteristics of an ideal health care system have been identified as efficiency, quality and access. Brachytherapy remains an essential treatment in cancer care. To perform modern brachytherapy, highly specialised skills are required, but also the presence of a specific high-level brachytherapy environment. Question is raised if brachytherapy-care should be centralized? Centralization might have benefits in terms of expert centers. The reason for this is to ensure the maintenance of high standards. But, difficulties in referral and in access might eventually contribute to a lower use. Pros and cons of centralisation of brachytherapy care will be discussed during this session.

Overview: Mini-Orals are presented at one of the sessions scheduled in the two mini-oral theatres. Each author will present a 4-slide PowerPoint orally for 4 minutes, followed by 3 minutes for discussion. Sessions will not be recorded.

Overview: Mini-Orals are presented at one of the sessions scheduled in the two mini-oral theatres. Each author will present a 4-slide PowerPoint orally for 4 minutes, followed by 3 minutes for discussion. Sessions will not be recorded.

Overview: Poster Discussions are presented in one of the sessions scheduled at the two poster discussion theatres. Each author will present a digital poster orally for 2 minutes, followed by 2 minutes for discussion. Sessions will not be recorded.