Predictive molecular signatures in radiation oncology

Friday, 2 May 2025

Course directors:

• Christopher Talbot, Professor of Radiotherapy Genetics, Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Department of Genetics, Genomics & Cancer Sciences, University of Leicester (UK)
• Conchita Vens, Radiation Biologist, University of Glasgow (UK)
• Bartek Tomasik, Radiation oncologist, the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk (PL)

Course aim:

This course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to understand and evaluate prognostic and predictive biomarkers, molecular signatures and prediction models, in radiation oncology. It will provide an overview and explore the development and application of these signatures in predicting patient outcomes after radiotherapy, both in tumor behavior and normal tissue outcomes. Participants will learn how these biomarkers were developed, what distinguishes them and how they could guide personalization of therapy, thereby improving the precision and effectiveness of radiation treatment.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Understand the current state of radiotherapy response prediction.
• Appreciate the fundamentals and advanced aspects of prognostic and predictive molecular signatures and models.
• Comprehend various technologies and methodologies used to predict radiotherapy outcomes; this includes an introduction to the latest advancements in multi-omics, and data analysis techniques.
• Build competence in evaluating the efficacy and applicability of different molecular signatures for implementation in the clinical settings.
• Navigate the complexities of validation and clinical implementation; discussion will include current regulatory landscapes and the steps required for successful incorporation into clinical protocols.

Who should attend?

This is an interdisciplinary course that is designed for radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiobiologists, and other healthcare professionals interested in biomarkers and prediction models for radiotherapy responses. It is particularly useful for those intrigued by the potential of molecular biology-based prediction in radiation oncology and wishing to learn about the generation, clinical development or implementation of such biomarkers.

Scientific programme

The scientific programme is available here.

Accreditation

Application for CME recognition will be submitted to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME), an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). EACCME credits are recognised by the American Medical Association towards the Physician’s Recognition Award (PRA). Information on the status of the applications can be obtained from the ESTRO office.

Multidisciplinary management of bladder cancer: how to implement contemporary radiotherapy in your department?

Friday, 2 May 2025                                                                 

Course directors:

• Ananya Choudhury, Dept of Clinical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust & Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester (UK)
• Paul Sargos, Radiation-Oncologist, Department of Radiotherapy, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux (FR)

Course aim:

The course aims to review the present state-of-the-art multidisciplinary management of bladder cancer from its molecular understanding to the implementation of high-tech radiotherapy approaches, modern biologically driven therapy and care. We will discuss how modern radiotherapy such as daily adaptation can be used to achieve maximum cure rates while at the same time minimising the risk of long-term complications.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Design strategies for the multimodality treatment of bladder cancer from diagnosis to follow up
• Apply modern principles for radiotherapy in the multimodality setting
• Define target volumes and prescribe radiation doses and fractionation schedules appropriate for different disease stages (MIBC, nMIBC, Adjuvant radiotherapy)
• Understand the biology underpinning the response to treatment.

Who should attend?

Everybody interested in the clinical management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) including (radiation) oncologists, physicists and RTTs. We also welcome radiotherapy researchers working on topics relevant to radiotherapy of MIBC, such as radiobiologists, computer scientists, or data scientists.

Scientific programme

The scientific programme is available here.

Accreditation

Application for CME recognition will be submitted to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME), an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). EACCME credits are recognised by the American Medical Association towards the Physician’s Recognition Award (PRA). Information on the status of the applications can be obtained from the ESTRO office.

Design to dissemination - Research bootcamp 2025

Friday, 2 May 2025

Course directors:

• Aileen Duffton, RTT, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow (UK)
• Rita Simões, RTT, University College London Hospital, London (UK)

Course aim:

In 2025, the ESTRO PMC Research Bootcamp for RTTs will build on the foundation established in the 2020 PMC, taking research skills and development to the next level. This course is designed for RTTs and other RT professionals who are already engaged in research and are looking to address specific challenges or barriers they are facing. In addition to faculty presentations, participants will have the opportunity to submit case studies in advance of the PMC highlighting areas where they encounter difficulties, such as (but not limited to) scientific writing and publication, research design and methodologies, pitching funding applications, data visualisation, and scientific writing.

The interactive bootcamp will facilitate discussions around these themes, and provide tailored solutions guided by a multi-disciplinary faculty. This approach aims to strengthen research quality and encourage cross-disciplinary feedback.

What to expect

Prior to PMC: Participants will be invited to submit a summary detailing aspects of their research where they experience barriers, challenges, or just require additional support. There will then be opportunities to discuss  these during the PMC, to enhance individual feedback from the faculty.

During PMC: The faculty will deliver lectures on research design to dissemination, and discuss current research opportunities, whilst encouraging interactive discussions throughout. Discussion sessions will be tailored to the participants needs, based on the topics submitted.

Objectives of the PMC 

• Identify and discuss opportunities in radiotherapy research
• Consider relevant research design
• Address current challenges in radiotherapy research
• Develop strategies to overcome barriers in clinical research at all stages of the research process 
• Enhance skills in critical aspects of research including manuscript writing and grant applications.
• Provide feedback on individual research challenges to gain insights and solutions.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the quality of radiotherapy research in terms of novelty, feasibility, potential impact, and clinical relevance.
• Effectively communicate and discuss research ideas and projects with colleagues to maximise scientific quality.
• Individuals will be able to address their specific research challenges through discussion with a multi-disciplinary faculty.
• Develop and enhance research skills, particularly on the scientific barriers identified by the participants.
• Promote active collaborations with MDT and PPIE.

Who should attend?

• RTTs, and any radiation oncology professionals who are developing their research skills (including MSc students). Possibly, but not necessarily, they have relevant clinical experience outside research.
• Radiation oncology professionals who are facing challenges in research
• Radiation oncology professionals who want to be more involved in research.

Scientific programme

The scientific programme is available here.

Impact of current (radio)biological knowledge on treatment choices in radiotherapy

Friday, 2 May 2025

Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Messepl. 1, 1021 Vienna, Austria

Course directors:

• Marta Giżyńska, medical physicist, Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, The Netherlands
• Charlotte Robert, medical physicist, Gustave Roussy, France

Course aim:

In current clinical practice, there is an increase in the variety of treatment choices including choices in fractionation schemes (standard vs hypofractionation), treatment modalities (particles vs photons, spatially fractionated therapy) as well as different forms of combined treatments (e.g. with immunotherapy). This course aims to refresh knowledge on important (radio)biological and clinical concepts in RT, and provide updates on potential future changes in RT treatment paradigms (e.g. homogeneous vs heterogeneous target dose distribution) in the light of novel findings. Practical information that can be directly applied in everyday clinical practice (e.g. treatment interruption, dose summations) as well as information on new treatment modalities and options that are not broadly used yet will be provided.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course, participants should:

• Refresh their knowledge on EQD2 calculations in various clinical situations including hypofractionated treatment, daily adaptive delivery, treatment interruptions, handling target repopulation.
• Grasp the challenges of complex dose summations and to be aware of the latest advancements in the field.
• Understand the challenges and (radio)biological foundations of hypofractionation.
• Understand the influence of irradiation parameters (photons/charged particles, dose rate, LET/RBE, etc.) on (radio)biological effects.
• Understand and apply dose response models (TCP/NTCP) in clinical practice, e.g. in patient selection protocols.
• Understand the latest knowledge of the cellular mechanisms involved in response to RT and their clinical implications, particularly in combined treatments.
• Gain basic knowledge on new treatment modalities such as ultra-high dose rates and spatially fractionated RT, and in which clinical situations they might be beneficial for patients.
• Recognize the significance of sparing the immune system during RT and how this can be achieved.

Who should attend?

Everybody who is interested in the current status of (radio)biological knowledge and its influence on clinical practice and treatment choices - especially medical physicists but we also want to encourage radiation oncologists, RTTs / dosimetrists performing treatment planning, and radiobiologists. We also welcome radiotherapy researchers, especially those new in the field who seek basic (radio)biological knowledge and its application in clinical practice.

Scientific programme

The scientific programme is available here.

Accreditation

Application for CDP credits will be submitted to the European Board for Accreditation in Medical Physics (EBAMP). Information on the status of the application can be obtained from the ESTRO office.

Innovations in evidence based brachytherapy (Interventional RT) of the H&N region

Friday, 2 May 2025

Course directors:

• Luca Tagliaferri, Radiation Oncologist, Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS – Rome (IT)
• Piotr Wojcieszek, Radiation Oncologist, The Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch (PL)

Course aim:  Treatment of head and neck cancer, including non-melanoma skin cancer, with brachytherapy (Interventional Radiotherapy) is the focus of this course. The guidelines and recommendations for diagnosis and treatment are subject to constant change, just as there are new interesting developments and innovations. So, it's important for clinicians to stay updated. During the course, the faculty will lead attendees through the challenges of diagnosing and treating, with a particular focus on brachytherapy considering the integrated therapeutic approach, and follow-up on cancer in the head and neck region.

Learning objectives: 

• Epidemiology and pathology of head and neck cancers (including non-melanoma skin cancer)
• Choice of imaging modalities used for diagnosis and treatment
• Indications and limitations of treatment modalities (with the emphasis on brachytherapy) 
• Understanding of principles in different clinical scenarios important in everyday clinical practice patients with cancers in the head and neck region
• Understand the best radiotherapy technique to use in different clinical scenarios
• Cases discussion about personalized therapeutic strategies in tumor board settings
• Post treatment care advice and follow-up care
• Future directions in research and clinical trials

Who should attend? Radiation Oncologists, Medical Physicists, Otolaryngologists, Dermatologist, RTTs, Nurses.

Scientific programme

The scientific programme is available here.

Accreditation

Application for CME recognition will be submitted to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME), an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). EACCME credits are recognised by the American Medical Association towards the Physician’s Recognition Award (PRA). Information on the status of the applications can be obtained from the ESTRO office.

Practical guide to combine novel systemic therapies and radiation therapy

Friday, 2 May 2025                                                                  

Course directors:

• Dirk De Ruysscher, Radiation Oncologist, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW Oncology (NL)
• Icro Meattini, Radiation Oncologist, Florence University Hospital (IT)

Course aim:

To give insight on why and how to combine novel systemic anti-cancer medications with radiation therapy.

Learning objectives:

• Knowledge on why and how to combine targeted drugs, including antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapy with radiation therapy
• Insight in spatial cooperation between novel anti-cancer drugs and radiation therapy
• Insight in improving organ preservation by combining new drugs and radiation therapy
• Knowledge on combinations of novel radiation modalities such as FLASH and GRID with novel medications
• Practical knowledge on prevention and management of toxicity of combined modality

Who should attend?

Clinicians, nurses, physician assistants, physicists, and biologists with interest in combining radiation with novel anti-cancer drugs.

Scientific programme

The scientific programme is available here.

Accreditation

Application for CME recognition will be submitted to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME), an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). EACCME credits are recognised by the American Medical Association towards the Physician’s Recognition Award (PRA). Information on the status of the applications can be obtained from the ESTRO office.