Programme

Overview: Join us for a groundbreaking presentation on "Image-guided adaptive radiation therapy (IGART)". This session will shed light on the innovative radiotherapy technique that utilizes X-ray image guidance and optical surface monitoring to execute adaptive radiation therapy for more precise and personalized radiotherapy. We will explore the use of real-time imaging to adapt the treatment plan to dynamic tumour changes during radiotherapy, such as target retraction, and to accommodate changes in tumour location that may be caused by organ motion, such as respiratory and digestive processes. The session will also address the technological advancements and the integration of this imaging technique with other radiation therapies to enhance the treatment of tumours across various anatomical sites. This is an unparalleled opportunity for medical professionals and technology enthusiasts to understand how IGART is revolutionizing radiotherapy and its promising trajectory in the healthcare landscape.

Overview: This session focusses on hadron therapy (proton/heavy ion therapy), which is a rapidly advancing field. We will listen to experts discuss developments in medical physics and engineering, as well as current clinical data to support the use of this technology. Our final speaker will also touch on how we can measure and validate the value of hadron therapy can bring to our patients and our community.

Overview: The session covers patient-specific quality assurance (QA) and motion management. It discusses integrating in-vivo dosimetry (IVD) with pretreatment QA and image guidance, focusing on electronic portal dosimetry (EPID). The session includes commissioning EPID-based IVD, its clinical workflow, and practical examples. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of motion management, presenting clinical trial results, and reviewing strategies like X-ray imaging, MR imaging, surface guidance, and systems such as Cyberknife and Radixact. The session highlights tracking technologies and future directions, incorporating machine learning and dose-guided approaches to improve motion management.

Overview: This session will commence with a presentation on the possibilities that PROMs afford routine radiation oncology practice, beyond clinical trials. The history of PROMs will be outlined as well as the current evolution of digital methods to capture PROMs (so-called e-PROMs). The second presentation will describe a real world example of using PROMs in a busy radiation oncology centre in Singapore. The barriers to PROM uptake by patients, including language, length of PROM questionnaires and health literacy will be addressed. Other logistical issues such as budgeting for PROM use as part of routine clinical duties and length of consultation time will be discussed. Next, a patient advocate from Australia will discuss examples of PROMS implementation in routine treatment with a focus on keys to success and benefits for patients, families and cancer team members. The session will end with interactive discussion between our speakers, chairs and the audience.

Overview: In this session, we will review best practice for writing high-quality scientific manuscripts, with a focus on physics/ technical studies. Building on the experience of editors from leading radiotherapy journal, this session will cover the end-to-end process, from draft writing to article acceptance. Topics will include tips to improve your scientific writing, ethics and transparency in publishing, an overview of the peer review process, and how to reply to reviewers.

Overview: Join us for an insightful conference session on "Burnout, Balance, and Retention in Radiation Therapy." This session will explore the prevalent issue of occupational burnout among radiation therapist, highlighting its symptoms and the profound impact it has on individual professionals and the workforce as a whole. We will discuss the importance of work-life balance and delve into strategies that can help professionals achieve this delicate equilibrium, which is vital for job satisfaction and retention. The session will also examine the systemic challenges within the field, including education and training mechanisms aimed at preventing burnout. We will address the influence of global disruptors such as COVID-19 and artificial intelligence on the work-life balance and retention of professionals in the field. Expert speakers will share their knowledge on psychological health support, coping strategies, and proactive measures that medical institutions can implement to foster a supportive and diverse work environment. These talks are aiming to equip attendees with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the complex landscape of professional well-being and career sustainability.