Learning outcomes
The course will be interactive through integration of multidisciplinary lectures and more focused debates and case discussions. By the end of this course participants should be able to:
• Understand prophylaxis, epidemiology and pathology of NMSC with special focus on basal, cutaneous squamous and Merkel cell carcinoma. Rare skin cancers will also be included.
• Discuss advantages and limitations of imaging modalities used for diagnosis and treatment of NMSC
• Understand indications and limitations of surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities in NMSC
• Design a radical and palliative radiotherapy plan for NMSC
• Develop a deep understanding of best practices in NMSC and provide patients with the best possible treatment, skin care advice and follow-up care
• Understand challenges of palliative and supportive care in NMSC patients
• Have a general understanding of principles in geriatric oncology and integrate geriatric oncology assessment into clinical practice patients with NMSC
• Summarise the latest developments and gain knowledge of future directions in research and clinical trials in the management of NMSC.
Course content
• Epidemiology, prevention, pathology and biomarkers of NMSC
• The role of imaging in diagnosis and treatment of NMSC
• Surgical and non-surgical treatments of NMSC
• Physics and mould room input in dermatological radiotherapy and brachytherapy
• Radiobiology of the skin and skin cancer
• Follow-up and management of side effects during and after skin cancer treatment
• Role of allied health care professionals in NMSC management
• Concept and management of high risk, locally advanced and metastatic NMSC
• NMSC in special circumstances and rare skin pathologies
• Role of multidisciplinary team meetings in the management of NMSC
• Overview of current research, clinical trials and technical developments in the management of NMSC.
Prerequisites
Before commencing this course participants should:
• Revise anatomy and histology of the skin and lymphatic system with common drainage routes
• Have at least basic knowledge of main NMSC types and their clinical presentation
• Have at least basic knowledge of standard surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities in NMSC
• Have at least basic experience with radiation therapy in patients with NMSC. If the participant is not a radiation oncologist or clinical oncologist (including training post) they should be involved in multidisciplinary case discussions or have special interest in the management of patients with NMSC
• Be prepared to ask questions and contribute to live and interactive discussions.
Teaching methods
The course is delivered face-to-face over two and a half days and will include:
• Prerequisite course materials
• Didactic lectures
• Debates and case discussions
Students will be advised to review the prerequisite course materials and suggested readings on ESTRO Moodle before the course. The prerequisite materials and live lectures create a complete subject unit.
Methods of assessment
• Mark-out exercises
• Evaluation form
Key words
Non-melanoma skin cancer, multimodality management, surgery, radiotherapy, systemic treatment, high risk non-melanoma skin cancer, volume delineation, side effects, cosmesis, quality of life, geriatric assessment.
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.