S2665
RTT - Patient experience and quality of life
ESTRO 2026
when revisiting the cancer centre and recalling cancer diagnosisIdentifying timelines and deadlines, when involvement is voluntary and patient has other health and family priorities Conclusion: Co-designing a research study was achievable and rewarding for all involved and the lived patient experience was invaluable in designing a tool for other patients to utilise. Boundaries, expectations and financial reimbursement need to be discussed upfront
Digital Poster 2357 With us, not about us: challenges and successes in co-designing a patient-led multi-disciplinary research study Erica Bennett, Gerry Mouzakitis, Karen P Molan, Aisling Sheehan, Kathy Rock Bon Secours Radiotherapy Cork, UPMC, Cork, Ireland Purpose/Objective: Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is being increasingly utilised in cancer research and new innovations. The paternalistic model is fading, as we now acknowledge that patients are the experts in their disease, side effect and survivorship so integrating their experience in research and treatment pathways is essential to providing optimum care.In March 2025, a patient with Head and Neck Cancer (HNC), invited our radiotherapy department to customise and use a diary-planner he had specifically designed and made to support himself through his cancer treatment. He articulated that navigating a multidisciplinary team, coordinating appointments, and managing side effects and medication was challenging whilst undergoing radiotherapy treatment.AimsTo adapt and create a treatment planner to aid patients with the self- management of HNC by recording signs and symptoms, communicating effectively their needs to the MDT and coordinating multidisciplinary appointments and information with easeTo pilot the planner through a feasibility study. The results of the feasibility will inform the future development of the planner Material/Methods: The project was approved by the departmental Clinical Research Group, to ensure appropriate governance and oversight. A multidisciplinary research team comprising research Radiation Therapists, a Clinical Nurse Specialist, a data analyst and a Radiation Oncologist was formed, to work in collaboration with the patient in potentially expanding the use of his planner. In-person meetings were held every 2-4 weeks to review and discuss the content, layout and format of the planner. The Patient Information Leaflet and Consent Form as well as the research proposal were co-written. Ethics submission is pending. Results: SuccessesThe prototype, plannerRx, and feasibility study proposal have been co-produced.Valued insights were obtained from the patient regarding the strengths and gaps within the radiotherapy pathway from the patient perspectiveThe patient’s altruism inspired the team, and he found reflecting and verbalising on his experience was therapeuticChallengesEnsuring patient clinical care and health are not compromised by involvement in the projectPotential emotional triggers for the patient
as project scope, limitations and personal circumstances need to recognized in PPI collaborations. References:
Shakhnenko I, Husson O, Chuter D, van der Graaf W. Elements of successful patient involvement in clinical cancer trials: a review of the literature. ESMO Open. 2024;9(4):102947. doi:10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102947. Keywords: patient-led, co-design, research
Proffered Paper 2439
Impact of Radiation Therapy Adherence on Survival Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Treated with Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy Antoine Cordier 1 , Christelle Koudoro 1 , Luca Menacer 1 , Laurence Auzeau 1 , Nathaniel Assouly 2 , Jean-Claude Merol 3 , Marine Fontaine 1 , Axel Licha 1 , Philippe Guilbert 1 , Camille Invernizzi 1 , Leonard Laurent 4 , Esteban Brenet 3 , Antonio Da Silva Mota 1 , Arnaud Beddok 1,5 1 Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Godinot, Reims, France. 2 Department of Surgery, Institut Godinot, Reims, France. 3 Department of Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Reims, Reims, France. 4 Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Godinot, Reims, France. 5 University of Reims, CRESTIC, Reims, France Purpose/Objective: Head and neck cancers (HNC) remain a major oncologic challenge, with most patients diagnosed at advanced stages and a 5-year overall survival (OS) of approximately 40%. Radiation therapy (RT) is a cornerstone of curative treatment, but non-adherence often driven by non-medical factors such as psychosocial or logistic issues can compromise treatment efficacy. The introduction of intensity- modulated RT (IMRT) has improved dose conformity and reduced toxicity, potentially enhancing adherence. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors for OS and evaluate the impact of RT adherence among patients with HNC treated with IMRT. Material/Methods: A retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted among adults treated with curative-intent
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