S2711
RTT - Patient preparation, immobilisation, and verification protocols
ESTRO 2026
significantly affects patient QoL, particularly in terms of emotional and logistical burden. Enhancing patient education, offering alternative bowel preparation strategies, and improving support systems could alleviate these challenges. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating patient perspectives into bowel preparation protocols to create more patient- centred care pathways and improve treatment 1. Wang L, Lu B, He M, et al. Prostate Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Global Status and Temporal Trends in 89 Countries From 2000 to 2019. Front Public Health. 2022 Feb 16;10:811044.2. Leufgens F, Berneking V, Vögeli TA, et al. Quality of Life Changes >10 Years After Postoperative Radiation Therapy After Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2019;105(2):382- experiences. References: 388. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.06.0043. Creswell JW. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches, 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA, US: Sage Publications, Inc; 2007.4. Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 2006;3(2):77- 101. doi:https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa Keywords: bowel preparation, quality of life, experience Digital Poster Highlight 1612 Occipital mask only treatment: Occipital mask vs conventional mask for head and neck radiotherapy treatment Kyle Noyce, Josh Naylor Poole Radiotherapy Department, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, United Kingdom Purpose/Objective: Full face (closed) masks are the current standard for delivering radiotherapy for head & neck (H&N) patients, however they are known to have a negative impact on patient experience with both discomfort and claustrophobia. We are using only the occipital mask of the DSPS Prominent for immobilisation and SGRT for setup and to monitor the patient's position during treatment.Our main objectives are: to assess if the occipital mask only technique in conjunction with SGRT is viable method of immobilisation for head and neck radiotherapy treatment. To help reduce the high levels of anxiety associated with standard closed face immobilisation masks. Material/Methods: A baseline measurement for evaluating the H&N
Digital Poster Highlight 1589 Exploring the impact of daily micro-enema use on quality of life in prostate cancer survivors undergoing radiotherapy Caoimhe Foster 1 , Annemarie Devine 1 , Nicole Coughlan 1 , Andrew England 1 , Martin Higgins 2 , Theresa O' Donovan 1 1 Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. 2 Radiation Oncology Department, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland Purpose/Objective: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death globally [1]. Radiotherapy is a highly effective treatment, but many men experience lasting physical, psychological, and social effects, making quality of life (QoL) a key consideration in care [2]. Bowel preparation, including daily micro-enema use, is routinely employed during radiotherapy to reduce rectal volume and improve treatment accuracy. However, side effects such as diarrhoea, rectal irritation, and discomfort may arise, particularly as treatment progresses, potentially impacting QoL. This study explores the experiences of prostate cancer survivors regarding micro-enema use during radiotherapy and its effect on their QoL. Material/Methods: This ethically approved qualitative study recruited participants through support groups and social media. Eligible participants were prostate cancer survivors who had used micro-enemas during radiotherapy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via phone or online platforms. The interview guide was informed by existing literature and designed using Creswell and Poth’s qualitative principles [3]. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, supported by NVivo software [4]. Dual coding and independent review were used to ensure analytical rigour and credibility. Results: Nine participants from across Ireland shared their experiences. Three key themes emerged: logistical challenges, psychosocial effects, and suggestions for improvement. Logistical issues included difficulties with timing, administrative processes, and access to toilet facilities. Psychosocial effects encompassed anxiety, embarrassment, stress, and discomfort associated with micro-enema use. Participants also proposed improvements such as clearer instructions, alternative preparation methods, and better access to facilities. Conclusion: Micro-enema use during prostate radiotherapy
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