S2979
Invited Speaker
ESTRO 2026
5251 Education for the future Vincent W. S. Leung
practitioners. References:
1. Buijs M, Sousa F, Couto JG, Brossa P, Clarkson M, Devereux T, Domingues DR, Harrison L, Kim T, Leung VWS, Ochandorena K, Rolo L, Shepherd M, Siddiqi F, Strikou D, Tong E, Van Weerd E, Williamson A, Wojcikowski S, Simões R. The impact of emerging
Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies is reshaping healthcare education. 1 For Radiation Therapy (RTT) training, the challenge is no longer whether to adopt technology, but how to integrate it without losing the human core of patient care. This presentation outlines a bold, multi-front strategy developed at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to prepare RTT students for an AI-driven future. Guided by PolyU's Education 4.0 framework, 2 our curriculum has shifted toward student-centred, AI- supported learning, while adhering to the IAEA's seven-role RTT framework endorsed by ESTRO. 3 Building on this foundation, we have implemented several innovative initiatives. HEROCARE, a QS Silver Award (2024) project, uses immersive X- Reality to train empathy and compassionate care. 4 RTSCOIL, a collaborative online international learning program with Monash University, Singapore Institute of Technology, and the University of South Australia, enables students to work on real cross- border cases. Currently, we are developing ClinEd 4.0, a EUR 323k AI- enabled teaching ecosystem covering practical skills (SMART Lab) and clinical communication (CARE), supported by a PolyU Teaching Development Grant launched in January 2026. We are also planning an AI Oncology Learning Lab featuring three zones: an AI server for auto-case generation, a digital twin simulation hub, and an AI debriefing suite with a research sandbox. Additionally, we are scaling RTSCOIL and establishing an Asia CPD platform through the Hong Kong RTT association, extending education from university students to practising RTTs across 8 Asian countries and regions. Looking forward, our message is clear: Be BOLD in the AI Era. We must blend—not defend—the integration of patient care, technology, empathy, and cross- disciplinarity. AI cannot replicate genuine human connection. 5 Educators must own their influence as bridges between schools, hospitals, and society. We lead on multiple fronts—curriculum, mentorship, innovation, and research—never allowing any single system to define us. Finally, we call the global RTT community to act together—join our network, expand RTSCOIL, co-design AI teaching projects, and collectively solve the workforce gap. The future of radiation therapy education is not about competing with AI; it is about leveraging it to educate more compassionate, competent, and collaborative
technologies on education, roles and career progression of radiation therapists: a delphi
consensus based on the ESTRO RTT workshop. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol. 2026;38:100392. doi:10.1016/j.tipsro.2026.100392. 2. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Education 4.0: Leading the shift to AI empowered, personalised learning and teaching [Internet]. Hong Kong: PolyU; 2025. Available from: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/publications/pulse- polyu/issue/202510/education/education-4-0-leading- the-shift-to-ai-empowered-personalised-learning-and- teaching 3. International Atomic Energy Agency. A framework for the education of radiation therapists. Vienna: IAEA; 2026. (Training Course Series; no. 89). doi:10.61092/iaea.7cq1-6mar. 4. Lee SWY, Leung VWS, Ching JCF, Liu KCK, Chan SYC, Wong KKF, Law HKW. HEROCARE: Holistic Empowerment in Radiation Oncology for Cancer Children and Carers. Radiother Oncol. 2024;197(Suppl 1):S371–S372. 5. Leech M, Abdalqader A, Alexander S, Anderson N, Barbosa B, Callens D, Chapman V, Coffey M, Cox M, Curic I, Dean J, Denney E, Kearney M, Leung VWS, Mortsiefer M, Nirgianaki E, Povilaitis J, Strikou D, Thompson K, van den Bosch M, Velec M, Woodford K, Buijs M. The Radiation Therapist profession through the lens of new technology: A practice development paper based on the ESTRO Radiation Therapist Workshops. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol. 2024;30:100243. doi:10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100243.
5253 New treatment units Thomas Mackie
Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin, USA More access to care requires easier to use, robust, and less expensive workhorse treatment units for treating the most common (>90%) tumours as well as more efficient use of critical staff, faster treatment workflows, and similar or improved treatment accuracy. Integrated auto-planning and auto-QA into treatment units while keeping the treatment team (radiotherapy
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