S3052
Invited Speaker
ESTRO 2026
5552 Global harmonisation and standardisation of RTQA protocols Elias D Kress Executive, Aitrium, Los Angeles, USA Radiation therapy quality assurance varies widely across institutions and trials, creating barriers to data comparability and trial integrity. This talk examines the case for global RTQA harmonisation, covering dosimetric and treatment planning standardisation, imaging as a core data asset, prospective embedding of RTQA standards in trial design, and practical governance and implementation pathways. 5617 Strengthening synergies between ESTRO and National Societies Barbara Alicja Jereczek-Fossa Radiation Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy. Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy From consensus to practice: National implementation of ESTRO radiotherapy guidelines Translating consensus recommendations into daily clinical practice remains a key challenge in radiation oncology. While ESTRO guidelines provide robust, evidence-based frameworks, their implementation requires adaptation to diverse national healthcare systems, resources, and clinical realities. This session will highlight the complementary roles of ESTRO and National Societies in bridging this gap. ESTRO supports education, guideline development, and advocacy, facilitating the dissemination and uptake of best practices across Europe. In parallel, National Societies contribute by identifying local needs, sharing real-world data, and providing practical insights to ensure feasibility and relevance. A continuous, bidirectional exchange between ESTRO and its members is essential to move from consensus to practice. Together, we can foster harmonization while respecting diversity, building a strong and aligned European and global radiotherapy community focused on optimal patient care.
innovations, including telephone follow-up and electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) aim to improve access, continuity, and patient engagement, while reducing the logistical and psychological burden of frequent hospital visits. 7 However, technical innovation can come with increasing costs and reductions to treatment access. Given high costs do not necessarily translate to improved outcomes 8 , and with increasing workforce and economic pressures, we must consider the true value of new technologies, prioritising effective solutions that can be rolled-out quickly and at scale. 9 Collection and dissemination of long-term outcomes, inclusive of patient-reported endpoints, is a key component of facilitating patient-centred radiotherapy 3 . Furthermore, successful implementation of advanced radiotherapy solutions relies on a well-trained multidisciplinary workforce, including oncologists, nurses, therapeutic radiographers, physicists and other allied health professionals. Robust systems are required for quality assurance and safety. Research should involve input from patient advocates 3 , ensuring innovations reflect patient priorities and real-world needs. Without these considerations and high-quality evidence, technological advances risk widening disparities and limiting real-world patient benefit. 3,9 The greatest impact of technological innovation is realised when multidisciplinary teams develop and integrate these tools thoughtfully to enhance what matters most to patients, alongside increasing accessibility, and promoting equity. Innovation is not the goal alone; its true measure is a tangible improvement in patients’ lives during and beyond the radiotherapy pathway. References: 1. Webster M et al 'New Approaches in Radiotherapy' Cancers (Basel) 2025; 17(12):1980 2. Coulter A, Oldham J 'Person-centred care' Future Hosp J 2016;3(2):114-116 3. Green H, Rieu R, Slevin F et al 'Best Practice for Patient-centred radiotherapy' Clin Oncol 2024;39 4. van As N et al 'SBRT in Localised prostate cancer' NEJM 2024;391(15):1413-1425 5. Brunt AM et al 'FAST FORWARD trial' Lancet 2020;395:1613-1626 6. Parikh N et al 'Cost-Effectiveness in Prostate RT' Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 108:e402-403 7. Pritchett J et al 'PROs & Digital Health' ASCO Educ Book 2023;43:e390678 8. Uyl-de Groot C et al 'Dispelling myths cancer' J Cancer Pol 2014;2(1):22-29 9. Vandemaele M et al 'ESTRO RT innovation appraisal' Lancet Oncol 2026;27(3):e160-169
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