HSU brings radiotherapy professionals together to advance online adaptive radiotherapy

Health Sciences University (HSU) brought together radiotherapy professionals from three NHS Trusts across Wessex for a continuing professional development (CPD) day focused on online adaptive radiotherapy, including the development of an action plan for its implementation in Wessex.

Held at HSU’s Bournemouth Campus on 28 September and sponsored by Wessex Cancer Alliance, An Introduction to Online Adaptive Radiotherapy welcomed 17 attendees, including Therapeutic Radiographers, Dosimetrists, Clinical Oncologists and Radiotherapy Physicists, to explore the approach and its role in improving and personalising cancer care.

Online adaptive radiotherapy (oART) enables a patient’s radiotherapy treatment plan to be adapted to changes in their anatomy at the time of treatment, supporting a more personalised approach to cancer care.

Organised by Amy Cooke and colleagues at HSU and Wessex Cancer Alliance, the day provided an opportunity for healthcare professionals to develop their understanding of oART, explore its clinical benefits and consider approaches to implementation in practice.

The programme covered the theoretical aspects of oART, its implications for clinical practice and guidance on implementation from early adopters.

Expert external speakers sharing their experience included:

• Shabanaz Boodhoo, Adaptive Workflow Operational Superintendent, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
• Meegan Shepherd, Specialist Radiation Therapist at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital; PhD Candidate at Monash University; and Affiliate Researcher at The University of Sydney
• Alex Dunlop, Radiotherapy Physicist, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
• Miriam Reeves, Adaptive Team Lead, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Cancer Centre
• Josh Kirby, Consultant Clinical Scientist, Northern Centre for Cancer Care

Accuray also supported the event, sharing insights into its adaptive solutions.

The day concluded with a workshop to establish an action plan for implementing online adaptive radiotherapy in Wessex.

Dr Claire Nadaf, Head of Engagement and Partnerships at Health Sciences University, said:

“Thank you to everyone who attended, presented and collaborated to make this event such a success. It was fantastic to bring together expertise from across the radiotherapy community to share learning, strengthen networks and support workforce development, helping ensure healthcare professionals have the skills and knowledge needed to deliver innovative, personalised cancer care.”

Feedback received from attendees highlighted that the event had enhanced their knowledge of oART, its clinical benefits and approaches to implementation.

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