Course directors 

• Sarah Jefferies, Clinical Oncologist, Addenbrooke’s Hospital - Oncology Centre, Cambridge (UK) 
• Gianfranco Pesce, Clinical Oncologist, Radiation Oncology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ospedale S.Giovanni, Bellinzona (CH)

Teachers 

• Ranjeev Bhangoo, Neurosurgeon, Kings College Hospital, London (UK) 
• Anthony Chalmers, Clinical Oncologist, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow (UK) 
• Darren Hargrave, Paediatric Oncologist, Neuro-oncology and Experimental Therapeutics Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London (UK)  
• Patrick Roth, Medical Neurologist, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich (CH)  
• Kathreena M Kurian, Neuropathologist, Neuropathology, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Bristol (UK)

Local Organiser:

Vasilios Kouloulias, Assistant Professor Radiation Oncology, University of Athens (GR)

The course aims to review the present state-of-the-art of neuro-oncology from its biological understanding to the implementation of high-tech radiotherapy approaches, modern biologically driven therapy and care. It will not only cover the commonest of brain tumours, but will also review the latest developments in the less common tumours in adults and children.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course participants should be able to:

• Understand the evolving concepts of brain tumour biology
• Interpret more complex brain imaging for the purpose of therapy
• Make judgements regarding multidisciplinary management of tumours including the role of systemic and targeted therapies in both common and rare brain tumours in adults and children
• Understand the principles and practice of modern radiotherapy
• Understand the design and challenges of brain tumour clinical trials.

Course content

Neuro-oncology is generally equated with the management of malignant gliomas, yet it is the speciality with perhaps the largest range of tumour types from curable to barely treatable. It has been at the forefront of technical developments in radiotherapy with early implementation of the latest imaging and high precision localised radiotherapy, including stereotactic radiotherapy and proton therapy. Neurosurgery has also developed in leaps and bounds so that previously inaccessible locations can now be safely reached. Local treatment relies on accurate imaging and this is the cornerstone of neuro-oncology practice.

Alongside local treatment approaches, systemic treatment has become mainstay of management of many tumours in adults and children and targeted personalised therapy approaches are becoming a reality. The need for developing and testing new therapies in this challenging clinical setting requires the involvement of neuro-oncology specialists in clinical trials and the issues specific to brain tumour trial design are of importance to the future of the speciality.

Anyone involved in neuro-oncology is aware of the challenges in treating the brain and the short and long term consequences for the patient and their carers, and that attention to care is an integral part of neuro-oncology.

Prerequisites

Before commencing this course you should have some:

• Experience of brain tumour management
• Understanding of conventional brain radiotherapy issues.

Teaching methods

• 12-15 hours of lectures
• 3-5 hours of discussions

Interactive and didactic lectures will be complemented by practical radiotherapy planning practice.

Methods assessment

• MCQ
• Q&A
• Evaluation form.

Affiliations

Programme

The scientific programme will be available soon.

Further reading / web resources

To be provided if available.

Accreditation

Application for CME recognition will be submitted to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME), an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). EACCME credits are recognised by the American Medical Association towards the Physician’s Recognition Award (PRA). Information on the status of the applications can be obtained from the ESTRO office.

Venue

To follow

Membership

ESTRO members can order products at substantially reduced prices. Please note that in order to benefit from the member price, you must renew your membership for 2021 before registering to the course.To benefit from these member rates, please visit the membership page to become a member or renew your membership BEFORE proceeding with your order.

Fees

* Members with specialty RadiationTherapist (RTT) may register at the In Training fee

Early rates are applied up to three months before the starting date of the course.

Late rates are applied three months before the starting date of the course.

The fee includes the course material, coffees, lunches, and the social event.

Advance registration & payment are required.

Since the number of participants is limited, late registrants are advised to contact the ESTRO office before payment, to inquire about availability of places. Access to homework and/or course material will become available upon receipt of full payment.

Insurance and cancellation

The organiser does not accept liability for individual medical, travel or personal insurance. Participants are strongly advised to take out their own personal insurance policies.   

In case an unforeseen event would force ESTRO to cancel the meeting, the Society will reimburse the participants fully the registration fees. ESTRO will not be responsible for the refund of travel and accommodation costs.

In case of cancellation, full refund of the registration fee minus 15% for administrative costs may be obtained up to three months before the course and 50% of the fee up to one month before the course. No refund will be made if the cancellation request is postmarked less than one month before the start of the course.

Reduced fees

ESTRO members from economically challenged countries may register at a preferential rate of 350 Euro if three conditions are met:

1. Only ESTRO members for 2021 are eligible (please make sure your 2021 membership is in order before you apply for the reduced fees)
2. Only one course per person per year can be subsidized by ESTRO
3. Sponsored candidates are not entitled to reduced fees (the invoicing address has to be the one of the participant)  

Please note: