Course directors

• Beate Timmermann, Radiation Oncologist, Department of Particle Therapy, University Hospital Essen, West German Proton Therapy Centre Essen, WPE, Essen (DE)
• Karin Dieckmann, Radiation Oncologist, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna (AT)

Teachers

• Thankamma Ajithkumar, Clinical Oncologist, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge (UK)
• Arnold Paulino, Radiation Oncologist, MD Anderson Centre, Houston (USA)
• Chiara Valentini, Radiation Oncologist, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, OncoRay, Dresden (DE)
• Jaume Mora, Paediatric Oncologist, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona (ES)
• Julia Furtner-Srajer, Radiologist, Medical University of Vienna (AT)
• Anne Laprie, Radiation Oncologist, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse - Oncopole - IUCT-Oncopole (FR)
• Geert Janssens, University Medical Center and Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht (NL)

Contouring administrator

Chiara Valentini, Radiation Oncologist University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, OncoRay, Dresden (DE)

Paediatric radiation oncology covers many different and complex fields in paediatric oncology. The distribution of knowledge on a worldwide level is an important component of the teaching course on paediatric radiation oncology co-organised by PROS (Paediatric Radiation Oncology Society) and ESTRO. The rarity of childhood neoplasms and the complexity of their management due to several factors are putting high demands on the application of radiation therapy. 

The course not only addresses radiation oncology treatment technologies but aims at providing a comprehensive knowledge of the management of paediatric malignancies, which is mandatory for an optimal management of childhood cancer.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course participants should be familiar with: 

• Clinical and biological aspects of the different paediatric malignancies
• Multidisciplinary management concepts in paediatric oncology
• Specific radiation oncology issues, including planning and contouring strategies and delivery techniques adjusted to paediatric malignancies
• Cure rates and late effects
• Toxicity profiles and risk for side effects
• Radiological anatomy and diagnostic imaging for precise treatment planning.

Course content

• Basic aspects in paediatric oncology 
• Epidemiology, general disease management in paediatric oncology 
• Imaging and staging
• Paediatric radiation oncology in clinical studies, requirements and shortcomings
• Re-Irradiation
• Proton beam therapy in childhood tumours
• Chemotherapy, side effects and interaction with radiotherapy
• Specific cancers:
  • Base of skull (pm-RMS, CH)
  • CNS-tumours (Medulloblastoma, Craniopharyngeoma)
  • Neuroblastoma
  • Nephroblastoma
  • Ewing sarcoma
• Plenary lectures and contouring seminars with practical examples (individual case management including pitfalls) and final plenary case discussions.

Prerequisites

Before commencing this course participants should be one of the below:

• An in training radiation oncologist or a qualified radiation oncologist
• A paediatric oncologist (in training or qualified)
• A radiation therapist (RTT) or medical physicist in training or qualified.

Teaching methods

• 16.5 hours of lectures
• 5.5 hours of case discussions.

This is a 3-day course, jointly organised by ESTRO and PROS. All teachers are oncologists specialised in different fields and treatment techniques of paediatric oncology. The structure of the course includes plenary theoretical lessons, case discussions with development of oncological treatment plans including detailed radiotherapy approaches (target contouring), and discussion of clinical cases in plenary sessions. 

The didactic concept is a crucial component of the teaching course. 

Theoretical knowledge will be communicated by using presentations and providing the participants with basic information material at home. The participants are strongly encouraged to actively use the acquired theoretical knowledge by using web-based cases. Immersion of knowledge will then be exercised in collaborative discussions including new case scenarios. The learning process enables the participants to identify the correct active way for case management and to identify possible flaws and mistakes. The individualised case-based learning process will provide an adapted feedback between teaching staff and participants.

Case exercises including clinical information and technical aspects (contouring and application of technologies) permit a comprehensive acquisition of knowledge that can be transferred to different clinical scenarios (enhanced emersion of clinical cases in clinical practice).

Methods of assessment

• MCQ 
• Delineation exercise
• Evaluation form.

Affiliations

Programme

To follow

Key words

Radiation Therapy, basic course, clinical aspects, modern implantation techniques, paediatric oncology. 

Further reading

Please consult the ESTRO website page of this course for further information.

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: