Course directors

• Matthias Guckenberger, Radiation Oncologist, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich (CH)
• Dirk Verellen, Medical Physicist, Iridium Kankernetwerk, University of Antwerp, Antwerp (BE)

Teachers

• Karin Dieckmann, Radiation Oncologist, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna (AT)
• Mischa S. Hoogeman, Medical Physicist, Erasmus Medical Centre-Daniel den Hoed Cancer Centre, Rotterdam (NL)
• Coen Hurkmans, Medical Physicist, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven (NL)
• Stephanie Lang, Medical Physicist, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich (CH)
• Piet Ost, Radiation Oncologist, Ghent University, Ghent (BE)
• Suresh Senan, Radiation Oncologist, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam (NL)
• Sophie Perryck, RTT, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich (CH)

This course aims to:

• Inform about the historical background and development of cranial radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic- body radiotherapy (SBRT)
• Illustrate the radiobiological consequences of hypo-fractionated, inhomogeneous dose distributions.
• Discuss the practice of frame-less image-guided versus frame-based stereotactic cranial radiosurgery.
• Identify potential sources of uncertainties in the work-flow of SBRT: imaging, target delineation, motion compensation, treatment planning, treatment delivery and treatment evaluation
• Offer an overview of available treatment planning and delivery technologies and how to integrate these in clinical practice of SBRT •Compare available technologies and help define applicability for particular use
• Give an evidence-based review on potential indications for SBRT: early stage NSCLC, primary and secondary liver metastases, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, vertebral metastases, oligometastases, re-irradiation
• Give an overview of normal-tissue toxicity, tolerability and radiological changes in SBRT
• Teach how to establish and implement a safe and clinical programme for SBRT.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Build a team to implement and practice SRS, SRT and SBRT
• Understand the technical and physical requirements for SRS, SRT and SBRT
• Know the clinical rationale of SRS, SRT and SBRT and their limitations
• Understand the radiobiological basis of very high fraction doses
• Know the details of indication, practice and outcome of SBRT for early stage NSCLC
• Know the current clinical evidence for SRS, SRT and SBRT in the various clinical indications.

Course Content

The five-day teaching course will be organised as follows:

• On Sunday, a historical background of stereotactic radiotherapy will be given followed by the radiobiological and technological background; SBRT cases with different complexity will be demonstrated followed by a debate discussing the position of SBRT in the current developments in oncology
• The teaching lectures on Monday will review and discuss the technology and physical practice of SBRT and SRS
• On Tuesday, various clinical aspects will be discussed, and SBRT for early stage NSCLC, primary liver cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer will be reviewed
• All teaching lectures will focus on the multi-disciplinary character of SBRT. Interaction and discussion between the professional groups is highly encouraged
• Split-up sessions based on expertise in SBRT and based on the profession will be organised on Tuesday and Wednesday, offering the opportunity of in depth practical discussions
• The last day will focus on the establishment of a clinical stereotactic programme and close with a panel discussion.

Prerequisites

Before commencing this course participant should:

• Know the basics of image-guided radiotherapy
• Have experience and knowledge of advanced radiotherapy treatment planning
• Have a basic understanding of radiobiological modelling.

Teaching Methods

• 20 hours of lectures
• 4 hours of practical workshops
• 1 hour of case discussions.

Methods of Assessment

• MCQ
• Evaluation form.

Programme

The scientific programme will be available soon.

Key Words

• Stereotactic body radiotherapy
• Radiosurgery
• Stereotactic radiotherapy
• image guided radiotherapy.

Accreditation

Application for CME and CDP recognition will be submitted to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME), an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) and to the European Board for Accreditation in Medical Physics (EBAMP). EACCME and EBAMP 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

Crowne Plaza Brussels
Rue Gineste, 3
1210 Brussels
Belgium

Accommodation

Information to follow soon.

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: