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Until recently Traffic Light Protocols (TLP) have been developed to recognize and react to Anatomical Changes (ACs) seen on Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) scans for the most common treatment sites. This involves alerting the Radiation Oncologist (RO), handing over findings, and RO providing the final decision, making it quite labour-intensive for the ROs as well as the Radiation Therapists (RTTs). A new approach was developed to act on ACs the Take Action Protocol (TAP). In this protocol the RTTs do not only have a role in detecting ACs, but also decide on the appropriate action and follow up, resulting in a significant shift in responsibility. In this study we present the TAP and evaluated the benefit and outcomes of the implementation of TAP compared to the TLP. During a pilot period of six months the TAP was applied for 34 bladder and prostate patients. In 2 bladder and 6 prostate patients further decision making by an RO was required (compared to all 34 in the TLP), showing a large reduction in workload. ACs were accurately assessed by RTTs in >99% of the cases. In 5/34 patients RTTs specialized in Image Guided Radiotherapy provided additional instructions to improve accurate use of the TAP. Two surveys conducted by both ROs and RTTs on the TLP and TAP showed that the perceived involvement of the ROs and burden of responsibility for RTTs was comparable between the two protocols. The identification of patients with truly clinical relevant ACs and the adaptation of treatment for the remaining fractions improved according to ROs and RTTs responses. The TAP provides a better balance between workload and efficiency in relation to the clinical relevance of acting on ACs.
The exploration of Advanced Practiced Radiation Therapists (APRTs) development in Singapore started in 2011. This study aims to provide an overview of the development of the APRT roles, and to discuss the approaches used to develop and implement these roles in Singapore.

A mixed methods approach was used in the development of the APRT program. A literature review was carried out to define the APRT scope of practice and core responsibilities. A competency and assessment framework were setup to assess the core competency areas. selleck chemical With this framework, a structured 1-year residency training program was developed.

The scope of practice and core responsibilities of APRTs were defined with five proposed advanced practice profiles being successfully validated. A competency framework was set up to assess the core competency domains clinical, technical and professional competencies, research, education and leadership. A 4-point scoring system was developed for the competency assessment based on two criteria; the frequency with which RTTs would demonstrate competency, and the ability of performing the task competently. A 1-year structured APRT residency program was developed and implemented. The programme consisted of structured lectures, and clinical practice-based modules where APRT residents receive structured mentoring under a mentorship program.

The APRT program in Singapore employed an evidence-based implementation process that tested the feasibility of a new practice model. Multidisciplinary involvements, mentorship and clinical training were important factors for the success of the APRT program.
The APRT program in Singapore employed an evidence-based implementation process that tested the feasibility of a new practice model. Multidisciplinary involvements, mentorship and clinical training were important factors for the success of the APRT program.The evolution of practice of Radiation Therapy in the United States (U.S.) is inevitable. The scope of a radiation therapists role has progressed with advancing technology, implementation of special procedures and patient care requirements. Internationally, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom have formalized this evolution through the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT) role to provide new models of care, to meet growing demands in the practice of Radiation Oncology, to increase efficiency, decrease cost and retain skilled staff (Harnett et al., 2018; Society of Radiographers; Linden et al., 2019; Coleman et al., 2014) [1], [2], [3], [4]. Through evidence based practice, the APRT role has proven to provide benefits for multiple stakeholders including service-reconfiguration to reduce wait times, developing and retaining highly skilled radiation therapists, treatment review and most importantly improving patient care within much needed patient cohorts such as the palliative population (Duffton et comparison to other countries and disciplines such as the Radiologist Assistant and Nurse Practitioner for potential pathways to establishing the role and describes current needs and value of the expanding scope of RT's practicing in the U.S.
To determine the influence of PTV-margin (0 mm versus 2 mm) on the incidence of pseudoprogression (PP) and local tumour control (LC) in patients treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for solitary brain metastases.

Patients were treated on Novalis LINAC. Three dose schedules were used depending on the PTV-size. The PTV-margin was 2-mm prior to 2015 and 0-mm thereafter. MRI-scans were made every three months including a perfusion MRI-scan when pseudoprogression was suspected. We examined the relation of pseudoprogression and local control with the size of PTV-margin. Besides this, the association of dose-volume data of the whole brain (minus GTV) and pseudoprogression was investigated.

121 patients were analyzed (2-mm margin in 84 patients; 0-mm margin in 37 patients). There was no difference in GTV (7.6 cc versus 9.1 cc p = 0.2). At 24 months there was no difference in incidence of pseudoprogression (49% and versus 33%, p = 0.5) and local control in the 2-mm and 0-mm group (82% and versus 79%, p = 1.0). The size of PTV-margin was not associated with PP. Both margin and volume of brain receiving 12 Gy (V12) were not associated with pseudoprogression in patients treated with single fraction.

PTV-margin reduction did not reduce the incidence of pseudoprogression in LINAC-based-SRT for single brain metastases. We did not find a significant association of GTV-PTV margin or V12Gy with the incidence of pseudoprogression in solitary metastases treated with a single fraction. LC rates were similar, indicating margin reduction seems to be safe.
PTV-margin reduction did not reduce the incidence of pseudoprogression in LINAC-based-SRT for single brain metastases. We did not find a significant association of GTV-PTV margin or V12Gy with the incidence of pseudoprogression in solitary metastases treated with a single fraction. LC rates were similar, indicating margin reduction seems to be safe.
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