Amy J Hayden

Deep inspiration breath hold technique reduces heart dose from radiotherapy for left-sided breast cancer.

Introduction: Adjuvant left breast radiotherapy (ALBR) for breast cancer can result in significant radiation dose to the heart. Current evidence suggests a dose–response relationship between the risk of cardiac morbidity and radiation dose to cardiac volumes. This study explores the potential benefit of utilising a deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) technique to reduce cardiac doses.

Australian & New Zealand Faculty of Radiation Oncology Genito-Urinary Group: 2010 consensus guidelines for definitive external beam radiotherapy for prostate carcinoma

External beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer has undergone substantial technological and clinical advances in the recent years. The Australian & New Zealand Faculty of Radiation Oncology Genito‐Urinary Group undertook a process to develop consensus clinical practice guidelines for external beam radiotherapy for prostate carcinoma delivered with curative intent, aiming to provide guidance for clinicians on the appropriate integration of clinical evidence and newer technologies. Draft guidelines were presented and discussed at a consensus workshop in May 2009 attended by radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and medical physicists. Amended guidelines were distributed to radiation oncologists in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore for comment, and modifications were incorporated where appropriate. Evidence based recommendations for risk stratification, the role of image‐guided and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy, prescribed dose, simulation and treatment planning, the role and duration of neo‐adjuvant/adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy and outcome reporting are presented. Central to the guidelines is the recommendation that image‐guided radiation therapy should be used when definitive external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer is prescribed. The consensus guidelines provide a co‐operatively developed, evidence‐based framework for contemporary treatment of prostate cancer with external beam radiotherapy.

Dosimetric comparison of volumetric modulated arc therapy and linear accelerator-based radiosurgery for the treatment of one to four brain metastases

The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and linear accelerator‐based radiosurgery (Linac RS) for the treatment of one to four brain metastases.

FROGG high-risk prostate cancer workshop: patterns of practice and literature review: part I: intact prostate

Australian and New Zealand radiation oncologists with an interest in uro‐oncology were invited to participate in a pattern‐of‐practice survey dealing with the management of intact high‐risk prostate cancer. Responses from 46 practitioners (representing 73% of all potential respondents) revealed that high‐dose radiation therapy is the standard of care. However, there is variability in practice with regard to the methods used to achieve dose escalation, the use of whole‐pelvic radiation therapy and the optimal duration of androgen deprivation therapy employed. A review of the literature outlining the current body of knowledge and the planned and ongoing studies in intact high‐risk prostate cancer is presented.

FROGG high‐risk prostate cancer workshop: Patterns of practice and literature review. Part II post‐radical prostatectomy

Australian and New Zealand radiation oncologists with an interest in uro‐oncology were invited to undertake a pattern of practice survey dealing with issues encountered in the management of high‐risk prostate cancer in the post‐prostatectomy setting. Responses from practitioners revealed a lack of consensus regarding the optimal timing of radiation therapy, the use of whole pelvic radiation therapy and the use of androgen deprivation therapy. A review of the literature outlining the current body of knowledge and the clinical studies that will inform future practice is presented.

Virtual study groups: Internet-based collaborative revision for the FRANZCR examinations

Preparation for the FRANZCR examination series is often performed cooperatively in study groups. Meeting face‐to‐face on a regular basis is time‐consuming and distances can be prohibitive for trainees in isolated centres. We present a report of a web‐based study group that used home‐based broadband technologies and we discuss its efficacy and feasibility, as well as various technical issues that arose during the course of the meetings. Web‐based peer revision is a useful tool that should be employed by trainees.

Radiotherapy for recurrent prostate cancer: 2018 Recommendations of the Australian and New Zealand Radiation Oncology Genito-Urinary group

The management of patients with biochemical, local, nodal, or oligometastatic relapsed prostate cancer has become more challenging and controversial. Novel imaging modalities designed to detect recurrence are increasingly used, particularly PSMA-PET scans in Australia, New Zealand and some European countries. Imaging techniques such as MRI and PET scans using other prostate cancer-specific tracers are also being utilised across the world. The optimal timing for commencing salvage treatment, and the role of local and/or systemic therapies remains controversial. Through surveys of the membership, the Australian and New Zealand Faculty of Radiation Oncology Genito-Urinary Group (FROGG) identified wide variation in the management of recurrent prostate cancer. Following a workshop conducted in April 2017, the FROGG management committee reviewed the literature and developed a set of recommendations based on available evidence and expert opinion, for the appropriate investigation and management of recurrent prostate cancer. These recommendations cover the role and timing of post-prostatectomy radiotherapy, the management of regional nodal metastases and oligometastases, as well as the management of local prostate recurrence after definitive radiotherapy.

Long-term outcomes in 1121 Australian prostate cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy

Optimal definitive treatment of prostate cancer is controversial, especially in high‐risk patients. We report the largest prospective cohort of Australian patients treated with radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer.