Course Directors

Christine Haie-Meder, Radiation Oncologist, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif (FR)
Richard Pötter, Radiation Oncologist, Medical University, Vienna (AT)

Course Local Co-Director and guest lecturer

Jarosław ŁYCZEK , Radiation Oncologist, Maria Sklodowska Memorial Hospital, Warsaw (PL) 

Teachers

Daniel Berger, Physicist, Medical University Hospital, Vienna (AT)
Taran Paulsen-Hellebust, Physicist, DNR Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo (NO)
Primož Petrič, Radiation Oncologist, Institute of oncology, Ljubljana, (SI)
Peter Petrow, Radiologist, Institut Curie, Paris (FR)
Johannes Dimopoulos, Radiation Oncologist, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens (GR)
Kari Tanderup, Physicist, University Hospital, Århus (DK)

Course aim   

·    To provide a comprehensive overview on the whole field of Gynaecological Brachytherapy including Cervix, Endometrium and Vagina.

·    To provide an overview on traditional approaches in Gynaecological Brachytherapy

·    To learn to know about advanced approaches including 2D/3D image based techniques with intensity modulation using stepping source technology

·    To introduce 2D/3D image based concepts of GTV, CTV and PTV in Gynaecological Radio-oncology, in particular in Gynaecological Brachytherapy emphasizing adaptation during (4D) treatment

·    To enable practical implementation of advanced concepts and techniques in Gynaecological Brachytherapy

Target Group

The course is aimed at radiation and gynaecological oncologists, radiation physicists and radiation technologists involved in Gynaecological brachytherapy, interested in implementation of advanced concepts and techniques.  A basic knowledge of gynaecological oncology is required, in particular of gynaecological brachytherapy.

Educational programme  

•  Normal and pathologic anatomy of female pelvis
•  2D/3D Image based anatomy*:  US, CT, MRI
•  GTV, CTV, PTV at diagnosis and at time of brachytherapy*
• Indications for brachytherapy
•  Combination of brachytherapy and external beam therapy
• Techniques*: overview on different application techniques (endocavitary and interstitial)
• 2D/3D image assisted and guided applications*
•  Treatment planning*:

Conventional techniques based on standard and individual loading patterns using point dose assessment including point A and ICRU reference points

Advanced techniques based on individual loading patterns determined by:

        ·          2D/3D image based dose volume assessment
·          Dose effects and Dose-volume effect;
·          Dose volume constraints for Targets and Organs at Risk*
·          Dose, Dose Rate and Fractionation: HDR, PDR, MDR, LDR
·          Estimate of radiobiological effects from brachytherapy and combined treatment based on linear-quadratic model*
·          Recording and Reporting including ICRU and GEC ESTRO Recommendations*
·          Therapeutic outcome (level of evidence)

*Including practical interactive examples and a contouring workshop