ESTRO 2025 Congress report | RTT track
Session on Saturday 3 May 2025

It was an honour to present my study results during this proffered-paper session, which brought together diverse perspectives on ways to improve patient-centred care in radiotherapy. My presentation was focused on the hidden toxicities of radiotherapy and proton-beam therapy from the patient’s perspective. This qualitative interview study aimed to explore the less obvious burdens of treatment that extend beyond physical side effects.

Participants in the study talked about a wide range of challenges, including financial problems, disruptions to family roles and relationships, and the logistical difficulties of balancing treatment with work or of enduring long commutes while unwell. Emotional strain and the need for both practical and psychological support, especially in the post-treatment period when healthcare interactions decreased, were also highlighted. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions that support patients during and after treatment, in order to address needs that current services may overlook.

Eva Pape presented an innovative study through which she evaluated the impact of virtual reality (VR)-based education on anxiety and knowledge in patients who were receiving radiotherapy for the first time. Although the quantitative data did not show significant differences between the intervention and control groups, the qualitative feedback told a different story. Patients reported that the VR sessions helped to alleviate their anxiety and to enhance their understanding of the treatment process. This suggests that VR, which is already in use in educational institutions, could be repurposed within clinical settings as a valuable supplement to traditional patient education methods.

Pilar Maria Samper Ots shared compelling findings on the quality of life for elderly patients undergoing radiotherapy. Her work, based on patient-reported outcome measures, highlighted that older adults often have pre-existing quality of life limitations due to comorbidities. Sarcopenia was among the most common factors identified. However, treatment further diminished quality of life, particularly in domains such as emotional functioning, fatigue, and appetite. These insights reinforce the importance of carefully considering treatment options in older patients to ensure that decisions are made with a holistic understanding of their vulnerabilities.

Finally, Elizabeth Joyce presented an important perspective from radiation therapists (RTTs) on patient support in the context of hypofractionated radiotherapy. She raised a key issue that is often overlooked in clinical trials: how reduced frequency of treatment sessions impacts patient-clinician relationships. RTTs have expressed concern that fewer interactions may limit opportunities to build rapport and to recognise emerging patient needs. As primary information providers and advocates of patient-centred care, RTTs play a critical role. Her talk served as a fitting conclusion to the session as it reinforced the need to future-proof patient support models and to uphold the principles of person-centred care as treatment protocols evolve.

Overall, this session provided valuable insights into the nuanced experiences of patients undergoing radiotherapy and the importance of integrating patient voices and frontline clinical perspectives into service design and delivery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Danielle Fairweather
Research and Development RTT
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
London, UK
Danielle.fairweather3@nhs.net