25 - 27 June 2025

Bucharest, Romania

Course report

More than 80 participants from 23 countries gathered in June in the beautiful city of Bucharest for the ESTRO course on target volume determination (TVD). This course exceeded my expectations as it effectively filled an educational gap in a topic that significantly impacts our daily radiation oncology practice.

The choice of venue was excellent. Bucharest, sometimes romantically referred to as the "City of Joy", offers a special blend of historical charm and modern energy. Its architecture, lively streets, and resilient spirit—shaped by decades of transformation—provided an inspiring backdrop. The meeting facilities were well-equipped to accommodate a large number of participants, particularly for the interactive workshops and discussions.

Over three days, the course featured comprehensive lectures on key aspects of TVD, with a focus on the most common cancer sites. Notably, sessions led by medical physicists explored imaging and artificial intelligence, adding valuable technical perspectives. Participants were divided into groups for two hands-on contouring workshops on the first day, covering six clinical scenarios. These sessions fostered the exchange of knowledge and highlighted the diversity of clinical practices across institutions. Detailed discussions with the course tutors followed over the next two days, with ample time for participants to ask questions—every one of which the faculty addressed with great dedication.

In my view, TVD is one of the most critical elements of radiation oncology practice, as it directly influences treatment outcomes and toxicity profiles. As a mid-career radiation oncologist, I highly recommend this course to all colleagues, whether at the start of their journey or more advanced in their practice. It offers a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of a core competency every radiation oncologist must master, and provides an excellent opportunity to update and refine one’s knowledge.

Abdulmajeed Dayyat, MBBS, FRCPC

Radiation oncologist, CancerCare Manitoba

Winnipeg, Canada

adayyat@cancercare.mb.ca