Learning outcomes
By the end of this course participants should be able to:
• Understand prophylaxis, epidemiology and pathology of NMSC with special focus on basal, cutaneous squamous and Merkel cell carcinoma. Rare skin cancers will also be included.
• Discuss advantages and limitations of imaging modalities used for diagnosis and treatment of NMSC
• Understand indications and limitations of surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities in NMSC
• Design a radical and palliative radiotherapy plan for NMSC
• Develop a deep understanding of best practices in NMSC and provide patients with the best possible treatment, skin care advice and follow-up care
• Understand challenges of palliative and supportive care in NMSC patients
• Have a general understanding of principles in geriatric oncology and integrate geriatric oncology assessment into clinical practice patients with NMSC
• Summarise the latest developments and gain knowledge of future directions in research and clinical trials in the management of NMSC.
Course content
• Epidemiology, prevention, pathology and biomarkers of NMSC
• The role of imaging in diagnosis and treatment of NMSC
• Surgical and non-surgical treatments of NMSC
• Physics and mould room input in dermatological radiotherapy and brachytherapy
• Radiobiology of the skin and skin cancer
• Follow-up and management of side effects during and after skin cancer treatment
• Role of allied health care professionals in NMSC management
• Concept and management of high risk, locally advanced and metastatic NMSC
• NMSC in special circumstances and rare skin pathologies
• Role of multidisciplinary team meetings in the management of NMSC
• Overview of current research, clinical trials and technical developments in the management of NMSC.
Prerequisites
Before commencing this course participants should:
• Revise anatomy and histology of the skin and lymphatic system with common drainage routes
• Have at least basic knowledge of main NMSC types and their clinical presentation
• Have at least basic knowledge of standard surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities in NMSC
• Have at least basic experience with radiation therapy in patients with NMSC. If the participant is not a radiation oncologist or clinical oncologist (including training post) they should be involved in multidisciplinary case discussions or have special interest in the management of patients with NMSC
• Be prepared to ask questions and contribute to live and interactive discussions.
Teaching methods
The course is delivered virtually over two days and will include:
• Prerequisite course materials
• Didactic lectures
• Debates and case discussions
Students will be advised to review the prerequisite course materials and suggested readings on ESTRO Moodle before the course. The prerequisite materials and virtual lessons create a complete subject unit.
Methods of assessment
• Mark-out exercises
• Evaluation form
Key words
Non-melanoma skin cancer, multimodality management, surgery, radiotherapy, systemic treatment, high risk non-melanoma skin cancer, volume delineation, side effects, cosmesis, quality of life, geriatric assessment.