Course directors

• Nicole Eder-Nesvacil, Physicist, Medizinische Universität Wien, Vienna (AT)

Teachers

• Luc Beaulieu, Physicist, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec (CA)
• Åsa Carlsson Tedgren, Physicist, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm (SE)
• Mark Rivard, Physicist, Brown University, Providence (USA)

This course aims to:

•Expand on the physics background of recent developments in conventional and contemporary dosimetry methods in modern BT (computational and experimental)

•Provide a detailed review of modern 3D treatment planning and prescription concepts including imaging, segmentation and source localisation, optimisation methods and strategies, treatment plan evaluation, the need for quality assurance, and concepts of risk assessment

•Provide an overview of essential quality assurance aspects, in vivo dosimetry, treatment verification techniques and associated recent developments

•Review available knowledge on uncertainties and their clinical impact in modern brachytherapy

•Offer an overview of upcoming technological advancements in implantation and treatment delivery.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course participants should be able to:

•Define a QA-programme for 3D image-based BT treatment planning

•Identify and understand the benefits and limitations of alternative 3D dose calculation algorithms

•Identify the benefits and limitations of using inverse optimisation and planning technology in specific disease sites

•Identify the need for, and implement, a verification process for specific BT treatment techniques

•Delineate the relative importance of different sources of uncertainty for specific BT applications.

Course Content

3D Imaging and localisation in brachytherapy:

·Overview of 3D imaging modalities and techniques for brachytherapy

·Tissue segmentation and characterisation using 3D imaging

·Catheter/applicator and source localization using 3D imaging

·Demands on QA of 3D imaging

·Practical session on 3D image-based localisation methods (U/S, CT, MR).

Advanced 3D dose calculation:

·TG43: essentials and limitations

·Monte Carlo simulation-based dosimetry

·The grid-based Boltzmann equation solver algorithm (Acuros)

·The collapsed cone superposition algorithm (ACE)

·Commissioning of 3D algorithms beyond TG43 in clinical practice

·Practical session on evaluating alternative 3D dose calculation algorithms.

Dose optimisation, evaluation, prescription, and reporting:

·Optimisation and inverse planning

·Dose plan evaluation

·Prescription and reporting

·Practical session on optimisation, prescription, and evaluation.

Experimental methods and dosimetry:

• Calibration of source ionizing radiation output
• Experimental dosimetry in brachytherapy
• Treatment delivery verification
• In vivo dosimetry.

Uncertainties and quality management:

• Uncertainties and their clinical impact in brachytherapy
• Quality management.

Prerequisites

To follow

To follow

Membership

ESTRO members can order products at substantially reduced prices. To benefit from the member registration rate, you must subscribe for the ESTRO membership 2026 BEFORE registering to the course. To become an ESTRO member, benefit from the member registration rate and discover the many other member advantages, please visit the membership page.

Fees

* Members with specialty RadiationTherapist (RTT) may register at the In-Training fee

The fee includes the course material, coffees, lunches, and the social event.

Advance registration & payment are required.

Access to homework and/or course material will become available upon receipt of full payment.

Insurance and cancellation

Participants are strongly advised to take out their own personal insurance policy. ESTRO does not accept liability for individual medical, travel or personal accidents or incidents. Participants are strongly advised to take insurance policies to cover flight and accommodation cancellation penalties. ESTRO will not refund any travel or accommodation expenses.

For any cancellation made by the course participant, ESTRO School Events Cancellation Policy will be followed and all stated penalty fees will be applied.

Reduced fees

Members from emerging countries may register at a preferential rate of 350 Euro. Emerging country fee applies to individuals from low-income and lower-middle-income economies according to the World Bank listing here.

Additionally, all specialties from the following countries can benefit from this preferential rate: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine.  In addition, medical physicists from Cyprus can email education@estro.org to apply for this fee.

The preferential rate of 350 Euro is granted automatically when you click on the  BOOK NOW  button and the three conditions below are met:

1. Only ESTRO members for 2026 are eligible (please make sure your 2026 membership is in order before you click on the BOOK NOW  button)
2. Only one course per person per year can be subsidized by ESTRO
3. Sponsored candidates are not entitled to reduced fees (the invoicing address has to be the one of the participant)  

 Please note:

• We can only guarantee a certain number of reduced fees per course
• Application deadlines are the same as early registration fees