Updated guidance on paediatric radiotherapy, published last week, includes information on new and emerging technologies which are becoming widely available – such as intensity-modulated, image-guided, and proton beam radiotherapy.
The Good Practice Guide for Paediatric Radiotherapy, published by the Royal College of Radiologists, is an update of a guide first published in 2012.
The guide was developed with input from the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), together with clinical experts from the Society and College of Radiographers and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
It also includes advice on new regulations on ionising radiation, introduced in February this year.
The guide goes on to discuss multi-disciplinary teams and their composition, recommending they include play specialists as well as clinicians.
Dr Mark Gaze, of University College London Hospitals and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, who led development of the guidance, said: “Radiotherapy for children is changing quite dramatically across the UK with the introduction of proton beam therapy services in Manchester and London.
“This could well lead to a reconfiguration of photon radiotherapy services for children and the principles laid out in the guide will, if followed carefully, ensure the best treatment is available for children regardless of where they live.”
CCLG chief executive Ashley Gamble said: “CCLG and our expert members work hard to ensure that all children, teenagers and young adults with cancer receive the best possible treatment and care. At a time of rapid change in children’s radiotherapy services, we’re delighted to launch this new guide alongside our partners.
“This comprehensive guidance will support all staff involved in the delivery of modern radiotherapy services to children, providing advice and recommendations which will ultimately ensure that all children, regardless of where they live, receive the best treatment and a high-quality experience.”
Source: Royal College of Radiologists
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