Introduction

Radiation Oncology encompasses all aspects of research that impacts on the treatment of cancer using radiation. Radiation can be given as a curative modality, either alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. It may also be used palliatively, to relieve symptoms in patients with incurable cancers. The conference will give health care professionals an opportunity to review the current developments in clinical applications in the fields of radiation oncology, radiation biology and medical physics, with a view to addressing the challenges of appropriate cancer management.

It will also critically examine the pivotal role of emerging radiotherapy techniques in tackling the health challenges common to many Member States. This is an inaugural virtual meeting for MPHAM, which brings together speakers from around the world and national experts too, to share experiences and expertise in a very wide range of aspects for today’s cutting-edge radiotherapy and oncology. The latest techniques, technologies, methods and issues will be discussed in this comprehensive meeting taking place over two days. Opportunities aplenty for networking with fellow professionals and discussing the latest offerings from manufacturers. An appropriate number of accredited continuing medical education (CME) credits will be awarded to participants.

The conference is aimed at defining the current role and future potential of technological, medical physics and molecular/biological innovations for their incorporation into routine clinical practice in radiation oncology. It will also provide a forum where advances in technology, best practices and quality assurance methodologies can be disseminated and scientific knowledge exchanged. The conference will have the following specific objectives:

1. To review the current role and future potential of technological, medical physics and molecular/biological innovations for clinical use in radiation oncology
2. To explore the applications of improved imaging tools in treatment planning
3. To review the current status of evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of common cancers
4. To review the latest developments in medical dosimetry and dose auditing procedures for new radiotherapy techniques
5. To review the current status of comprehensive audits in radiotherapy
6. To review resource sparing approaches in clinical radiotherapy practice
7. To exchange information on the current advances and implementation challenges in the field among leading experts
8. To define future challenges and directions in the clinical use of radiotherapy