ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S4778

Physics - Quality assurance and auditing

ESTRO 2024

Figure 1: Assessment of benchmarking variability

45 centres have, so far, recruited patients into PATHOS, with a total of 89 sets of contours (53 unilateral, 36 bilateral) and 80 plans (49 unilateral, 31 bilateral) prospectively reviewed. A summary of the individual case review variability assessment can be seen in Figure 2. 52 plans came from streamlined centres, of which 48 (92%) were protocol compliant. Of the 28 benchmarked centre plans, 21 (75%) adhered to protocol. Only 6 contouring submissions came from streamlined radiation oncologists, of which 50% were protocol compliant. Of the remaining 83 cases, 28 (34%) adhered to protocol.

Figure 2: Assessment of prospective on-treatment individual case review variability

Conclusion:

A marked increase in planning protocol compliance was observed between benchmarking and individual case reviews, demonstrating the value of pre-trial QA in H&N cancer. Consistency in outlining, although improved between benchmarking and individual case reviews, remained modest, with 64% showing unacceptable variations from protocol on first submission. Subsequent prospective reviews ensured all cases achieved compliance, therefore prospective review continues to be a necessary component of H&N contouring RT QA.