ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5846

RTT - Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO 2024

Figure 2. Radiotherapy Trial Recruitment

The annual number of trials opening varied between 4 and 13, with an overall increase over time. In both 2017 and 2020, there were notable decreases. The CTR position was unfilled for 7 months in 2017, with only 2/5 studies opening during the vacancy period; and in 2020, 5 trials opened, a decrease that reflected the COVID-related suspension of trial work.

The number of trials approved, opened, number of open studies, and number of patients recruited have increased alongside the number of WTE CTR positions, where CTR hours have increased from 1 WTE in 2013 to 1.6 in 2021.

Conclusion:

The aim of this work was to highlight the impact of the CTR within a RT department. Results show these posts to be beneficial in opening an increased number of studies, in less time. With increased trials available and a streamlined opening process elongating the recruitment period, there is improved access to RT clinical trials for patients. A diverse RT trial portfolio is demanding. This data provides quantitative evidence to support the impact of the CTR role and its value in a RT department’s research infrastructure. This reinforces the need to consider the CTR position in long term funding and future workforce planning.

Keywords: Trials, infrastructure, workforce

References:

Clinical oncology UK workforce consensus report 2020. Available: clinical-oncology-uk-workforce-census-2020 report.pdf (SECURED) (rcr.ac.uk) [July, 2021].