ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S141

Invited Speaker

ESTRO 2025

4895

Speaker Abstracts Women in radiation oncology leadership: Shaping the future Corinne Faivre-Finn Clinical Oncology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom

Abstract: We live in times where the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are increasingly challenged. While progress has been made, gender disparities in leadership persist across radiation oncology, with women significantly underrepresented in key decision-making roles. This imbalance limits diversity of thought, innovation, and ultimately, the quality of patient care. This lecture will explore the current landscape through global and European data on gender disparities in leadership within medicine and radiation oncology, outlining the scope of the challenge. Why does gender equity matter? Beyond fairness, diverse leadership fosters improved patient care, scientific excellence, and institutional success. Drawing on personal experiences and those of other women leaders in ESTRO and radiation oncology, I will highlight both the barriers and opportunities faced in navigating leadership pathways. Language reflects societal biases, shaping perceptions of women's roles in a traditionally male-dominated field. Concepts such as the "tightrope" women must walk between assertiveness and likeability, impostor syndrome, and maternal bias will be discussed, illustrating the additional hurdles women face. Addressing these challenges requires systemic and cultural change. This talk will present solutions to empower women to embrace leadership, redefine success beyond traditional metrics, and foster inclusive environments where leadership is valued in diverse forms. Finally, I will make a call to action, encouraging women to step forward, challenge norms, and actively shape the future of radiation oncology, transforming not only our workplaces but society as a whole.

4898

Speaker Abstracts Raising quality in radiotherapy together Elizabeth Miles Radiotherapy Trials Quality Assurance Group, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, United Kingdom

Abstract:

Clinical trials are essential to evaluate advances in radiotherapy technology and practice. Trial outcomes are linked to protocol compliance and the resultant quality and consistency of radiotherapy delivered. The detrimental effects of protocol non-compliance are minimised by robust radiotherapy quality assurance (RT QA) programmes, with individualised activity spanning the entire radiotherapy pathway improving the validity of trial results. Multi professional collaborations are fundamental for the effective delivery of clinical trials and associated RT QA. The Radiotherapy Trials Quality Assurance (RTTQA) Group has designed and implemented comprehensive RT QA programmes for over one hundred clinical trials, across multiple anatomical sites, within the National Institute for Health and Care Research trial portfolio. These RT QA programmes have played a critical role in supporting centres to implement new and complex technologies and practices. Interdisciplinary collaborations with national groups and organisations have established workshops and training and education programmes providing efficient and effective means of sharing information. Clinical trials incorporating RT QA have been shown to benefit the standard and quality of routine radiotherapy delivered by reducing resistance to change and supporting the evolution of centres’ practice. Trials supported by the RTTQA Group have gained rapid national and international acceptance