Interview with Vratislav Strnad
Chair of the ESTRO 2023 Brachytherapy Track
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Which topics received the largest number of abstracts?

The largest number of abstracts that were received in the brachytherapy track concerned the area of gynaecology; the second-highest number covered physics.

Can we expect a lot of clinical trials?

There are not many trials in the field of brachytherapy, but quality is the important thing. At the meeting, among various trials, the results of two will be presented: long-term findings of the randomised phase 3 study on the value of partial breast irradiation with multi-catheter brachytherapy; and detailed analyses and sub-analyses of the value of image-guided brachytherapy in cervical cancer (the EMBRACE trial). The results of both trials are really exciting.

Can you highlight any emerging or innovative trends in research?

There are many important trends in brachytherapy, which will be presented at the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology congress 2023 (ESTRO 2023). They include brachytherapy as an excellent therapeutic modality for re-irradiation - as salvage brachytherapy in various tumour entities (in some indications, such as recurrence of prostate cancer after external beam radiation therapy, salvage brachytherapy has an exclusive meaning and position); the increasing importance of risk-adapted personalised brachytherapy; the importance of brachytherapy in the de-escalation strategies of different tumour entities; the possibilities offered by the use of automated brachytherapy treatment planning in clinical practice; the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in brachytherapy; and the role of functional imaging in brachytherapy.

Why, as a professional of radiation oncology, should you not miss ESTRO 2023?

The ESTRO annual meeting is an important chance to learn first-hand about the latest trends in radiation oncology across the board from experts. It is multidisciplinary and interactive. It offers participants opportunities to establish contacts with experts and centres of excellence, to exchange ideas and experiences, to develop new concepts, and consequently to be able to offer our patients the latest therapy concepts and best treatments.

Is there any other aspect of your track that you would like to draw attention to?

Brachytherapy is an indispensable radiotherapeutic technique that enables extremely precise treatment of certain tumours. During ESTRO 2023, physicians can become acquainted with the excellent results that have been obtained through the use of modern brachytherapy and learn what it can offer at various symposia and teaching courses.

Vratislav Strnad
Chair of the ESTRO 2023 Brachytherapy Track