As part of our spotlight on the ESTRO 2026 scientific programme, we spoke with Dr Rita Simoes, Chair of the Radiation Therapy (RTT) Track, to explore the key trends shaping the field and what attendees can expect this year. With a record number of abstract submissions and a rapidly evolving scope of practice, the RTT track highlights the growing leadership role of radiation therapists in research, innovation, and patient-centred care. In this interview, Dr Simoes shares insights into emerging topics, technological advances, and the value of joining the RTT community at ESTRO 2026.

Chair of the ESTRO 2026 RTT track

Which areas within the radiation therapy field are seeing the most significant growth, based on abstract submissions this year?

This year has seen exceptional growth in the radiation therapy track, with nearly 400 abstracts submitted, representing a 16% increase compared with last year. This reflects both the expanding scope of radiation therapist (RTT) practice and the growing confidence of RTTs as clinical leads in research and service development.

The topic that has brought the most submissions is patient experience and quality of life. This highlights a strong interest in the RTT community in the impact of radiotherapy on patients’ lives. Many of the submitted studies have gone beyond traditional outcome reporting and have used mixed-methods approaches to better understand lived experiences and unmet needs. There is also a clear emphasis on co-design of studies with patients and carers, and with multidisciplinary teams that are actively involved in shaping services and information provision. This reflects a shift toward RTTs taking leading roles in service improvement alongside treatment delivery.

Are there any novel techniques, technologies or key trends that are drawing attention in the RTT community?

Yes, several such techniques and trends are clearly drawing attention among RTTs, and they strongly reflect how the role of RTTs is evolving.

One of the most prominent trends is the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into routine radiotherapy practice. Across the field, AI is being used for auto-contouring, automated and adaptive treatment planning, and to optimise workflows. There has been a clear shift toward RTT-led studies that are focused on validation, monitoring, and safe clinical deployment, moving the conversation from “can AI do this?” to “how do RTTs govern, quality-assure and use AI responsibly in clinical practice?”

A second major area of interest is online-adaptive radiotherapy. There is a strong focus on standardising adaptive workflows, defining triggers for adaptation, improving efficiency and treatment times, and enabling RTT-led adaptive pathways.

There is also significant research activity around motion management, positioning, and immobilisation techniques, including surface-guided radiotherapy and markerless positioning.

Finally, a defining trend is the expansion of advanced practice and RTT leadership. Many abstracts highlight RTT-led adaptive workflows, image review, treatment planning, quality assurance, AI oversight and research leadership. This shows a clear shift toward RTTs as clinical leaders and researchers, rather than solely as technology users.

What would you say is the biggest benefit for radiation therapists attending ESTRO 2026?

The RTT track showcases cutting-edge developments in radiotherapy practice alongside a strong focus on patient experience and quality of life. Scientifically, the programme reflects innovations in technologies and workflows, and how these can be translated into patient-centred care.

There are also meet-and-greet sessions set aside for attendees to engage with the positioning and immobilisation focus group and RTT committee. These sessions were a real highlight last year, as they provided a wonderful opportunity to network with colleagues from across the globe, to exchange ideas and to learn how others were overcoming barriers that faced everyone. I can promise that we won’t disappoint this year either.

How does the RTT track foster collaboration and learning among attendees?

The RTT track creates opportunities for shared discussion, peer learning, and active engagement through teaching lectures, symposia, debates, proffered papers, mini-orals, and poster presentations. Sessions are designed to spark conversation, with plenty of time for questions, discussion, and the exchange of ideas.

In addition, the meet-and-greet sessions mentioned above offer fantastic opportunities for direct interaction, collaboration, and networking. These sessions allow RTTs to connect with colleagues, share experiences, contribute to ongoing initiatives, and build professional relationships, many of which continue long after the conference ends.

How does this year’s RTT track reflect the evolving role of radiation therapists in multidisciplinary oncology care?

This year’s RTT track strongly showcases RTTs not only as clinical experts but as leaders in research, innovation, and service development, actively shaping how radiotherapy is delivered.

Across the programme, RTTs are presented as a fundamental part of the multidisciplinary team, acting as a vital link between healthcare professionals and patients. The track highlights RTT-led work that, in many cases, is the thread that brings teams together and responds to unmet clinical needs.

RTTs are pioneering research in areas such as adaptive radiotherapy, advanced imaging and workflow optimisation, working in close partnership with radiation oncologists, physicists and radiobiologists.

Dr Rita Simoes, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK