Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42182520›Full record

ArticleTechnical innovations & patient support in radiation oncology2026

Identifying best practices for RTTs and dosimetrists: a Delphi consensus study on standardizing workflows in proton therapy.

J J Jacobs, E van Weerd, A M Moerman, Y L B Klaver, C Xavier, M Høyer, E G C Troost, V Nguyen, L Jørgensen, M Zorneth and 5 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Technical innovations & patient support in radiation oncology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

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0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

15 authors.

J J JacobsHollandPTC, Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH Delft, the Netherlands.
E van WeerdHollandPTC, Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH Delft, the Netherlands.
A M MoermanHollandPTC, Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH Delft, the Netherlands.
Y L B KlaverHollandPTC, Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH Delft, the Netherlands.
C XavierHollandPTC, Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH Delft, the Netherlands.
M HøyerDanish Centre for Particle Therapy, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
E G C TroostDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
V NguyenUniversity College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Grafton Way Building, 1 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6AS, United Kingdom.
L JørgensenDanish Centre for Particle Therapy, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
M ZornethPaul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
S KellyThe Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, United Kingdom.
J ThieleInstitute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
N BizzocchiPaul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
H BijwaardInholland University of Applied Sciences, Bijdorplaan 15, 2015 CE Haarlem, the Netherlands.
M S HoogemanHollandPTC, Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH Delft, the Netherlands.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background and purpose: A recent scoping review identified gaps in proton therapy (PT) guidelines, especially in fields of expertise of radiation therapists (RTTs) and dosimetrists. This study aimed to reach consensus on best practices within seven workflows performed by RTTs working in European proton therapy centers (PTCs). Material and method: Delphi consensus methodology was used and applied to 26 statements based on results of an RTT workshop. The process included three rounds, with responses scored using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as >66% agreement or disagreement, strong consensus at ≥80%. Predefined criteria were used to select PTCs, and experts were invited to participate via registration. Results: Forty experts from 15 European PTCs participated. Consensus highlighted the need for specialized training for RTTs working in PT, covering knowledge of uncertainties, working with children, and artificial intelligence. An active role is needed in monitoring the overall treatment course and in knowledge sharing at institutional and national level. Furthermore, consensus was reached on RTT-only workflows based on protocols. In treatment planning, individual beam setups should be used, and additional plan checks are required for quality assurance compared to photon therapy. It was agreed that not all patients need a dry run before treatment. In image-guided PT, manual adjustment to automatic matches should be performed if needed. Conclusion: Consensus was reached on 24 statements covering seven workflows. This Delphi study provides a foundation for developing practical guidelines for RTTs working in PTCs across Europe. Although consensus was reached, multidisciplinary collaboration is needed.

Indexed as

ConsensusDelphi methodologyDosimetristPractice GuidelinesProton TherapyRadiation Therapist

Identifiers

PMID42182520
PMCPMC13194630

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.