Driving developments in UK oesophageal radiotherapy through the SCOPE trials.

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Clinical Trials
• Oesophageal Cancer Treatment

Background:

• The SCOPE trials (SCOPE 1, NeoSCOPE, SCOPE 2) have been foundational for oesophageal radiotherapy (RT) research in the UK.
• Significant advancements in RT techniques have occurred during the SCOPE trials' tenure.
• These trials have actively facilitated the adoption of new RT techniques in participating centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of participation in national oesophageal RT trials on the implementation of new RT techniques.
• To understand the role of trial involvement in driving departmental RT protocol changes.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to 47 UK centers involved in the SCOPE trials.
• A response rate of 27 out of 47 centers was achieved for the survey.

Main Results:

• 100% of responding centers based their Total Volume Delineation (TVD) protocols on SCOPE trial guidelines.
• Use of 4-Dimensional CT (4DCT) increased from 42% to 71% across centers.
• Adoption of Type B planning algorithms rose from 79.9% to 83.3% post-NeoSCOPE.
• Stomach filling protocols increased from 12.5% to 50% of centers.
• Use of Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) for Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) rose from 66.7% to 87.5%.

Conclusions:

• Participation in national oesophageal RT trials demonstrably leads to the adoption of advanced RT techniques.
• These trials play a crucial role in standardizing and improving RT practices in UK centers.
• The implementation of newer techniques enhances the quality of patient care in oesophageal cancer treatment.