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Advancing brachytherapy: The GEC-ESTRO strategic vision
Frank-André Siebert1, Christian Kirisits2, Peter Niehoff3
1University of Kiel/University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Germany.
Introduction:
Brachytherapy (BT) is an established and highly effective component of modern radiotherapy, offering a favourable therapeutic ratio for several tumor sites. Despite technological advances and strong clinical evidence, its use has declined in some countries. The GEC-ESTRO Committee of ESTRO therefore initiated a strategic process to promote and strengthen BT within European radiation oncology.
Methods:
The BT Think Tank (B3T), established in September 2024, comprised eight European BT specialists supported by ESTRO staff. Through structured discussions, topic prioritisation and feedback from the GEC-ESTRO Committee, key barriers to the wider implementation and promotion of BT were identified and strategic actions developed.
Results:
Five major areas were identified: communication, scientific research, training, reimbursement and technical development. Communication was ranked as the highest priority. Particular emphasis was placed on improving communication with patients, referring and non-BT specialists, other scientific societies, industry and healthcare stakeholders. To implement this strategy, five communication work packages were established addressing patients, other scientific societies, social media, industry, and healthcare administration/insurance. Specific milestones and activities were defined through 2028. In parallel, ongoing initiatives address clinical research, including prospective trials and real-world evidence, structured training programmes such as the EuroBT Fellowship, reimbursement analyses, and evaluation of technical developments.
Conclusion:
The GEC-ESTRO strategic vision aims to reposition BT as an integral component of personalised, value-based radiotherapy within the overarching strategy of ESTRO. Strengthening communication and interdisciplinary collaboration, alongside continued investment in research, training and advocacy, is essential to ensure that BT is considered as a treatment option for appropriate patients and remains accessible in the future.
