Good practice guide for paediatric radiotherapy, second edition

Reference: 
BFCO(18)2
Date: 
2018
Date of next review: 
2021
Status: 
Current

The Royal College of Radiologists, the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) have jointly developed the second edition of the Good practice guide for paediatric radiotherapy.

Purpose of the guidance

Radiotherapy is a key part of treatment for many children and young people diagnosed with cancer, but patient care for children and teenagers is often complex and involves a range of different healthcare professionals.

The guidance aims to support healthcare professionals to deliver the best clinical outcomes, and to provide a high-quality service for patients and their families. It takes account of the more widespread adoption of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and image-guided radiotherapy, as well as the development of national proton beam radiotherapy services in the UK.

It also factors in the latest Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations which came into force in February 2018, as well as the RCR's recommendation for the peer review of tumour contouring ahead of treatment. 

Who is the guidance for?

All healthcare professionals who are involved directly or indirectly with the care of children and teenagers receiving radiotherapy.

Putting the guidance into practice

Related CPD resources

e-proton programme – web based e-learning resource on proton beam therapy for all staff groups working in NHS radiotherapy and related services, including those in referral or support centres

Video recordings of sessions from CCLG Paediatric Radiotherapy Course, 27 - 29 October 2015 

  • Introduction to Paediatric Radiotherapy
  • The Play Specialist and Preparation
  • Anaesthesia for Paediatric Radiotherapy
  • The Specialist Paediatric Radiographer
  • Quality Assurance in Paediatric Radiotherapy

These sessions, along with other paediatric resources, can be found in the paediatrics section of the RCR Learning hub (log in required)