Come along to this workshop to learn directly from the expert regarding the use of brachytherapy in the treatment of rectal cancer, workflows involved in using Elekta’s new Rectal Applicator, patient indications that would make them suitable for such a treatment, and how clinics around ANZ can get more involved in rowing the evidence for such a treatment. Practical components will be included on how to best use the applicator in your setting.

Rectal cancer ranks tenth in incidence and eleventh in mortality worldwide. In 2022, approximately 41% of cases occurred in patients aged 70 years or older and this

is projected to increase by 51% by 2040, highlighting the urgent need for effective, patient-centred treatment strategies.

Endorectal high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is used as a dose-escalation boost in combination with CRT, supporting strategies that aim to enhance tumour response and facilitate organ preservation in selected patients. HDR brachytherapy treatment is guided primarily by tumour imaging, especially MRI, which helps select eligible patients and improves tumour visualisation. Treatment planning is performed using 3D CT simulation. Clinical evidence supports the role of HDR brachytherapy in organ preservation in rectal cancer. The MORPHEUS Phase II–III randomized controlled trial demonstrated improved TME-free survival of patients with early and locally advanced rectal cancer with an HDR brachytherapy boost compared with an external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) boost (76.6% vs 38.6% at 2 years, interim analysis), with acceptable toxicity2.