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ESTRO 37

Patients aged 40 years or older with early stage breast cancer (UICC stage 0, I, and IIA) were enrolled. After BCS they were distributed equally to receive either WBI with tumor-bed boost or APBI using multicatheter brachytherapy targeted to the tumour-bed. The primary end-point of the study was local recurrence. We now report on QOL as one of the secondary end-points. We analysed QOL questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, including the breast cancer module QLQ-BR23) that were completed at baseline 1 (before starting radiotherapy), baseline 2 (immediately after the last fraction of radiotherapy) and subsequent follow-up-visits (3-month until 5-year follow up). For comparison of treatment groups, a difference of 10-20 points was categorised as a moderate clinically meaningful difference. Analysis was done according to treatment received (as-treated population). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00402519. Results 633 patients received APBI and 551 patients were treated with WBI. The rates for available QLQ questionnaires at baseline 1 were 52,8% (334 patients) in the APBI group and 57,0 % (314 patients) in the WBI arm (similar response rates during subsequent follow-up-visits). General QOL was stable in both groups (baseline 1: APBI 65,5, SD 20,6 vs. WBI 64,6, SD 19,6; 5-year follow-up: APBI 66,2, SD 22,2 vs. WBI 66,1, SD 21,8). Comparing baseline 1 to 5-year results, none of the QLQ-C30 subscales showed a clinically meaningful, moderate deterioration after APBI. The only moderate significant difference between the two treatment arms was found in the breast symptoms scale (BRBS). The breast symptoms were higher in patients treated with WBI at baseline 2 (difference of means 13,6; 95% CI 9,7 to 17,4) and at three months (difference of means 12,6; 95% CI 9,6 to 15,5). At 5-year follow-up the difference between the two groups diminished, as the BRBS scores in the WBI- group had improved over time. The arm symptoms scale (BRAS) was slightly better in the APBI group at baseline 2 in comparison to patients with WBI (difference of means 6,3; 95% CI 2,5 to 10,0). This difference remained at an equal level until the 5-year time-point. Conclusion Multicatheter brachytherapy-based APBI is a well- tolerated procedure that does not lead to a deterioration of the different domains of QOL compared to WBI. APBI with interstitial brachytherapy can be considered as an alternative treatment option after BCS for patients with low-risk breast cancer. SP-0327 How to design a clinical trial with a translational declination? O. Kaidar-Person 1 1 Rambam Health Care Campus - Faculty of Medicine, Oncology Institute, Haifa, Israel Abstract text Translational research is the application of basic science findings to improve clinical care. The process of translating basic scientific discoveries to clinical applications, and ultimately to public health improvements is an exciting noble aim. However, it is usually a long journey and most often unsuccessful. There are many steps along the way that need to be taken to assure quality science, but none of them guarantee success. Investigators need to have a hypothesis, they need to have a clear idea what biological questions they are trying to answer. With that, they can design the trial/experiment carefully with the right controls. Cross- Symposium: How to do good interdisciplinary science?

disciplinary and cross-organizational communication is a key player in planning these trials. OC-0328 Giving the next generation of Radiation Oncologists a voice - experiences from the young DEGRO C. Ostheimer 1 , N. Ebert 2 1 martin luther university halle-wittenberg, radiation oncology, halle, germany 2 carl gustav carus university dresden, department of radiotherapy and radiation oncology, dresden, germany Purpose or Objective Compared to major clinical specialties such as Internal Medicine or Surgery, Radiation Oncology (RO) can be considered a smaller subject. As such, it has to put particular more interest and emphasis on attr acting young professionals to successfully prepare and provide the next generation of Radiation Oncologists. This is to outline the approach of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) in fostering and supporting the young generation of Radiation Oncologists, Physicists and Biologists and to provide examples of successfully accomplished milestones of the “young DEGRO” working group (yDEGRO). Material and Methods In 2014, the yDEGRO was established as an active working group of young professionals from clinical RO, radiation biology and physics with the aim of providing a development platform for the young RO generation. The main activities of the yDEGRO are 1st to actively and continuously involve young academics in the regular national society meetings, 2nd to create a national collaborative research network with and for young professionals and 3rd to optimize RO resident training in Germany. Results Since the yDEGRO was founded, continuous activities in the national society meetings, which include, for example, own scientific sessions, refresher courses specifically for young professionals, co-chairing of scientific sessions and abstract evaluation, have evolved into a constant successful element of the annual meeting, This increasingly attracts young professionals. So far the yDEGRO has conducted two national surveys about (1) the situation of young RO professionals in Germany, outlining their expectations for our subject, and (2) the quality of RO resident training in Germany. The survey resultsshowed an excellent working atmosphere, a high level of satisfaction and knowledge among German RO residents. Finally, the yDEGRO successfully de novo established a national research network of young academics in RO, including 17 university RO centers in Germany. With the NCT03055715 trial, this research network already developed, designed and carried out their own pioneer multicenter research project with support of the DEGRO and the German Cancer Society / ARO. Recently, this collaborative clinical research project was expanded to include cooperation partners across Europe (Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, United Kingdom). In summa, the increasing activities and popularity of the yDEGRO improved the perception of the national society and led to significantly increased memberships of young professionals. Conclusion Establishing, promoting and supporting a young academics group within a national society and enabling young professionals to actively participate in the societies´ can not only generate scientific value but also increase the attractivity of the specialty with positive effects on the societies´ general perception and on recruiting young professionals.

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