The EofE RTN published annual reports in November 2022, December 2021, and October 2020. These reports highlight the achievements of the EofE RTN. During the period Oct 2021 – Sept 2022 the six key achievements were:
Protocol development: There are currently nine finalised network protocols,four expected before the end of 2022 and a further eight expected by September 2023. These protocols ensure standardised treatment for patients in the region.
Roll out of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR): The EofE RTN has successfully ensured the roll out of lung oligometastases and simple oligometastases SABR (non – spine bone and lymph nodes) at most centres in the region. Cambridge University Hospital (CUH) and Ipswich University Hospital deliver SABR for spine oligometastases, offering services to other patients in the region. Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) and Southend University Hospitals are expected to begin offering spine SABR before the end of 2022. CUH also offers SABR for liver, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adrenal cancer. There are plans for SABR for locally advanced inoperable non-metastatic pancreatic carcinoma (LANPC) to be delivered initially at CUH, and at NNUH by March 2023. SABR for previously irradiated locally recurrent primary pelvic tumours will be delivered at CUH.
Capacity and demand project - to inform network equipment replacement plans, with report and recommendations expected October 2022.
Purchase and implementation of ProKnow – to support the 3-year evaluation being undertaken by NHS England.
Workforce review – to understand current workforce situation, challenges and develop a series of recommendations for the EofE RTN.
Development of these pages on the East of England Cancer Alliance website to host clinical protocols, Out of Hours Policy, and links to the EofE RTN clinical trials database.
This has been achieved despite the following key challenges:
Workforce – this is one of the biggest challenges facing the providers in the EofE RTN. The workforce challenge impacts on the provision of radiotherapy services within the ODN. It causes challenges delivering the wide and varied EofE RTN work programme.
Capacity - The subsequent increase in referrals due to the recovery of diagnostic services post pandemic, combined with increasing complexity of treatments has meant services have continued to focus on the delivery of the service as they face capacity issues. This has caused delays with the delivery of some projects.
Finance: Despite receiving additional funding this year, the ODN budget remains limited and creates challenges in delivering a wide and varied work programme.