A teleradiotherapeutic network for lymphoma patients within the competence network malignant lymphomas

Purpose: The aim of the subproject ''Radiotherapy'' within the competence network malignant lymphoma, funded by the Federal German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), was to build-up an electronic imaging transfer between five University departments of Radiation Oncology to improve communication between study centers and reference centers. Materials and Methods: We describe our experiences with these modern teleradiotherapeutic possibilities, its feasibility within multicentric clinical trials. Results: Telemedical functions could successfully be integrated into the existing quality assurance programs of radiotherapy. Since January 2001 more than 700 patients (trials HD10-HD15 of the German Hodgkin Study Group, GHSG) could be assessed after digital transfer via internet, on mobile data carriers or an ISDN-connection in the radiotherapy reference center Cologne. Transfer of digital imaging between participating study centers and the radiotherapy reference center allows immediate or a short-term evaluation of adequacy of treatment fields by expert radiation oncologists before the start of radiotherapy. This improves dialogue and consensus between radiotherapy reference centers and study centers and thus contributes towards high radiotherapy quality for lymphoma patients. Conclusion: The long-term aim is to network all those hospitals, institutions and private facilities taking part in the GHSG trials to achieve an integrated system of cooperation. This improves dialogue and consensus between the radiotherapy reference center and the study centers and thus contributes towards high radiotherapy quality for patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. (orig.)