Gynecological brachytherapy hybrid training: The Tata Memorial Centre and BrachyAcademy experience

PURPOSE: The lack of training is a significant barrier to practicing brachytherapy (BT). Tata
Memorial Centre, alongside international BT experts and BrachyAcademy, developed a hybrid
gynecological BT training module. This study outlines the preparation, organization, and exe-
cution of the 2022–2023 Mumbai training, evaluates its effectiveness, and highlights areas for
improvement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were radiation oncologists (RO) and medical
physicists (MP) with experience in gynecological BT aiming to transition to image-guided
brachytherapy (IGBT). The training covered cervical, endometrial, vaginal, vulvar, periurethral
cancers, and pelvic reirradiation. The hybrid course included online pre and postcourse homework
assignments, a live workshop with hands-on training, a 6-month online follow-up, and a
12-month opportunity to share the transition experience.
RESULTS: The December 2022 Mumbai live workshop spanned 2.5 days, attracting 39 participants
from 8 countries (Asia, Africa, Australia/Oceania). Feedback rated the course 9/10, with
78% fully meeting expectations. Forty-four percent suggested extending hands-on training. At the
6-month follow-up, response rates were low (33% RO, 11% MP). Among responding RO, 70%
reported practice changes after attending the course, 40% implemented IGBT concepts in clinical
practice, and 50% increased confidence in image-guided procedures. Overall, 45% of respondent
sites could strengthen their intracavitary/interstitial program, while others faced limitations due to
lack of access to advanced BT applicators.