Background: Primary cutaneous lymphoma (PCL) is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma characterized by malignant lymphocytes confined to the skin. Accurate diagnosis and staging are crucial for optimal management, yet radiological literature on imaging PCL remains limited. This study aims to delineate the imaging characteristics of PCLs using high and ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) and proposes a classification system based on ultrasound findings. Methods: A cohort of 88 individuals with suspected PCL underwent high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) and color Doppler examination of lesions. Lesions were categorized based on sonographic appearance, and subsequent histopathological assessment confirmed the diagnosis. Results: Ultrasound imaging revealed distinct patterns for primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (PCTCL) and primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCL), with characteristic features such as hypoechoic nodules, pseudonodular lesions, and dermal infiltration. Histopathological analysis confirmed the ultrasound findings, supporting the proposed classification system. Conclusions: Ultrasonography, particularly UHFUS, offers valuable insights into the imaging characteristics of primary cutaneous lymphomas, aiding the accurate diagnosis and assessment of treatment response. The proposed classification system based on ultrasound findings enhances the diagnostic approach to PCLs, and paves the way for improved patient care and management strategies.
This study examines the shortage of radiation oncologists in Italy and Europe, analysing systemic challenges in postgraduate training and proposing solutions to enhance the appeal of radiation oncology. A review of literature from Italy and Europe evaluated trends in training programmes, workforce dynamics. Analysis included residency vacancies, economic constraints, training disparities, and visibility of the field during medical education. In Italy, 55.3% of radiation oncology residency positions have gone unfilled or been abandoned since 2016, with 90% of positions vacant in 2023. Contributing factors include inadequate exposure to radiotherapy during medical training, limited financial opportunities, negative societal perceptions, and high levels of burnout. Across Europe, similar challenges persist. Training disparities, outdated infrastructure, and regional inequalities exacerbate workforce shortages, particularly in low-income countries. Addressing the radiation oncology crisis requires a multifaceted strategy, including enhancing visibility of the field in medical education, improving working conditions, offering financial incentives, and addressing disparities in training quality across Europe. The European radiotherapist shortage is a systemic issue requiring coordinated efforts to standardize training, address economic barriers, and improve the specialty’s appeal. By fostering collaboration and reform, European nations can meet the growing demand for cancer care and secure a sustainable workforce for the future.
Background/Objectives: Accurate target delineation is critical in radiotherapy for head and neck non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), where tumor depth and subclinical extension are often underestimated by clinical and dermoscopic assessment alone. While high frequency ultrasound has shown value in surface-based radiotherapy techniques, the role of ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) within external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) workflows remains poorly defined. Methods: We conducted a single-institution observational feasibility study including all consecutive patients with head and neck NMSC treated with definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy between July 2022 and July 2023 using a structured multidisciplinary workflow integrating pre-treatment UHFUS. UHFUS was systematically performed prior to CT simulation and incorporated into radiotherapy planning. The primary endpoint was the impact of UHFUS on radiotherapy decision-making, predefined as modification of target delineation, treatment intent, or beam modality selection. Secondary endpoints included feasibility, early local control, and late toxicity (descriptive). Results: Thirty patients were included (median age 85 years; range 66–99). UHFUS influenced at least one decision endpoint in 13 patients (43.3%). In the definitive radiotherapy cohort (n = 18), UHFUS modified gross tumor volume delineation in eight patients (44.4%), with an increase in median GTV from 17.5 cm3 to 24.3 cm3. Among patients initially referred for adjuvant radiotherapy (n = 12), UHFUS identified macroscopic residual disease in two cases, leading to a change in treatment intent from adjuvant to definitive radiotherapy. UHFUS supported beam modality selection in three patients by enabling safe use of electron therapy for superficial lesions. After a median follow-up of 24 months (range 12–24), no local recurrences were observed. Late toxicity was limited to grade 1 cutaneous events. Conclusions: Integration of UHFUS into EBRT planning for head and neck NMSC is feasible and clinically informative. UHFUS acts as a decision-shaping tool, influencing target delineation, treatment intent, and modality selection within a multidisciplinary workflow. These findings support further prospective evaluation of UHFUS-guided radiotherapy planning to standardize decision algorithms and assess long-term clinical impact.