Clinical Oncology – Previous Examination Papers
a)
Describe and justify your approach to this clinical scenario, including investigation and management. A
detailed radiation therapy technique is NOT required.
Question 6
Imaging modalities such as MRI, PET, CT and SPECT may be ‘fused’ with images acquired subsequently to
assist in the management of patients having radiation therapy.
Discuss the benefits and potential problems associated with image fusion in the process of:
a) treatment
planning
b)
radiation treatment delivery
JULY 2008
Question 1
Regarding follow-up for oncology patients:
a)
What is the rationale and evidence to support follow-up by Radiation Oncologists in routine clinical
practice?
b)
What are the potential advantages and disadvantages
c)
Describe different models of follow-up care using specific examples.
Question 2
Regarding waiting times to commence a course of radiotherapy:
a)
What would you consider to be an acceptable standard?
b)
Describe the clinical effects of delays to commencing treatment, using specific examples.
c)
If your centre had unacceptable waiting times for radiotherapy, how would you manage this situation?
Question 3
You have been given the task of establishing a new multidisciplinary meeting for gynaecological cancer.
a)
What are the key principles that need to be considered?
b)
What are the potential benefits and difficulties associated with implementation of multidisciplinary care?
Question 4
Regarding patients undergoing radical chemo-radiation for cancer of the oesophagus:
a)
List the causes of malnutrition.
b)
What is the significance of malnutrition?
c)
What is the role of the dietician in the management of these patients?
Question 5
You have been asked to give an expert opinion regarding a proposal to formalise a prostate cancer screening
community program for males over the age of 50.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing such a program?
Question 6
Regarding endocrine therapy for post menopausal patients with oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive
metastatic breast cancer:
a)
List the available endocrine agents.
b)
Describe the efficacy and potential side effects of each agent.
c)
How would the HER2 status of the breast cancer influence your choice of endocrine agent?
MARCH 2008
Question 1
Regarding the management of nausea and vomiting in patients who receive abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy:
a.
what are the potential causes of these symptoms?
b.
how would you investigate and arrive at a diagnosis for these symptoms?
c.
what pharmacological treatments are available for use in radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting?
Describe their common dose and administration schedules.
Question 2
A fit 41 year old woman was diagnosed with a bulky circumferential carcinoma of the rectum. The inferior edge