Mike Kirby

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Verified

Mike verified their affiliation via an institutional email.

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• BSc, BTh, MSc, MA, PhD, MIPEM, CSci FBIR FHEA
• Senior Lecturer at University of Liverpool

Purpose/Objective SGRT is used for the treatment of DIBH breast radiotherapy patients. More advanced radiotherapy techniques, such as VMAT are also now utilised alongside SGRT DIBH to further reduce radiation induced cardiotoxicity. However, issues can present for continuous surface monitoring of these patients due to camera occlusion by the gantr...

and Advances in Knowledge Objective A Linac Replacement Programme (LRP) was completed to ensure continuity of treatment whilst maintaining the highest standards of care. Clinical contingencies were devised to mitigate the impact of unscheduled interruptions during the LRP. This service evaluation was undertaken to appraise the effectiveness of con...

Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) is increasingly used to facilitate DIBH breast radiotherapy techniques to reduce cardiotoxicity. However, in rotational imaging and treatment, issues can arise due to blocking of one or more SGRT cameras. This can create temporary interruptions during SGRT surface monitoring. This is of particular importance in un...

INTRODUCTION On-treatment image verification is essential for target localisation for abdominal stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) with steep dose gradients. Linac-based image guided ra-diotherapy (IGRT) strategies involve 3D and 4D kV volumetric cone beam computed tomog-raphy (CBCT) imaging, with imaging just before treatment delivery...

Listening to the patient voice plays a vital role in continually improving our NHS services. It is also now an integral part of teaching programmes; helping students learn firsthand from patient experiences – before, during and after treatment. But the patient also has a unique role in contributing to future care and services through participation...

Linac Engineers are an integral and vital part of the Radiotherapy workforce within the UK. Yet, little is known formally and centrally about their training and expertise; nor has their voice been sought regarding their role in patient care. As far as we are aware, this is the first national UK survey of its kind; giving voice to the Linac Engineer...

Introduction Advancements in technology and the introduction of IGRT allows for smaller margins and therefore a more precise treatment, increasing dose conformity, consequently improving patient outcomes1. The MRI-linac enables not only plan adaption to account for interfractional changes but also improved target and OAR delineation2. This poster...

Introduction Proton beam therapy (PBT) is often used for paediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumours for its potential to reduce neurocognitive effects. This is due to the dosimetric properties of PBT, providing a more conformal dose to the target volume and lower integral dose to healthy tissue compared with photon therapy. This helps lower d...

Although timed exams have their strengths and merit, assignment style assessments in the Science of Radiotherapy have proved to be of greater worth than originally imagined. When a change in assessment type was necessary due to the recent pandemic, conventional wisdom suggested an online scheduled exam might be the easiest move for what previously...

Introduction The Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) is a simulator used to train radiotherapy students cost-effectively with limited risk. VERT is available as a two-dimensional (2D) and a more costly three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic resource. This study aimed to identify the specific benefits afforded by stereoscopic visualisa...

Abstract: Exploring the clinical benefits of novel radiotherapy system HalcyonTM – a narrative review of the evidence Introduction Approximately 50% of all cancer patients receive external beam radiotherapy (EBRT)1. A novel O-ring treatment delivery system, HalcyonTM, was released in 20172. Gantry rotation can be legally faster (for both treatment...

Abstract: Introduction More informed patients are likely to be more relaxed and less anxious on their cancer journey; evidence suggests knowing practical aspects of attending for radiotherapy and what to expect are very important(1-4). Departmental open evenings providing greater information support, help reduce anxiety and distress levels(5-6). Mo...

Abstract: Spatially fractionated radiation therapy with photon beams -literature review Introduction: Spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT) is a promising approach for treatment of bulky tumours (>5-6cm diameter) which usually have a poor blood supply and hypoxia, leading to protection against apoptosis. In addition, an unacceptable RT re...

Objectives; To undertake a national survey of the Radiotherapy Dosimetrist workforce within the UK; examining different attributes and experiences, comparing results with published evidence within the literature. Methods; A national, anonymised survey was undertaken between Dec 2020 and end Feb 2021; employing a mixed-methods approach and blend o...

MC Kirby, B Porritt, K Calder, J Callender, R Young and D Watson. “The design and construction of a simulated linac control area (SLCA) for Radiation Therapy” Radiotherapy and Oncology, 2022, 170, Suppl 1: S589-590 Purpose or Objective Knowledge and skills needed by radiation therapists (therapeutic radiographers) are wide ranging – combining care...

Title The design and construction of a simulated linac control area (SLCA) for Radiation Therapy Authors Mike Kirby1, Bridget Porritt1, Kerrie-Anne Calder1, Jenny Calendar1, Ryan Young2, Danielle Watson2 Authors Affiliations 1University of Liverpool, Radiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, Liverpool, United Kingdom; 2The Christie NHS Foundation...

C Holmes and MC Kirby. “Is there enough evidence to standardise bowel and bladder preparation for patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer? A narrative review” ePoster Presentation at the BIR 2nd Annual Radiotherapy and Oncology Meeting, London, 31 March – 1 April 2022

L Jones, L Oliver, J Callender and MC Kirby. “A service evaluation of 2D planar vs 3D volumetric on-treatment verification for radiotherapy to the upper gastrointestinal tract” ePoster Presentation at the BIR 2nd Annual Radiotherapy and Oncology Meeting, London, 31 March – 1 April 2022

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a novel e-learning intervention to increase knowledge, awareness and confidence surrounding pelvic radiotherapy late effects amongst therapeutic radiographers (RTTs), and to change staff perceptions of responsibility in providing such information to patients. Methods The e-learning in...

Introduction: Whilst United Kingdom (UK) student ambitions for role development have been surveyed previously, no literature has explored their specialisation preferences. This study aimed to explore these ambitions and preferences in final-year diagnostic radiography undergraduates at a Higher-Education Institute (HEI) in the North-West of England...

Oral Presentation at UK Imaging and Oncology Congress Online 2021, 7-25 June 2021

PDF Available from https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/radiotherapy-board-on-target-2-updated-guidance-image-guided-radiotherapy.pdf

Objectives This paper uses clinical audit to determine the extent and dosimetric impact of additional imaging for patients undergoing ocular proton beam therapy who have no clips visible in the collimated beam. Methods An audit was conducted on 399 patients treated at The National Centre for Eye Proton Therapy between 3 July 2017 and 14 June 2019....

EK Jones and MC Kirby. “5G: Investigating Adverse Health Implications and its Potential Contribution to Malignancy Formation - A Critical Review of the Evidence” Accepted for ePoster Presentation at the , 17-19 March 2021

10 min Short video presentation

Introduction This study aimed to: • Address the lack of information surrounding patient preference within radiotherapy skin care. • Identify if prophylactic skin care is the preferred approach of patients and staff. • Establish if patients and staff are accepting of the use of a type of barrier film, such as 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film. Met...

BIR Virtual Meeting on SIMULATION AND VR IN CLINICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE – MULTIDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES; 13-14 October 2020

M Trainer, S Adamson, L Carruthers, B Nailon and M Kirby. “Analysis of the intra-fractional motion of the prostate during SBRT using an EM Transmitter”. Accepted for ePoster presentation at ASTRO 2020, Sept 2020, Miami, USA

Introduction In many countries, there is a skills gap in proton therapy with many staff unprepared to work with the new technology. The new Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) proton module provides learners with a simulated proton machine 3D environment. This project aimed to evaluate the role of VERT in training the radiotherapy...

M Trainer, B Nailon, L Carruthers and M Kirby. “Investigating the use of RayPilot for motion management during prostate SBRT: initial experience”. Accepted for Poster presentation at ESTRO 2020, Aug 2020, Vienna, Austria

Introduction Interprofessional learning (IPL) is a vital aspect of training in radiation oncology professions, yet is rarely delivered to those professionals who work most closely together in clinical practice. Scenario-based learning using simulation facilities provides a unique opportunity to facilitate this learning and this project aimed to det...

A Manning-Stanley and MC Kirby. “A survey of clinical role development preferences of final year diagnostic radiography students” Poster presentation at the (Online) UKIO 2020, June 2020, Liverpool, UK

MC Kirby. “An Introduction to IGRT in Modern Radiotherapy” Invited presentation at the BIR national meeting on IGRT in Contemporary Radiotherapy, 13th March 2020, London, UK

Introduction The virtual environment for radiotherapy training (VERT) helps students to gain technical skills and understanding of 3D anatomy and dosimetry. It has potential as a tool for treatment plan evaluation, although little formal evidence currently supports this. Aim This paper reports findings from a plan evaluation workshop that facilita...

Introduction: Clinical placements provide rich learning environments for health professional pre-registration education but add significant workload pressure to clinical departments. Advances in simulation approaches mean that many aspects of students' clinical learning can be undertaken in the academic environment. There is, however, little data...

Kirby, M.C. (2019). Encounters in Cancer Care – Pastoral and Professional Ministry Combined. Plenary Paper at the Ian Ramsey Centre Summer Conference ‘Compassion and Theodicy: Practice, Thought and Tradition, 19-20 July, Oxford. Abstract: Cancer is something that touches the lives of nearly 1 in 3 people; ever present therefore in different envir...

Copies available from: https://www.crcpress.com/On-Treatment-Verification-Imaging-A-Study-Guide-for-IGRT/Kirby-Calder/p/book/9781138499911 Summary On-treatment verification imaging has developed rapidly in recent years and is now at the heart of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and all aspects of radiotherapy planning and treatment delivery....

Radiotherapy Physics is a challenging subject-especially when teaching across disciplines. The primary role for therapy radiography students is entirely patient focused requiring clinical, empathetic, technical and other skills for successful treatment. Finding ways, therefore, of teaching fundamental Physics concepts, in a new and engaging manner,...

MC Kirby “Virtual Environments for teaching Radiotherapy Physics – a four year experience update” Oral presentation and workshop demonstration at the 16th University of Liverpool Annual Learning and Teaching Conference, 5-6th July 2018, Liverpool, UK