RCR consensus statements

The RCR consensus statements are produced to guide and support clinicians in controversial areas of practice that lack strong evidence. 

They are recommendations which aim to reduce variation in UK cancer care and to support development towards best practice across the UK.

A steering group is recruited following advertisement of roles and selection process. The steering group undertake an appraisal of the available research literature and lead on the development of initial consensus statements. Relevant stakeholder views including from patient/ patient representatives are sought.

Radiotherapy leads (for the specific tumour type being covered) from each of the UK cancer centres are invited to share a first draft with their multi-disciplinary radiotherapy teams and to provide feedback. Feedback received is then reviewed by the steering group and incorporated into a subsequent draft. A survey of practice amongst departments may also be conducted where appropriate.

A representative from each centre is then invited to attend a consensus meeting at the RCR to discuss and vote on the draft statements.

Evidence is presented to support each of the statements and discussion facilitated by the steering group. Statements can be refined based on the meeting discussion. Representatives are then asked to vote on each statement on behalf of their centre, with one vote per centre.

The following voting categories have been agreed to indicate strength of voting. Consensus in the responses is defined as an agreement of at least 70% from participants.

The final consensus statements are then published.