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Recent standards and guidelines for the use of APBI with different multi-catheter image-guided brachytherapy techniques have been defined. Different techniques are used to insert the catheters. Guidelines are mandatory to assure precise catheter insertion for coverage of the target volume and to guarantee high-quality dosimetry. The same rules apply for brachytherapy based boost irradiation for breast cancer after whole breast irradiation as well as for partial breast re-irradiation.

The H&N35 is widely used throughout the world, mainly in observational studies, and has demonstrated robust psychometric features in different languages. However, some methodological problems reported imply that the instrument can be improved in some areas.

Background We validated the new European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ‐HN43). Methods We enrolled 812 patients with head and neck cancer from 18 countries. Group 1 completed the questionnaire before therapy, and 3 and 6 months later. In group 2 (survivors), we determined test–retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha, the scale structure with confirmatory factor analysis, and discriminant validity with known‐group comparisons. Results Cronbach's alpha was >0.70 in 10 of the 12 multi‐item scales. All standardized factor loadings exceeded 0.40. The ICC was >0.70 in all but two scales. Differences in scale scores between known‐groups were >10 points in 17 of the 19 scales. Sensitivity to change was found to be sufficient in 18 scales. Conclusions Evidence supports the reliability and validity of the EORTC QLQ‐HN43 as a measure of quality of life.

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