Discover how Maastro Clinic enhances cancer care with Limbus Contour and RadMachine, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency in clinical practice.
"Radformation offers top notch solutions and truly tailors its approach to your institution’s specific needs. They offer excellent support and maintain clear, responsive communication.”
This month, we're excited to share insights from Hendrik Hansen, Senior Innovations Physicist, and Michel Öllers, Medical Physics Expert at Maastro Clinic, regarding their experience with Limbus Contour and RadMachine. As the largest radiotherapy centre in the south-eastern Netherlands, Maastro Clinic's team of nearly 400 professionals deliver cancer care to around 45,000 patients each year.
Hendrik, or Rik as he is known amongst colleagues and friends, discussed contouring at Maastro and explained that before adopting Limbus Contour, the team used Mirada for select treatment sites, which moderately improved efficiency. However, development on Mirada had ceased, and its atlas-based contouring limited the adoption of newer deep learning methods. “Limbus Contour has made auto contouring a core part of our daily workflow, now routinely used by all of our RTTs,” Rik noted. Previously, its use was inconsistent. The team is now evaluating alignment of clinical guidelines with Limbus Contour to enhance efficiency and reviewing the contour review process. Given Limbus' high accuracy, they are considering removing RTT checks for certain OARs.
Limbus Contour is currently used to delineate approximately 80% of the institution’s organs-at-risk (OAR) structures. Radiation therapy technologists (RTTs) report that 83% of these structures require less time to finalize for clinical use compared to previous workflows. With the integration of AutoContour structures, these figures are expected to increase by an additional 10%. While overall time savings are yet to be quantified, formal analysis is planned post-implementation. Though no detailed assessment exists for target structures, clinicians are enthusiastic and are using Limbus Contour in large-cohort research studies. Previously, auto contouring was limited and manually initiated in the TPS. This has transformed workflow, with 3D image sets and Limbus-generated contours ready upon patient access in the TPS.
Rik confidently recommends the software: “The software consistently performs at a high level and is both intuitive and thoughtfully designed. However, what truly sets Radformation apart for me is the outstanding support team—their prompt, professional, and effective responses make a significant difference.”
When asked why RadMachine was chosen for their QA platform , Michel highlighted the confidence inspired by the RADformation team during early meetings: “The software showcased a deep understanding of clinical needs,” and the fully online process—from installation to support—was a key advantage.
A major challenge was getting IT buy-in, especially concerning cybersecurity. Radformation supported the process by supplying all necessary documentation and coordinating a joint call with IT and database experts from both parties, which contributed to building the trust and confidence required to proceed. Michel noted the impact on QA workflow: “RadMachine has streamlined and standardized our QA workflow by consolidating everything into a single, user-friendly dashboard.” Users now access key data with just a few clicks.
His favourite feature? “There are many great features, but what really stands out is the scripting functionality. It offers incredible flexibility, allowing us to tailor the platform to our specific needs.”
Looking ahead, Michel expressed interest in advanced features like statistical process control for deeper QA insights. Michel notes that RadMachine was intuitive from the beginning, offering a clean and user-friendly interface. He also highlights that support is easily accessible and highly responsive. The Maastro team's implementation process was seamless, supported by dedicated programmers. They noted that their QA process now operates more efficiently, with immediate access to results. Although still in the early stages, the system shows strong potential for long-term time savings.
Michel praised the collaborative effort by the physicists involved and strongly recommends Radformation tools: “I’d absolutely recommend checking out a webinar or stopping by the Radformation booth at ESTRO for a live demo.” He emphasized the clinical insight behind the tools and their time-saving, intuitive workflows.
Regarding Radformation, Rik praised the company: “Radformation offers top notch solutions and truly tailors its approach to your institution’s specific needs. They offer excellent support and maintain clear, responsive communication.” He confidently recommends the software: “The software consistently performs at a high level and is both intuitive and thoughtfully designed. However, what truly sets Radformation apart for me is the outstanding support team—their prompt, professional, and effective responses make a significant difference.”
Both Rik and Michel juggle demanding day jobs, yet they still find time to pursue their passions. Michel, a certified sea kayak guide and instructor, channels his love for adventure into the great outdoors. Each year, he journeys back to Norway with his cherished sled dogs, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes—whether blanketed in winter snow or glowing under the endless summer sun.
Rik, meanwhile, stays energized with regular tennis matches and unwinds through music, expressing his creative side by playing the piano and guitar, and singing.
Michel enjoying the outdoors kayaking and sledding with his dogs. Rik playing a game of tennis and strumming away at his guitar.
