E217: Dr. Richard Shaffer - Radiotherapy for Benign Conditions

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment, benign conditions, side effects and long term conditions.Episode 217: Part of the Education and workforce development series (part 72)Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Dr. Richard Shaffer is a Radiation Oncologist and a prominent expert in the use of radiotherapy for treating benign disease, including Dupuytren’s, Ledderhose, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, keloid scars, osteoarthritis, tendinopathy and bursitis. Since starting his practice in 2011, Dr. Shaffer has treated more than 3000 benign patients and provided training and mentoring to fellow consultants starting benign radiotherapy practices. He co-wrote the 2015 Royal College of Radiologists guidelines for benign conditions and is the founder and President of the International Society for Radiotherapy for Benign Conditions (www.iorbc.com).This episode is a deep dive into Richard’s career, history of radiotherapy for benign conditions, dose and fractionation along with potential side effects.CPD Reflection Points:Identify common benign indications that can be treated by radiotherapy.Understand appropriate dose and fractionation for benign conditions.Recognise the risks and benefits of treating benign disease with ionising radiation.Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.Links from the Episode:Theralife clinicsDupuytrens UKJoint pain practice Radiotherapy Academy for Benign ConditionsInternational organisation for radiotherapy for benign conditionsResearch links from the Episode:Recommendations for using radiotherapy for benign disease in the UKRadiotherapy for benign disease; assessing the risk of radiation-induced cancer following exposure to intermediate dose radiationRad Chat Links:Rad Chat WebsiteLink TreeFacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokBlueSkyYouTubeCredits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.© Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved.  We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline.  You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing.  You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context.  Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.