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Dr. Anita O'Donovan
Assistant Professor, Radiation Therapy

Biography

Anita O'Donovan joined the academic staff as an Assistant Professor in the Discipline of Radiation Therapy in 2011. In terms of academic achievements, she has received a BSc. in Radiation Therapy (First Class Hons), M.A.(j.o) and Special Purpose Certificate in Education, from Trinity College Dublin, and is currently in the final year of her PhD. Prior to joining TCD, she worked as a Radiation Therapist in St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network Dublin (St Luke's Hospital) and Cork University Hospital in both clinical and research positions.

The overarching theme of her research and PhD subject is Geriatric Oncology, specifically optimal care of the older radiotherapy patient, and preparing the radiation therapy workforce for predicted demographic changes and a rapidly increasing older cancer patient population. Anita has previously served as a member of Board and Executive Committee of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), the first radiation therapist to be represented in this organisation. She was also a member of the SIOG Science and Education committee and editorial board member for the Journal of Geriatric Oncology, and member of faculty of the SIOG Advanced Course in Geriatric Oncology and Irish Geriatric Oncology group.

Anita has a particularly keen interest in older patient advocacy and incorporating alternative teaching methods into the classroom. This commitment was recognised when she was awarded a Trinity College Provost Teaching Award in June 2017.

Publications and Further Research Outputs

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Skin Cancer in Older Adults in, editor(s)Kenneth Rockwood, Ruth E. Hubbard, and Andrew Clegg , Brocklehurst"s Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. 9th Edition, Elsevier Health Sciences, 2024, [Anita O'Donovan and Agata Rembielak] Book Chapter, 2024

Manestar, Vedran, O'Donovan, Anita, Barrett, Sarah, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Application in External Beam Radiotherapy, Radiološki vjesnik, 48, (1), 2024, p13-25 Journal Article, 2024 DOI

O'Donovan A, O'Hanlon S, Breaking bad barriers: engaging older adults in cancer research, Age and ageing, 53, (2), 2024, pafae019- Journal Article, 2024 DOI URL

Elizabeth Forde, Michelle Leech, Anita O"Donovan, Laure Marignol, Breaking Barriers in Medical Education: An Audit of Accessibility in Teaching Materials for Radiation Therapy, ESTRO 2024, Glasgow, Scotland, 3-7 May, 2024 Conference Paper, 2024

Thomadsen B, Kapur A, Blankenship B, Caldwell B, Claps L, Cunningham J, Elee, J, Evans S, Ford E, Gilley D, Hayden S, Hintenlang K, Kapoor R, Kildea J, Kroger L, Kujundzic K, Liang, Q Mutic S, O"Donovan A, O"Hara M, Ouhib Z, Palta J, Pawlicki T, Salter W, Schmidt S, and Tripathi S., The Report of AAPM Task Group 288: Recommendations for Guiding Radiotherapy Event Narratives, Medical Physics, 2024 Journal Article, 2024

Elizabeth Forde, Michelle Leech, Anita O"Donovan, Laure Marignol, Breaking Barriers in Medical Education: An Audit of Accessibility in Teaching Materials for Radiation Therapy,, INHED 2024, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland, 24-25 January, 2024 Oral Presentation, 2024

Palliative radiotherapy in the older adult in, editor(s)Vapiwala, Neha Jones, Joshua A. Dharmarajan, Kavita V. , Palliative Radiation Oncology, Philadelphia, Elsevier, 2024, pp275 - 288, [O'Donovan Anita] Book Chapter, 2024 DOI URL

Seghers P. A. L. (Nelleke, Rostoft Siri, O' Hanlon Shan, O' Donovan Anita, Schulkes Karlij, Montroni Isacco, Portielje Johanneke E. A, Wildiers Hans, Soubeyran Pierre, Hamaker Marije E, How to incorporate chronic health conditions in oncologic decision-making and care for older patients with cancer? A survey among healthcare professionals, European Geriatric Medicine, 2024 Journal Article, 2024 DOI URL

Seghers P. A. L, Alibhai Shabbir M. H, Battisti Nicolò Matteo Luc, Kanesvaran Ravindra, Extermann Martin, O' Donovan Anita, Pilleron Sophi, Mislang Anna Rachell, Musolino Naji, Cheung Kwok-Leun, Staines Anthon, Girvalaki Chari, Soubeyran Pierr, Portielje Johanneke E. A, Rostoft Sir, Hamaker Marije E, Trépel Dominic, O'Hanlon Shan, Geriatric assessment for older people with cancer: policy recommendations, Global Health Research and Policy, 8, (1), 2023, p37- Journal Article, 2023 DOI URL

Ashley L, Surr C, Kelley R, Price M, Griffiths AW, Fowler NR, Giza DE, Neal RD, Martin C, Hopkinson JB, O'Donovan A, Dale W, Koczwara B, Spencer K, Wyld L., Cancer care for people with dementia: Literature overview and recommendations for practice and research., CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 2023 Journal Article, 2023 DOI

Russo C, Mislang AR, Ferraioli D, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Colloca G, Williams GR, O'Hanlon S, Cooper L, O'Donovan A, Audisio RA, Cheung KL, Sarrió RG, Stauder R, Jaklitsch M, Cairo C, Gil LA, Sattar S, Kantilal K, Loh KP, Lichtman SM, Brain E, Kanesvaran R, Battisti NML., SIOG COVID-19 Working Group recommendations on COVID-19 therapeutic approaches in older adults with cancer., Journal of geriatric oncology, 2023, p101564 Journal Article, 2023 DOI

Skin Cancer Management in the Elderly and Frail in, editor(s)Agata Rembielak, Luca Tagliaferri , Non-melanoma Skin Cancer: Essentials for Oncologists,, CRC Press, 2023, pp387 - 397, [A O'Donovan and G. Colloca] Book Chapter, 2023 DOI

Flavin A, O'Toole E, Murphy L, Ryan R, McClean B, Faul C, McGibney C, Coyne S, O'Boyle G, Small C, Sims C, Kearney M, Coffey M, O'Donovan A., A National Cyberattack Affecting Radiation Therapy: The Irish Experience, Advances in Radiation Oncology, 7, (5), 2022 Journal Article, 2022 URL

Maeve Hennessy and Munzir Hamid and Caitriona Goggin and Myo Oo Nay and Marie Carrigan and David Mockler and Anita G. O'Donovan, Participation of older patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer in clinical trials: A systematic review of age-restrictive inclusion criteria over the last 25 years., 39, (15), 2022, ppe24017--e24017 Conference Paper, 2022 DOI

Radiotherapy and Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment in Older Adults with Cancer and Frailty in, editor(s)Fabio Gomes , Frailty in Older Adults with Cancer, Springer, Cham, Springer Nature, 2022, [Anita O'Donovan, Capucine Baldini and Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti] Book Chapter, 2022 DOI

A. Skelly and A. O'Donovan, Recognising Frailty in Radiation Oncology Clinical Practice: Current Evidence and Future Directions, Seminars in Radiation Oncology, 32, (2), 2022, p115 - 124 Journal Article, 2022 DOI

Morris L, O'Donovan A, Hashmi A, Agar M., Older adults and the unique role of the radiation therapist: Future directions for improving geriatric oncology training and education., Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol, 23, 2022, p21-26 Journal Article, 2022 DOI

O'Sullivan K, O'Donovan A., Factors associated with breast cancer mammography screening and breast self-examination in Irish women: results from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)., Acta oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden), 61, (11), 2022, p1301-1308 Journal Article, 2022 DOI

Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Mislang AR, Hernández-Favela CG, Russo C, Colloca G, Williams GR, O'Hanlon S, Cooper L, O'Donovan A, Audisio RA, Cheung KL, Gironés-Sarrió R, Stauder R, Jaklitsch M, Cairo C, Gil LA, Alam M, Sattar S, Kantilal K, Loh KP, Lichtman SM, Brain E, Wildiers H, Kanesvaran R, Battisti NML., Updated International Society of Geriatric Oncology COVID-19 working group recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination among older adults with cancer., Journal of geriatric oncology, 13, (7), 2022, p1054-1057 Journal Article, 2022 DOI

Morris L, Turner S, Thiruthaneeswaran N, O'Donovan A, Simcock R, Cree A, Phillips J, Alibhai S, Puts M, Szumacher E, Lane H, Berger A, Agar M., An International Expert Delphi Consensus to Develop Dedicated Geriatric Radiation Oncology Curriculum Learning Outcomes., International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics, 113, (5), 2022, p934-945 Journal Article, 2022 DOI

Rostoft S, O'Donovan A, Soubeyran P, Alibhai SMH, Hamaker ME., Geriatric Assessment and Management in Cancer., Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 39, (19), 2021, p2058-2067 Journal Article, 2021 DOI

Maeve A. Hennessy and Munzir Hamid and Niamh Keegan and Lynda Corrigan and Caitriona Goggin and Nay MyoOo and Marie Carrigan and David Mockler and Anita O'Donovan, Metastatic Gastroesophageal Cancer in Older Patients - Is this Patient Cohort Represented in Clinical Trials?, BMC Cancer, 2021 Journal Article, 2021 DOI

Naseer A, Cree A, Simcock R, Jeppesen SS, Morris L, Kenis C, Hashmi A, Dale W, O'Donovan A., International efforts in geriatric radiation oncology., Journal of geriatric oncology, 2021 Journal Article, 2021 DOI

Extermann M, Brain E, Canin B, Cherian MN, Cheung KL, de Glas N, Devi B, Hamaker M, Kanesvaran R, Karnakis T, Kenis C, Musolino N, O'Donovan A, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Steer C, Wildiers H, International Society of Geriatric Oncology., Priorities for the global advancement of care for older adults with cancer: an update of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology Priorities Initiative., The Lancet. Oncology, 22, (1), 2021, pe29-e36 Journal Article, 2021 DOI

Mislang AR, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Russo C, Colloca G, Williams GR, O'Hanlon S, Cooper L, O'Donovan A, Audisio RA, Cheung KL, Sarrió RG, Stauder R, Jaklitsch M, Cairo C, Gil LA, Sattar S, Kantilal K, Loh KP, Lichtman SM, Brain E, Wildiers H, Kanesvaran R, Battisti NML., The SIOG COVID-19 working group recommendations on the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines among older adults with cancer., Journal of geriatric oncology, 2021 Journal Article, 2021 DOI

O'Donovan A., Morris L., Palliative Radiation Therapy in Older Adults With Cancer: Age-Related Considerations, Clinical Oncology, 2020 Journal Article, 2020 DOI

Battisti, Nicolò Matteo Luca, Mislang, Anna Rachelle, Cooper, Lisa, O'Donovan, Anita, Audisio, Riccardo A., Cheung, Kwok-Leung, Sarrió, Regina Gironés, Stauder, Reinhard, Soto-Perez-de-Celis, Enrique, Jaklitsch, Michael, Williams, Grant R., O'Hanlon, Shane, Alam, Mahmood, Cairo, Clarito, Colloca, Giuseppe, Gil, Luiz Antonio, Sattar, Schroder, Kantilal, Kumud, Russo, Chiara, Lichtman, Stuart M., Brain, Etienne, Kanesvaran, Ravindran, Wildiers, Hans, Adapting care for older cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: Recommendations from the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) COVID-19 Working Group, Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 2020 Journal Article, 2020 DOI

O'Donovan, A., Gillham, C., Cunningham, C., Murphy, M., Leech, M., Cunningham, M., Beltagi, N., Thirion, P., The Impact of Geriatric Assessment on Patient Outcomes in Radiation Oncology: A Pilot Study., Gerontology and Geriatric Research., 2020, p1 - 14 Journal Article, 2020 DOI TARA - Full Text

Morris L, Thiruthaneeswaran N, O'Donovan A, Simcock R, Cree A, Turner S, Agar M, PO-1263: What every radiation oncologist should know about geriatric oncology: A global expert consensus, 152, 2020, ppS665 - S666 Conference Paper, 2020 DOI

Mellett C., O'Donovan A., Hayes C., The development of outcome key performance indicators for systemic anti-cancer therapy using a modified Delphi method, European Journal of Cancer Care, 17, (21), 2020, p7991- Journal Article, 2020 TARA - Full Text DOI

O'Donovan A and Leech M. , Personalised treatment for older adults with cancer: The role of frailty. , Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology, 16, 2020, p30 - 38 Journal Article, 2020 DOI

Principios de la radioterapia en adultos mayores in, editor(s)Maria Jose Molina Garrido Ludovico Balducci , Fundamentos en Oncogeriatria, Spain, Mederic Ediciones, S.L., 2019, pp619 - 720, [Anita O'Donovan et al] Book Chapter, 2019

O Lynch, P Murphy, A O'Donovan, EP-2198 Addressing treatment-related sexual side effects: Sub-optimal practice in radiation therapy, Radiotherapy and Oncology, 2019, ppS1213- Conference Paper, 2019 DOI

Orlaith Lynch, Anita O'Donovan, Patrick Murphy, Addressing treatment-related sexual side effects among cancer patients: Sub-optimal practice in radiation therapy, European Journal of Cancer Care, 2019 Journal Article, 2019 DOI

Flood J, O'Hanlon S, Gibb M, O'Donovan A., Caring for patients with dementia undergoing radiation therapy-A national audit., Journal of geriatric oncology, 10, (5), 2019, p811-818 Journal Article, 2019 DOI

Anthea Cree, Anita O'Donovan, Shane O'Hanlon, Geriatric Oncology: Assessing the Needs of Older People with Cancer, British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 80, (5), 2019, p252 - 257 Journal Article, 2019 DOI

A. O'Donovan and J. Flood, PO-1126 Caring for Patients with Dementia Undergoing Radiation Therapy: A National Audit, 133, 2019, ppS625 Poster, 2019 DOI

Cree, Anthea and O'Donovan, Anita and O'Hanlon, Shane, New horizons in radiotherapy for older people,, Age and Ageing, 48, (5), 2019, p605-612 Journal Article, 2019 DOI

Morris L, Turner S, Thiruthaneeswaran N, O'Donovan A, Agar M, Simcock R, EP-1646 Radiation Oncology for the Older Person: Defining international standards for trainee education, 133, 2019, ppS886 - S887 Poster, 2019 DOI URL

Shóna Whelehan, Orlaith Lynch, Niall Treacy, Ciara Gleeson, Andrea Oates, Anita O'Donovan, Optimising Clinical Trial Design in Older Cancer Patients, Geriatrics, 3, (3), 2018, p34- Journal Article, 2018 DOI

Frewen H, Brown E, Jenkins M, O'Donovan A., Failure mode and effects analysis in a paperless radiotherapy department., Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology, 62, (5), 2018, p707 - 715 Journal Article, 2018 DOI

J. Flood and A. O'Donovan, Caring for patients with dementia undergoing radiation therapy in Irish Radiation Therapy departments - a national audit, Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy Annual Conference, Galway, Ireland, 10th November , 2018 Oral Presentation, 2018

Leonard S and O'Donovan A, PO-1102: Application of The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture to Radiotherapy Departments Worldwide, Radiotherapy and Oncology, 127, 2018, ppS620- Poster, 2018

J. Flood and A. O'Donovan, Caring for patients with dementia undergoing radiation therapy in Irish Radiation Therapy departments - a national audit, 18th Conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) , Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 16-18, 2018 Poster, 2018

Paillaud E., Soubeyran P., Caillet P., Cudennec T., Brain E., Terret C., Etchepare F., Mourey L., Aparicio T., Pamoukdjian F., Audisio R.A., Rostoft S., Hurria A., Bellera C., Mathoulin-Pelissier S., Boulahssass R., De Decker L., Fossey-Diaz V., Liuu E., Mertens C., Balardy L., Retornaz F., Couderc A.L., Rollot-Trad F., Azria D., Bacciarello G., Barranger E., Bengrine L., Bernat-Piazza L., Blay J.Y., Bourdolle E., Carola E., Chinot O., Classe J.M., Corre R., Culine S., Cure H., Delaloge S S., Delattre J.Y., Desolneux G., Freyer G., Graff P., Guigay J., Herlin C., Hoang-Xuan K., Italiano A., Kurtz J.E., Lartigau E., Lazarovicci-Nagera C., Lebas I., Le Caer H., Maguire C., Mir O., Natur S., Ortholan C., Pigneux A., Prou M., Qabbal R., Rousseau F., Rouzier R., Roveri A., Sargos P., Servagi S., Servent V., Ysebaert L., Alibhai S., Audisio R.A., Balducci L., Bastiaannet E., Bron D., Cheng K., Cohen H.J., Cornelis F., De Glas N., Kalsi T., Kanesvaran R., Kenis C., Hamaker M., Holmes H., Hsu T., Lichtman S., Mohile S., O'Donovan A., Puts M., Repetto L., Singhal N., Steer C., Stolz Baskett P., Van De Water W., Van Leuven B., Wedding U., Wildes T., Wildiers H., Zulian G., Multidisciplinary development of the Geriatric Core Dataset for clinical research in older patients with cancer: A French initiative with international survey, European Journal of Cancer, 103, 2018, p61 - 68, p61-68 Journal Article, 2018 DOI

Horgan, S. and O'Donovan, A., The Impact of Exercise during Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer on Fatigue and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, 49, (2), 2018, p207 - 219 Journal Article, 2018 URL DOI

Journal of Geriatric Oncology, Elsevier, [eds.], 2018 Editorial Board, 2018

Leonard, S. and O'Donovan, A., Measuring Safety Culture: Application of The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture to Radiotherapy Departments Worldwide, Practical Radiation Oncology, 8, (1), 2017, pe17 - e26 Journal Article, 2017 DOI

O'Donovan, A., Leech, M. and Gillham, C., Assessment and Management of Radiotherapy Induced Toxicity in Older Patients , Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 8, (6), 2017, p421 - 427 Journal Article, 2017 DOI

Andrea Lipsett, Sarah Barrett, Fatimah Haruna, Karen Mustian and Anita O'Donovan, The impact of exercise during adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer on fatigue and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis, The Breast, 32, 2017, p144 - 155 Journal Article, 2017 DOI

Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, de Glas NA, Hsu T, Kanesvaran R, Steer C, Navarrete-Reyes AP, Battisti NM, Chavarri-Guerra Y, O'Donovan A, Avila-Funes JA, Hurria A., Global geriatric oncology: Achievements and challenges, Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 8, (5), 2017, p374 - 386 Journal Article, 2017 URL DOI

Wildes, T.M., O'Donovan, A. Colloca, G.F. and Cheung, K.L., Tumour boards in geriatric oncology, Age and Ageing, 47, (2), 2017, p168 - 170 Journal Article, 2017 URL

A O'Donovan, Gillham C and Leech M, SP-0314: Geriatric assessment is a requirement to effectively provide a quality radiotherapy service to the older person, Radiotherapy and Oncology, 119, (S146), 2016 Conference Paper, 2016 DOI

O'Donovan, A. and Poole, C., Fink About It: Development and Evaluation of a Communications Curriculum for Healthcare Professionals,, MedEdPublish, 5, (1), 2016, p16- Journal Article, 2016

Hogan, L and O'Donovan, A., Older people's experience of radiotherapy services, Advances in Modern Oncology Research, 2, (2), 2016, p105 - 115 Journal Article, 2016

Ryan, E., O'Donovan, A. and Kenny, R.A., The Behavioural And Emotional Outcomes Of Ageing Cancer Survivors In Ireland. Results From The Irish Longitudinal Study On Ageing., Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, September 23rd/24th, 2016 Poster, 2016

Ryan, E., O'Donovan, A. and Kenny, R.A.,, The Behavioural And Emotional Outcomes Of Ageing Cancer Survivors In Ireland. Results From The Irish Longitudinal Study On Ageing, 16th Conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), Milan, Italy, November 17-19, 2016 Poster, 2016

Andrea Lipsett, Sarah Barrett and Anita O'Donovan, Impact of Exercise During Adjuvant Radiotherapy on Fatigue and Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis, Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy Annual Conference, Dublin , 8th October, 2016 Oral Presentation, 2016

Lipsett, A., Barrett, S. and O'Donovan, A., Impact of Exercise During Adjuvant Radiotherapy on Fatigue and Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis, Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin , September 23rd/24th, 2016 Poster, 2016

Turner, C., Boyle, G, Robinson, D., Soraghan, C and O'Donovan, A. , ONCOLAMP: A Study of the Accessibility of Community Based Services Relevant To Patients with Cancer and their Relationship to Social Deprivation and Cancer Incidence. , Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin , September 23rd/24th, 2016 Poster, 2016

Anita O'Donovan, Charles Gillham, Conal Cunningham, Pierre Thirion, Moya Cunningham, Nazmy ElBeltagi, Michelle Leech, Application of ADEPT(a process for decision-making after pilot and feasibility trials) to a pilot geriatric oncology programme in radiation therapy, 16th Conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) , Milan, Italy, November 17-19, 2016 Poster, 2016

Ryan, E., O'Donovan, A. and Kenny, R.A.., The Behavioural And Emotional Outcomes Of Ageing Cancer Survivors In Ireland. Results From The Irish Longitudinal Study On Ageing., Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy Annual Conference, Dublin , Dublin , 8th October, 2016 Oral Presentation, 2016

E Ryan, A O'Donovan, RA Kenny, Behavioural and Emotional Outcomes of Cancer Survivors in Ireland. Results from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Psycho-Oncology, 25, (SP. S 3), 2016 Conference Paper, 2016

O'Donovan, A., Mohile, S. and Leech, M., Expert Consensus Panel Guidelines on Geriatric Assessment in Oncology, European Journal of Cancer Care, 24, (4), 2015, p574 - 589 Journal Article, 2015

Lalor, S.J.. and O'Donovan, A., Impact of Age on Participation in Randomised Trials for Lung Cancer Patients , 15th Conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) , Prague, 12th-14th November , 2015 Poster, 2015

O'Donovan, A., O'Herlihy, A. and Cunningham, M., Knowledge and Attitudes of Radiation Therapists and Radiation Therapy Students Towards Older People, Radiography, 21, (3), 2015, pe96 - e102 Journal Article, 2015 DOI

Irish Geriatric Oncology Group, Irish Geriatric Oncology Inaugural Meeting, March 28th, In:Irish Geriatric Oncology Meeting 2015, 2015, Dublin, Ireland Meetings /Conferences Organised, 2015 URL

O'Donovan, A., Guidelines for the Treatment of Older Cancer Patients: Task Forces of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology, ASCO Post, 6, (9), 2015 Review Article, 2015

Mohile, S.G., Verlardea, C., Hurria, A., Magnuson, A., Lowenstein, L., Pandya, C., O'Donovan, A., Gorawara-Bhat, R. and Dale, W., Geriatric Assessment-Guided Care Processes for Older Adults: A Delphi Consensus of Geriatric Oncology Experts, Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN), 13, (9), 2015 Journal Article, 2015 DOI

O'Donovan, A., Gillham, C., Cunningham, C., Thirion, P., Cunningham, M., El Beltagi, N. and Leech, M., Managing the Elderly in Radiotherapy using Geriatric assessmEnt (MERGE): A Pilot Geriatric Oncology Study, SPHeRE (Structured Population and Health-services Research Education)Network 1st Annual Conference, Dublin, Ireland, Friday 9th January, 2015 Conference Paper, 2015

O'Donovan, A. , A Blended Learning Approach to an Undergraduate Evidence-based Practice Project, Irish Network of Medical Educators (INMED) , Belfast, Ireland, February 21st , 2014 Oral Presentation, 2014

O'Donovan A, Leech M, Mohile S, EP-1367: An expert consensus panel on Geriatric Assessment (GA) in oncology, 111, 2014, ppS110 - S111 Conference Paper, 2014 URL DOI

O'Donovan, A., Coleman, M., Harris, R and Herst, P., Prophylaxis and Management of Acute Radiation-induced Skin Toxicity: A Survey of Practice Across Europe and the USA, European Journal of Cancer Care, 2014 Journal Article, 2014 DOI

Conaty,R., Ryan, L., Harper, D. , and O'Donovan, A., Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for Delivery Of Lung SBRT Through VMAT at St James's Hospital (SLRON), Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin , September 26th/27th, 2014 Poster, 2014

O'Donovan A, Gillham C, Cunningham C, Thirion P, Cunningham M, El Beltagi N and Leech M., Managing the elderly in radiotherapy using geriatric assessment (MERGE): A Pilot Geriatric Oncology Study., International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) 14th Annual Conference, Lisbon, Portugal, 23-25 October 2014, 2014 Conference Paper, 2014

Frain, F. and O'Donovan, A., Coverage of Cancer in the Irish Print Media, Health and Social Care Professions Conference, Dublin, Ireland, February , 2014 Poster, 2014

O'Donovan A, Gillham C, Cunningham C, Thirion P, Cunningham M, El Beltagi N and Leech M., Managing the elderly in radiotherapy using geriatric assessment (MERGE): A Pilot Geriatric Oncology Study., 9th International Cancer Conference, Dublin, 17-18 September 2014, 2014 Conference Paper, 2014

O'Connell, C., Cunningham, M and O'Donovan, A., Erectile Dysfunction in Prostate Cancer Patients; Knowledge Levels and Attitudes towards Information Provision by Healthcare Professionals, ESTRO 33, Vienna, Austria, April 3rd-8th , 2014 Poster, 2014

Mohile, S.Hurria, A. Velarde, C. Magnuson, A. O'Donovan, A. Dale, W, An Expert Consensus Panel on Geriatric Assessment Interventions in Oncology: the US Perspective, International Society of Geriatric Oncology annual conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, October, 2013 Conference Paper, 2013

Coleman, M. and O'Donovan, A., A Survey of Radiotherapy Skin Care Practice Across Europe and the USA, 2nd European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) Forum,, Geneva, Switzerland, April, 106, 2013, ppS105 Conference Paper, 2013 DOI

Gwiazda, S., Wiebe, M., Robinson, D., O'Donovan, A, P165: Knowledge and Attitudes of Trinity College Dublin Medical Students Towards Older People., International Society of Geriatric Oncology annual conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, October, 4, (1), 2013, ppS97- Poster, 2013 DOI

Joyce, M.B. and O'Donovan, A., Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes of NCHDs Towards Cognitive Assessment of Older Oncology Patients,, 61st Annual and Scientific Meeting of the Irish Gerontological Society, Dublin, Ireland, September , 2013 Poster, 2013

O'Donovan, A., Mohile, S. and Leech, M., Expert Consensus Panel on Geriatric Assessment Interventions in Oncology: the European Perspective, Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland, September, 2013 Conference Paper, 2013

McCarthy, J. and O'Donovan, A, Stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic radiation therapy in the management of brain metastases, Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland, September , 2013 Poster, 2013

O'Donovan, A., Mohile, S. and Leech, M., Expert Consensus Panel on Geriatric Assessment Interventions in Oncology: the European Perspective, Journal of Geriatric Oncology, International Society of Geriatric Oncology annual conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, October, 4, (1), 2013, ppS14 - S15 Oral Presentation, 2013 DOI

O'Donovan A., O'Shea E., O'Loughlin M., Hogan M., Mullaney L., Dempsey S., Moriarty M., McKenzie K., A randomised trial of the impact of an educational support group for prostate cancer patients, 8th Biennial ESTRO meeting on physics and Radiation Technology for Clinical Radiotherapy, Portugal, September , 2005 Oral Presentation, 2005

Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications

Anita O'Donovan, Management of Older Patients with Skin Cancer: Are we Overtreating?, ESTRO 2024, Glasgow, 7th May 2024, 2024 Invited Talk, 2024

Anita O'Donovan, Palliative Radiotherapy In Older And Frail Patients With Elements Of Geriatric Assessment, The Royal College of Radiologists Palliative Radiotherapy Study Day, March 13th, 2019 Invited Talk, 2019

Anita O'Donovan, Radiation Therapy in Older Adults with Cancer , Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) Masterclass Series, Dublin, Ireland, March 6th , 2019 Invited Talk, 2019

A. O'Donovan, Age Attuned Radiotherapy, European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) 37, Barcelona, Spain, 20th-24th April, 2018 Invited Talk, 2018

O'Donovan, A., Managing The Elderly In Radiotherapy Using Geriatric Assessment: 'MERGE', European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) Spring/Summer Magazine, 2017 Journal Article, 2017 URL

A. O'Donovan, Radiotherapy in Older Patients, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) Geriatric Medicine Training, Dublin, Ireland, November 18th, 2017 Invited Talk, 2017

Anita O'Donovan, Oncology of Later Life: New Horizons for the Radiation Therapist, Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy Annual Conference, Cork, Ireland, 7th October, 2017 Invited Talk, 2017

O'Donovan, A., Integrating Geriatric Medicine Principles into Oncology, Grand Rounds, Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK, March 17th, 2017 Invited Talk, 2017 URL

Anita O'Donovan, Integrating Geriatric Medicine Principles into Oncology, Royal College of Radiologists Annual Scientific Meeting, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland, 29th September, 2017 Invited Talk, 2017

A. O'Donovan, The Impact of Radiation Toxicity on Quality of Life of Older Patients, 16th Conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), Milan, Italy, November 17-19, 2016, SIOG Invited Talk, 2016 URL

O'Donovan, A., Geriatric Assessment for Cancer Patients, National Society for Medical Oncology in Romania (SNOMR) and Institute of Oncology Bucharest "Research in Medical Oncology and Palliative Care", Bucharest, Romania, 17th & 18th April, 2015, ESMO and MASCC Invited Talk, 2015 URL

O'Donovan, A., Geriatric Oncology Update, 14th Annual All Ireland Radiation Therapy Study Day, Trinity College Dublin, March 1st, 2014, Discipline of Radiation Therapy, Trinity College Dublin Invited Talk, 2014

A Blended Learning Approach to an Undergraduate Evidence-based Practice Module for Healthcare Students in, editor(s)Brown, S. , Learning, teaching and assessment in higher education: global perspectives, Macmillan International Higher Education, , 2014, [O'Donovan, A. and Leech, M.] Book Chapter, 2014

A O'Donovan, Geriatric assessment for older adults with cancer: An international delphi study/An Expert Consensus Panel on Geriatric Assessment Interventions in Oncology: The European Perspective, Journal of Geriatric Oncology, International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), Copenhagen, Denmark, November 2013, 4, (S14-S15), 2013 Conference Paper, 2013

O'Donovan, A. and Harper, D., 'Brachytherapy: Best Practice Guidelines', 2011, - Protocol or guideline, 2011

O'Donovan, A., Radiotherapy in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, Radiography Ireland, 14, (1), 2010, p20 - 23 Journal Article, 2010

O'Donovan A., O'Shea E., O'Loughlin M., Hogan M., Mullaney L., Dempsey S., Moriarty M., McKenzie K., , The Impact of an Educational Support Group for Prostate Cancer Patients, Radiography Ireland, 14, (1), 2010, p24 - 27 Journal Article, 2010

Research Expertise

Description

Geriatric Oncology;older cancer patient's experience and quality of life;survivorship care

Projects

  • Title
    • Care of the Older Radiotherapy Patient
  • Summary
    • Background and Purpose: Eleven per cent of Ireland's population is currently over the age of 65; this is projected to double to 1.4 million by 2040. Approximately 60% of all Irish cancer cases occur in the over 65 age group. According to Irish Cancer Society and National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) predictions, new cancer cases in Ireland could potentially double by 2040. Despite the body of evidence demonstrating the benefits of geriatric assessment, its adoption in oncology has not been widespread. Traditionally a multidisciplinary approach is required in Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in order to identify problems and develop a care plan appropriate to individual patients. However, it is well recognised that CGA is time consuming and expensive. How geriatric assessment can best be integrated into Oncology remains to be clarified. My research is focussed on integration of geriatric medicine principles in radiation therapy. Outcomes: To evaluate the impact of geriatric assessment on specified treatment oncological outcomes, such as the ability to impact treatment decisions, treatment tolerance and quality of life. Impact: Population ageing will have a profound effect on the healthcare system in Ireland in the coming years. This will be especially evident in Ireland, where there will be a predicted doubling in the proportion of the population over the age of 65. There is now an impetus in all aspects of elderly care, to put the necessary infrastructure in place to promote successful ageing. The provision of state-of-the-art oncology services is one such area.
  • Date From
    • July 2012
  • Date To
    • present
  • Title
    • Prostate Cancer Patient Survivorship ASPIRE Post CSCST Fellowship
  • Summary
    • The proposed ASPIRE Fellowship in Prostate cancer survivorship (ongoing) will comprise the acquisition of subspecialised clinical experience, knowledge and competency in the management of patients with prostate cancer focusing on the detection, evaluation and management of treatment-related sequelae and overall survivorship care. It will also evaluate and address unmet needs, in the specific Irish context and review the impact of existing guidelines on bone-health, including an audit of DEXA scans. A third component is the evaluation and implementation of frailty assessment tools in daily practice for patients aged 70 years and older. The overarching purpose of this programme of research is to provide more evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of older people with cancer.
  • Funding Agency
    • HSE

Recognition

Representations

Accreditation Council of Europe (ACOE) Councillor 2022 to present

European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ESTRO) Radiation Oncology Safety and Quality Committee (ROSQC) June 2016 to present

Member of Board and Executive Committee, International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) October 2014 to 2017

Member of Faculty SIOG Advanced Course in Geriatric Oncology November 2016 to present

CORU Radiographers Registration Board, nominated by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science January 2024 to present

Member of faculty ESTRO Course Non-melanoma Skin Cancer 2017 to present

Chair of the Membership and National Representatives Committee, International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) March 2014 to 2017

National Representative, International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) January 2013

National Radiation Therapy reviewer on the Radiography Qualifications Review Board February 2012 to 2015

Member of teaching faculty on the ESTRO Teaching course on Basic Treatment Planning. March 2012 to October 2013

Awards and Honours

TCD Provost Teaching Award 2016-17

Saint Luke's Prize 2002

Memberships

ESTRO member 2006 – present

Registered member of CORU 2014 – present

Cancer Trials Ireland – 2015 to present

IIRRT member 2008 – 2022

Member of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) July 2012 – present