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Program Information

Foundations of Radiation Physics: External Beam Radiation Therapy Quality Assurance


Stephen Kry

S Kry1*, F Yin2*, Y Xiao3*, (1) MD Anderson Cancer Ctr., Houston, TX, (2) Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, (3) Thomas Jefferson Univ Hospital, Philadelphia, PA

SU-B-Salon EF-1 Sunday 10:00:00 AM - 12:00:00 PM Room: Salon EF

This session will cover three aspects of external beam therapy, focusing on quality assurance.

1) TG-142: Quality assurance of medical accelerators
2) Flattening-filter free c-arm linear accelerators
3) Volumetric modulated arc therapy

The first section will review the principles of conducting QA for linear accelerators and discuss topics related to the execution of QA tasks, such as measurement parameters, measurement method, frequencies, tolerances, actions, documentation, measurement tools, staff and effort. Examples of TG-142 QA implementation in a specific institution will be illustrated. Limitations of TG-142 and challenges will be discussed as well.

The second section will provide a technological review of flattening filter free beams. It will also cover acceptance testing, commissioning, and periodic quality assurance for these beams. Finally, clinical applications and limitations of flattening filter free beams will be highlighted.

The third section will discuss acceptance testing and commissioning for VMAT. It will also address routine quality assurance procedures for VMAT, including machine specific and patient specific QA. Finally, it will discuss issues relating to VMAT implementation in a clinical environment, including identifying when VMAT may improve efficiency, as well as limitations and cautions in treatment planning and the delivery process when VMAT technology is utilized.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the principle and content of TG-142, as well as a strategy and methodology of implementing the recommendations in this report.
2. Understand the limitations of TG 142
3. Understand the techniques and challenges of commissioning and maintaining flattening-filter free beams.
4. Understand the process of implementing a VMAT program
5. Understand the clinical strengths and weaknesses of FFF and VMAT techniques.



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