In Vivo Dosimetry in UK External Beam Radiotherapy: Current and future usage.

In Vivo Dosimetry in UK External Beam Radiotherapy: Current and future usage.

Br J Radiol. 2017 Feb 16;:20160915

Authors: MacDougall ND, Graveling M, Hansen VN, Brownsword K, Morgan A

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Towards Safer Radiotherapy (1) recommended that radiotherapy centres should have protocols in place for in vivo dosimetry (IVD) monitoring at the beginning of patient treatment courses. This report determines IVD implementation in the UK in 2014, the methods used and makes recommendations on future use.
METHODS: Evidence from peer-reviewed journals was used in conjunction with the first survey of UK radiotherapy centres' IVD practice since the publication of TSRT. In March 2014, profession specific questionnaires were sent to radiographer, clinical oncologist and physics staff groups in each of the 66 UK radiotherapy centres.
RESULTS: Response rates from each group were 74%, 45% and 74% respectively. 73% of radiotherapy centres indicated that they performed IVD. Diodes are the most popular IVD device. TLD is still in use in a number of centres but not as a sole modality, being used in conjunction with diodes and/or EPID. The use of EPID dosimetry is increasing and is considered of most potential value for both geometric and dosimetric verification.
CONCLUSIONS: Due to technological advances, such as electronic data transfer, independent MU checking and daily IGRT, the overall risk of adverse treatment events in radiotherapy has been substantially reduced. However, the use of IVD may prevent a serious radiation incident. Point dose IVD is not considered suited to the requirements of verifying advanced radiotherapy techniques, leaving EPID dosimetry as the current modality likely to be developed as a future standard. Advances in knowledge: Updated perspective on UK IVD use. Provision of professional guidelines for future implementation.

PMID: 28205452 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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