5C03-Commissioning and Quality Assurance of Computerized Treatment Planning

Systems

TQ16-Commissioning and Quality Assurance of Computerized Treatment

Planning Systems

 

Jacob  Van Dyk, MSc

Clinical Physics

London Regional Cancer Centre

790 Commissioners Rd E

London, ON  N6A 4L6

CANADA

 

Recent years have seen a technological revolution in radiation oncology. Enhanced use of imaging combined with computer-controlled methods of dose delivery provides the capability of escalating tumor doses without increasing morbidity. A pivotal component of this modern technology is the computerized radiation treatment planning system (RTPS) which is used to develop the optimal treatment technique. Modern treatment planning systems make increased use of images, possibly from various imaging modalities, enhanced 3-D displays, more sophisticated dose calculation algorithms, more complex treatment plan evaluation tools, combined with the generation of images which can be used for treatment verification. In addition, the implementation of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has added a further complexity to the RTPS and this is combined with automated optimization routines which are essential if IMRT is going to be used to its best advantage. A thorough commissioning of a modern 3-D RTPS has become a daunting task. This refresher course will review issues associated with the commissioning and quality assurance of a modern RTPS. The specific objectives of this review are:

1. To review the major functionality of a modern radiation therapy planning system.

2. To describe generic quality assurance (QA) concepts.

3. To provide an overview of commissioning a modern RTPS.

4. To provide an overview of the QA associated with a modern TPS.