Physics: Protons and Heavy Ions
The well-defined range of a particle therapy beam may allow users to create a more targeted radiation dose distribution than is possible from an x-ray beam, but careful application of particle beams requires consideration of several uncertainties that are relatively trivial in photon therapy. This presentation describes some of the chief differences between particle therapy and x-ray treatments, including robust optimization, consideration of tumor depth during image guidance, off-line plan verification and adaptation, and attention to biologic dose. Some emerging trends in particle therapy is also discussed, such as the development of online adaptive proton therapy and progress toward the first heavy ion therapy facility in the United States.
Quality assurance is crucial for new and rapidly evolving technologies, such as proton and heavy ion radiation therapy, which require accurate application to be effective.
In this session, the critical role of peer review audits in particle therapy is demonstrated, underscoring their importance in ensuring the accuracy and safety of cancer treatments. Peer review audits serve as a vital checkpoint, catching potential errors in treatment planning and delivery that could otherwise compromise patient (and clinical trial) outcomes. Several real-world examples of particle therapy treatment planning and delivery errors identified through peer review audits is presented, illustrating the types of issues that can arise and the impact of these audits in catching and correcting them. Additionally, practical techniques for rectifying such errors is shared, providing valuable insights for practitioners.
Target Audience
The meeting is designed to meet the interests of practicing radiation oncologists, radiation oncology residents, medical and clinical physicists, radiation therapists, radiation dosimetrists, nurses and all other health professionals involved in the field of radiation oncology.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to do the following:
- Explain the different sources of uncertainties unique to proton therapy.
- Describe a workflow for online adaptive proton therapy.
- Identify the physical and biological advantages of heavy ion therapy.
- Describe the goal of peer review quality assurance.
- Explain the types of peer review audits and the radiation dosimetry employed.
- Identify common errors caught in particle therapy peer review audits.
Planning Committee Disclosures
The person(s) above served as the developer(s) of this activity. Additionally, ASTRO Education Committee had control over the content of this activity.
All relevant relationships have been mitigated.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education for physicians. ASTRO designates this for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 1.00 Certificate of AttendanceThis activity was designated for 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.