Factors affecting implementation of radiological protection aspects of imaging in radiotherapy

Martin, C. J., Gros, S., Kron, T., Wood, T. J., Vassileva, J., Small, W. and Min, U. N. (2023) Factors affecting implementation of radiological protection aspects of imaging in radiotherapy. Applied Sciences, 13(3), 1533. (doi: 10.3390/app13031533)

Abstract

Dramatic improvements in radiotherapy equipment have allowed radiation fields to be conformed to tumours for more accurate treatment. Successful delivery often requires imaging at every treatment fraction, a method known as image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). But increased X-ray imaging exposes patients to doses that carry risks of inducing second cancers in normal tissues. Therefore, reductions in high-dose treatment margins achieved with IGRT must be balanced against detriments from greater imaging doses. ICRP Task Group 116 has been set up to prepare guidance on radiological protection aspects of IGRT. Factors affecting the optimization of radiological protection are the modalities used, the frequency of imaging, the image acquisition parameters influencing image quality and radiation dose, and the volume of normal tissue included in the images. The Task Group has undertaken two projects: (1) a snapshot survey of radiotherapy imaging practices across six continents, which has shown that use of kV cone beam CT (CBCT) increases with Human Development Index for the country; and (2) a project looking at ways for measuring CBCT doses that could be applied more widely. The results highlight the need for raising awareness of imaging doses, and development of the dose quantities displayed on imaging equipment used in radiotherapy.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Image guided radiation therapy, cone beam CT, radiotherapy planning, imaging in radiotherapy, imaging dose.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Martin, Dr Colin
• Authors: Martin, C. J., Gros, S., Kron, T., Wood, T. J., Vassileva, J., Small, W., and Min, U. N.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Applied Sciences
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2076-3417
• ISSN (Online): 2076-3417
• Published Online: 24 January 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Applied Sciences 13(3): 1533
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License