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Factors Affecting Implementation of Radiological Protection Aspects of Imaging in Radiotherapy

Authors :
Colin John Martin
Sebastien Gros
Tomas Kron
Tim J. Wood
Jenia Vassileva
William Small
Ung Ngie Min
Source :
Applied Sciences, Vol 13, Iss 3, p 1533 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

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.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20763417
Volume :
13
Issue :
3
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Applied Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.091197c7b81448e2ae3a29bb39cc1f1e
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031533