Training activity information
Details
Review the choice of pre-treatment imaging modalities for a selection of patients
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Diagnostic versus radiotherapy imaging
- Role of functional imaging in treatment planning
- Use of different imaging modalities in radiotherapy planning including image fusion
- Advantages and disadvantages of different imaging modalities used for RT treatment planning
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the different pre-treatment imaging modalities commonly used in radiotherapy planning?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of each modality in terms of anatomical detail, functional information, and registration with the treatment planning CT?
- What factors influence the choice of imaging modality for different tumour sites and treatment techniques?
In action
- As you review the patient cases, are you considering why specific imaging modalities (e.g., CT, MRI, PET) were chosen for pre-treatment planning?
- Are you evaluating the adequacy of the chosen imaging for target and organ at risk delineation?
- Are you considering if alternative imaging modalities might have provided additional or better information?
On action
- For the patient cases you reviewed, what pre-treatment imaging modalities were used? What were the apparent reasons for these choices?
- What did you learn about the role of different imaging modalities (e.g., CT, MRI, PET) in radiotherapy planning?
- Were there any cases where you questioned the choice of imaging?
- How will this review impact your understanding of pre-treatment imaging selection?
- What further knowledge about different imaging modalities would be beneficial?
Beyond action
- With more experience in radiotherapy planning, do you now have a clearer understanding of why specific pre-treatment imaging modalities were chosen for the patients you reviewed? Have you encountered cases where the choice of imaging significantly impacted the treatment plan?
- How has your understanding of the strengths and limitations of different imaging modalities (CT, MRI, PET) in the context of radiotherapy planning developed?
- How have your insights into pre-treatment imaging selection contributed to your involvement in multidisciplinary team meetings or the development of departmental imaging protocols?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 5 |
Outcome
Explain and critically analyse the use of pre-treatment and on-treatment imaging within radiotherapy. |