Back Module: SPE158

Radiotherapy 2

Module information

Module details

Title
Radiotherapy 2
Type
Specialist
Module code
SPE158
Credits
30
Requirement
Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module provides the trainee with the knowledge that underpins the specialist rotation in Radiotherapy Physics in the third year of the MSc.

Brachytherapy

To develop the trainee’s knowledge and experience in planning and quality assurance associated with brachytherapy.

Computing Related to Radiotherapy

To provide the trainee with development and experience relating to a range of computer-based applications  within radiotherapy.

Work-based components

Submodules

Code Title Action
SPE158c3 Brachytherapy View
SPE158c4 Computing Related to Radiotherapy View

Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)

Important information

The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.

Learning outcomes

  1. Critically compare 3D dose calculation algorithms, their input requirements and the limitations of the methods employed.
  2. Discuss how to acquire beam data for commissioning a treatment planning system.
  3. Describe and evaluate a range of advanced treatment planning techniques.
  4. Discuss and critically appraise brachytherapy techniques and treatment planning.
  5. Describe a range of radiotherapy treatments using unsealed sources.
  6. Critically evaluate the role of imaging in radiotherapy treatment planning and delivery.
  7. Discuss and appraise the radiotherapy IT environment.

Indicative content

Imaging

  • The application, limitations and use of the following modalities in radiotherapy:
    • CT, including cone beam CT
    • MRI
    • PET/CT
    • SPECT/CT
    • simulation
    • CT simulation
    • verification imaging and imaging for IGRT
  • Reconstruction methods and image registration

Clinical

  • The harmful effects of radiotherapy
  • The accuracy and precision of planning and dosimetry based on ICRU and RCR recommendations
  • The commissioning process for new treatment techniques
  • Advanced radiotherapy techniques, including:
    • intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
    • IGRT
    • tomotherapy
    • 4D adaptive radiotherapy
    • proton beam therapy
    • emerging technologies
  • Patient immobilisation and shielding
  • Gating techniques

Brachytherapy and Unsealed Source Treatments

  • The scientific basis and radiobiology of the use of radioactive implants and unsealed source treatments in radiotherapy
  • After-loading and dosimetry equipment: application, quality assurance limitations and use
  • Brachytherapy dose calculation algorithms, input requirements and limitations of the methods
  • Unsealed and sealed source treatments, including preparation, administration, protection arrangements and decontamination
  • Record keeping for radioactive sources

Treatment Planning

  • 3D dose algorithms, their limitations and use
  • Beam data requirements for a treatment planning system
  • Forward and inverse IMRT treatment planning
  • Treatment plans for a range of complex conditions, including total body irradiation and total skin electron treatment

Technical

  • The commissioning process for new equipment with reference to:
    • LINACs, orthovoltage and other treatment machines
    • treatment planning systems
    • imaging equipment
  • Radiotherapy IT and networking:
    • virtual simulation
    • verification software
    • oncology patient management systems
    • networking and the network environment
    • system management, configuration control and software release
    • interoperability, DICOM RT, HL7 and messaging standards
    • links to hospital administration systems
    • legislative framework for IT, data protection
  • Regulatory standards including IEC601 and the Medical Devices Directive as applied to software

Clinical experiences

Important information

Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.

Activities

Brachytherapy

  • Follow the progress of the patient from referral to the end of treatment and reflect on your learning from this process. 

It is also recommended that trainees undertake the following clinical experiential learning: 

  • Produce a case-based study of a complex planning technique used in the local department – to include evaluation of the technique in terms of its applicability, effectiveness and benefits to patient treatment.
  • Evaluate the local arrangements for source security and safety management.
  • Discuss the importance, application and relevance of routine quality assurance to patient care and treatment.

Computing Related to Radiotherapy

  • Review software or hardware upgrade processes or introduction of new information communication technologies (ICT) procedures – to include evaluation of the technique in terms of its applicability, effectiveness and benefits to patient treatment.
  • Produce an example diagram of network configuration in radiotherapy. Present and discuss its use and application in terms of improvements in the context of patient treatment.
  • Participate in the upgrade or commissioning of ICT systems in radiotherapy.
  • Undertake routine quality assurance of ICT systems in radiotherapy.
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