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2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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RTH 201 - Radiation Therapy Principles & Procedures 2


Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Prerequisites: RTH 102 , RTH 120C  
Co-requisites: RTH 202C  

Description
This course provides advanced concepts in the practice of radiation therapy.  Photon calculations and dose distributions, advanced therapeutic procedures, quality improvement procedures and imaging in radiation therapy are examined.  This course requires a per credit health career fee; check the tuition and fee schedule for current rates.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

  1. Differentiate dosimetry terms and concepts for isocentric and nonisocentric calculations.
  2. Analyze the need for percentage depth dose, tissue-air ration, tissue-phantom ration and tissue-maximum ratio tables.
  3. Evaluate the differences in calculation models for isocentric and non-isocentric calculations.
  4. Compare the concepts of and calculate equivalent square, weighted fields, geometric gap, Mayneord’s F factor and dose to points of interest.
  5. Relate the nature and characteristics of isodose distributions of single photon fields with combinations of multiple fields used to produce cumulative isodose distributions.
  6. Differentiate treatment planning concepts and definitions for target volumes, organs at risk (OARs) and margins to account for uncertainties.
  7. Evaluate the rationale for three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).
  8. Compare and contrast imaging techniques used in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).
  9. Examine advanced therapeutic procedures to determine applications for use.
  10. Investigate current quality assurance and improvement standards for clinical radiation therapy.
  11. Research applications of targeted therapy for multimodality treatments.
Listed Topics
  1. Photon beam dosimetry concepts such as output, depth, scatter factors, equivalent square and inverse square law
  2. Tissue absorption factors: percentage depth dose, tissue-air ratio, tissue-phantom ratio, and tissue-maximum ratio
  3. Separation of adjacent fields
  4. Weighted field
  5. Mayneord’s F factor for extended distances
  6. Percentage depth dose curves for photon beams
  7. Photon beam profiles
  8. Isodose distributions
  9. Wedged techniques and wedge effect
  10. Heterogeneity corrections
  11. Therapeutic ratio
  12. Inverse planning and forward planning
  13. Treatment planning techniques: 3D, IMRT, VMAT, stereotactic
  14. Treatment planning volumes: gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical tumor volume (CTV), internal target volume (ITV), planning target volume (PTV)
  15. Digitally reconstructed radiograph
  16. Dose volume histogram
  17. Dose wash
Reference Materials
Required textbooks, scientific calculator
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning
Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 2/10/2023
Last Reviewed: 2/10/2023


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