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:

Differentiate dosimetry terms and concepts for isocentric and nonisocentric calculations.
Analyze the need for percentage depth dose, tissue-air ration, tissue-phantom ration and tissue-maximum ratio tables.
Evaluate the differences in calculation models for isocentric and non-isocentric calculations.
Compare the concepts of and calculate equivalent square, weighted fields, geometric gap, Mayneord’s F factor and dose to points of interest.
Relate the nature and characteristics of isodose distributions of single photon fields with combinations of multiple fields used to produce cumulative isodose distributions.
Differentiate treatment planning concepts and definitions for target volumes, organs at risk (OARs) and margins to account for uncertainties.
Evaluate the rationale for three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).
Compare and contrast imaging techniques used in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).
Examine advanced therapeutic procedures to determine applications for use.
Investigate current quality assurance and improvement standards for clinical radiation therapy.
Research applications of targeted therapy for multimodality treatments.

Listed Topics

Photon beam dosimetry concepts such as output, depth, scatter factors, equivalent square and inverse square law
Tissue absorption factors: percentage depth dose, tissue-air ratio, tissue-phantom ratio, and tissue-maximum ratio
Separation of adjacent fields
Weighted field
Mayneord’s F factor for extended distances
Percentage depth dose curves for photon beams
Photon beam profiles
Isodose distributions
Wedged techniques and wedge effect
Heterogeneity corrections
Therapeutic ratio
Inverse planning and forward planning
Treatment planning techniques: 3D, IMRT, VMAT, stereotactic
Treatment planning volumes: gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical tumor volume (CTV), internal target volume (ITV), planning target volume (PTV)
Digitally reconstructed radiograph
Dose volume histogram
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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RTH 201 - Radiation Therapy Principles & Procedures 2