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Jul 26, 2024
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RTH 213 - Radiation Therapy 2
Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours
Prerequisites: RTH 203 , RTH 204C
Co-requisites: RTH 214C
Description
In this course students examine dosimetry concepts, dose calculations, isodose distributions, field parameters and fractionation schedules for treatment delivery. Treatment planning techniques and approaches for various anatomical structures are investigated. Dosimetry concepts and fractionation schedules are applied in multiple scenarios to demonstrate maximum efficiency for tumor control outcomes. Tolerance doses of organs at risk (OARs) are examined and planning strategies are evaluated to minimize tissue consequences. This course requires a per credit health career fee; check the tuition and fee schedule for the current rate.
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 ratio, tissue-phantom ratio and tissue-maximum ration tables.
- Explain the effect on the treatment time calculations with the use of wedge filters, compensators and blocking trays.
- Calculate monitor units given radiation therapy prescription information for isocentric and non-isocentric calculations.
- Perform advanced dosimetry calculations such as extended field distances using Mayneord’s F factor.
- Differentiate the characteristics of percentage depth dose curves, beam profiles and isodose distributions for single photon beams.
- Compare and contrast single isodose distributions vs. multi-field isodose distributions.
- Examine the advantages and disadvantages of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for treatment planning.
- Identify dose tolerances for various organs and critical structures.
- Analyze a dose volume histogram for the planning target volume and critical structure doses
- Distinguish characteristics of an electron beam isodose distribution compared to a photon beam isodose distribution.
- Describe radiation therapy treatment planning approaches to maximize dose to various anatomical regions of the body while limiting dose to OARs.
- Design field parameters for various anatomical regions of the body.
Listed Topics
- Photon beam dosimetry concepts: 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 fields
- 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-CRT, 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
- OARs and tolerance doses
- Dose wash
- Electron beam isodose distributions
- Standard field borders
Reference Materials
Required textbooks, power point handouts, miscellaneous handouts, 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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