RDTH 241 - Treatment Planning

1. Understand irregular field calculations.
2. Use contours to input correct reference points.
3. Transfer CT data into with correct patient orientation and proper labeling of files.
4. Identify and use basic 2D/3D treatment planning tools to set-up the patient for dose calculation.
5. Perform a four, six and arced field set-up on a prostate case while not overdosing the small bowel or rectum as evaluated using a dose volume histogram (DVH) and a trial comparison window.
6. Calculate a pelvis, lung, breast, H & N, and Hodgkin’s case identifying the reasons for choosing one method over the other.
7. Explain the reasons for choosing 6MV or 18MV for a given lung field.
8. Compare and contrast a 2D vs. 3D ap/pa lung plan.
9. Properly measure and record the max spinal cord dose using a composite plan, DVH menu, and normal tissue complication probability function.
10. Diagram and describe the geometry of a breast tangent set-up.
11. Design compensators and use wedges to avoid a hot spot on the nipple or inframammary fold while covering the breast with the highest isodose line possible.
12. Manipulate a match line between the tangent and supraclavicular fields.
13. Describe the procedure for setting up and calculating an electron breast boost.
14. Properly identify, contour, and know the dose limits for critical structures commonly found in H&N fields.
15. Explain common concerns in choosing the placement of the isocenter and designing of blocks in an H&N set-up.
16. Plan an H&N case obtaining a homogeneous dose distribution using compensators and/or wedges.
17. Analyze the complexities and reasons for using a BID H&N regimen as opposed to a standard single fraction schedule.
18. Thoroughly write-up instructions for a H&N treatment including proper recording of critical structure and planning target volume total doses.
19. Describe the basic concepts of such advanced dosimetric specialties as stereotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy, total body irradiation, intensity modulated radio.

• Treatment planning of the following structures is covered:
• Pelvis Lung Breast
• Head and neck
• Hodgkin’s Mantle
• Stereotactic and Conformal Therapy
• Brachytherapy
• TBI, IMRT and Proton Therapy

 
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)