39374 - Radiotherapy Equipment

Learning outcomes

Students learn the fundamental principles of radiation therapy equipment (LINAC, cobalt therapy, X-ray therapy) and radiation protection. They will learn about the use of ionizing radiation in radiation therapy, the LINAC and other external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy equipment, verification systems and patient positioning, the analysis of positioning errors, quality control, and two-dimensional dosimetric verification. They will also learn about the main dose measurement instruments used in radiation therapy.

Course contents

Introduction to Modern Radiation Therapy:

Historical development, role of the Radiation Therapist, organization of a radiation therapy department, patient flow.

Physical Principles of the Equipment:

Production of photons and electrons, energies, basic dosimetry, main components of a LINAC.

Linear Accelerator (LINAC):

Accelerator structure, electron gun, waveguide, magnetron/klystron, collimation, MLC, imaging systems, robotic treatment table, operational workflow.

Simulation and imaging systems:

Simulator CT, immobilization, lasers, SGRT systems, CBCT, 2D/3D imaging, image registration

Treatment techniques:

3DCRT, IMRT, VMAT, SRS/SBRT, Total Body Irradiation, Total Skin Irradiation, electron therapy.

Other equipment:

Tomotherapy, CyberKnife, Gamma Knife, proton therapy (principles and comparison).

Quality assurance and safety:

Daily, monthly, and annual QA, IEC, IAEA, patient safety, error management, radiation protection.

 

Readings/Bibliography

DI

Handouts, lecture notes;

Lectures and exercises.

AAPM TG Reports.

Radiation Therapy Essentials

H. Washington, D. Leaver

Students with learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities: It is recommended that you contact the relevant university office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) well in advance: The office will propose any necessary accommodations to the students concerned; however, these must be submitted for approval by the instructor at least 15 days in advance, and the instructor will evaluate their appropriateness, taking into account the course’s learning objectives.

Teaching methods

Slides, software for specific applications.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment takes place through a final oral exam, which evaluates the acquisition of the expected knowledge and skills.


The total duration of the exam is, on average, 30 minutes.


Final Grade Scale (taking both modules into account):


18–24: Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course and the ability to conduct independent analysis only on purely practical issues; expression is not always rigorous;


25–29: Knowledge of the topics covered in the course, the ability to make independent critical analyses, and correct use of specific terminology;


30–30L: The student’s attainment of a critical understanding of the topics covered and demonstration of mastery of expression and scientific language will be evaluated with grades of excellence.

Teaching tools

PC, video, software and laboratory instruments

Office hours

See the website of Claudia Testa