Radiation Oncology—Guidelines
Faculty of Radiation Oncology Position Paper on the use of Image–Guided Radiation Therapy
Albert Tiong,
Louis Lao,
James MacKean,
Madhavi Goonetilleke,
Tomas Kron,
Corresponding Author
Albert Tiong
Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Correspondence
Dr Albert Tiong, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Locked Bag 1, A'Beckett Street, Melbourne, Vic. 8006, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorLouis Lao
Department of Radiation Oncology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland Radiation Oncology, Auckland, New Zealand
University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorJames MacKean
Genesis Cancer Care Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorMadhavi Goonetilleke
Department of Radiation Oncology, Townsville Cancer Centre, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorTomas Kron
Department of Medical Physics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAlbert Tiong,
Louis Lao,
James MacKean,
Madhavi Goonetilleke,
Tomas Kron,
Corresponding Author
Albert Tiong
Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Correspondence
Dr Albert Tiong, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Locked Bag 1, A'Beckett Street, Melbourne, Vic. 8006, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorLouis Lao
Department of Radiation Oncology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland Radiation Oncology, Auckland, New Zealand
University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorJames MacKean
Genesis Cancer Care Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorMadhavi Goonetilleke
Department of Radiation Oncology, Townsville Cancer Centre, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorTomas Kron
Department of Medical Physics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorA Tiong MBBS, MAppEpi, FRANZCR; L Lao MB ChB, FRANZCR; J MacKean MBBS, FRANZCR; M Goonetilleke MBBS, MD, MPH, FRANZCR; T Kron PhD.
Conflict of interest: No conflicts of interest.
Summary
The development of technology such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) and stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) has resulted in highly conformal radiotherapy treatments. While such technology has allowed for improved dose delivery, it has also meant that improved accuracy in the treatment room is required. Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), the use of imaging prior to or during treatment delivery, has been shown to improve the accuracy of treatment delivery and in some circumstances, clinical outcomes. Allied with the adoption of highly conformal treatments, there is a need for stringent quality assurance processes in a multidisciplinary environment. In 2015, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologist (RANZCR) updated its position paper on IGRT. The draft document was distributed through the membership of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology (FRO) for review and the final version was endorsed by the board of FRO. This article describes issues that radiotherapy departments throughout Australia and New Zealand should consider. It outlines the role of IGRT and reviews current clinical evidence supporting the benefit of IGRT in genitourinary, head and neck, and lung cancers. It also highlights important international publications which provide guidance on implementation and quality assurances for IGRT. A set of key recommendations are provided to guide safe and effective IGRT implementation and practice in the Australian and New Zealander context.
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