Quality assurance procedures for stereotactic body radiation therapy

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Radiosurgery

Background:

• Cranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) are established treatments using head frames for precise targeting.
• Fractionated SRT utilizes noninvasive immobilization, but quality assurance (QA) for extracranial applications is less developed.
• Existing QA procedures for intracranial stereotactic irradiation are partially adapted for extracranial SRT.

Framework:

• Addresses the need for robust QA in extracranial stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
• Highlights unique QA challenges specific to extracranial irradiation compared to cranial procedures.
• Acknowledges the variety of SBRT methodologies, including image-guided frameless systems and body frame systems.

Implementation:

• Discusses the adaptation of QA procedures from cranial SRS/SRT to extracranial SRT.
• Emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the geometric accuracy between planning imaging and treatment delivery.
• Proposes generic QA approaches applicable to diverse SBRT methodologies.

Implications:

• Aims to improve the safety and efficacy of extracranial stereotactic radiotherapy.
• Facilitates the standardization and development of QA protocols for SBRT.
• Enhances the reliability of image-guided radiation therapy in non-cranial sites.