MO-D-BRCD-01: Overview of Clinical Dosimetry and Quality Assurance in Proton Therapy

An overview of current status of clinical proton dosimetry is presented. Absolute dosimetry in proton beams using IAEA TRS 398 and ICRU 59 dosimetry protocols is presented. An overview of the use of various detectors for proton therapy beam characterization is presented including Ion Chambers for point measurements, Multi-Layer Ionization Chambers (MLICs) for percentage depth dose (PDD) measurements, and other types of detectors such as TLDs and diodes. The use of ID and 2D commercial arrays for routine dosimetry for performing daily output, range verification, symmetry, and flatness is also presented. Some of the challenges in the design and performance of certain detectors related to LET quenching effects is discussed. The use of film (radiographic and radiochromic) for various beam QA tasks is discussed. Current status and prospects of 3D dosimetry for particle therapy is also presented. Specific challenges in quality assurance with certain beam delivery technologies are also discussed such as pencil beams, scattered beams, and uniform scanning beams. Proton machine QA checks such as daily, monthly, and annual QA, as well as patient specific proton beam QA are presented.

1. Understand proton beam dosimetry protocols 2. Familiarization with proton dosimetry tools and their limitation 3. Understand the challenges and procedures in proton therapy QA.