ACR-ASTRO Practice Parameter for the Performance of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) involves delivering high-dose radiation in 5 or fewer fractions to extracranial targets.
• Standardization of SBRT practices is crucial due to its complex nature and increasing use.
• The American College of Radiology (ACR) and American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) collaborated to address this need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and revise a practice parameter for the performance of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).
• To provide guidance for safe and appropriate SBRT treatment and patient care.
• To establish a framework for the medical physics aspects of SBRT.

Main Methods:

• Revision of the ACR-ASTRO Practice Parameter for SBRT performance.
• Development of a separate technical standard for SBRT medical physics.
• Collaboration between the ACR Committee on Practice Parameters and ASTRO.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive practice parameter addressing workflow, personnel qualifications, specifications, documentation, quality control, simulation, treatment, and follow-up was created.
• A dedicated technical standard for the medical physics of SBRT was developed.
• The practice parameter was reviewed and approved by both ACR and ASTRO.

Conclusions:

• The practice parameter serves as a vital resource for practitioners delivering SBRT.
• It aims to ensure patient safety and treatment appropriateness in SBRT.
• The document will undergo periodic review and revision to keep pace with evolving SBRT technologies and techniques.