ACR-ASTRO Practice Parameter for Image-guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) enhances radiation accuracy.
• IGRT aims to optimize radiation delivery to targets while sparing normal tissues.
• Developed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a practice parameter for the appropriate application of IGRT.
• To guide the clinical implementation of IGRT, including personnel, QA, indications, and documentation.
• To address best practices for effective IGRT use, considering increased imaging data.

Main Methods:

• Joint development of the practice parameter by ACR and ASTRO.
• Revision process followed ACR guidelines for practice parameter development.
• Document reviewed and approved by both ACR and ASTRO.

Main Results:

• The practice parameter serves as a tool for appropriate IGRT application.
• It addresses key aspects of clinical implementation: personnel qualifications, quality assurance, indications, and documentation.
• Focuses on principles for effective IGRT use, especially with advanced imaging.

Conclusions:

• The parameter guides clinical use of IGRT, not site-specific directives.
• Emphasizes assessing the clinical benefit and necessity of imaging modalities and IGRT frequency per patient.
• Promotes best practices for optimizing radiation therapy accuracy and reliability.