AAPM Task Group 198 Report: An implementation guide for TG 142 quality assurance of medical accelerators

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Task Group 142 (TG 142) provides recommendations for quality assurance (QA) testing in radiation therapy.
• There is a need for detailed procedural guidelines, resource estimation, and standardized QA forms to implement TG 142 recommendations effectively.
• The increasing adoption of advanced techniques like volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) necessitates updated or expanded QA protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop specific procedural guidelines for executing TG 142 recommended tests.
• To estimate the time, personnel, and qualifications required for TG 142 tests.
• To provide sample quality assurance (QA) forms for daily, weekly, monthly, and annual use, and to incorporate VMAT-specific tests.

Main Methods:

• Guidelines were compiled from existing literature where available.
• Test methods were developed based on the expert experience of the task group members when literature was lacking.
• New tests and criteria specific to volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) were developed and included due to its widespread clinical use.

Main Results:

• Comprehensive procedural guidelines for TG 142 tests have been established.
• Estimates for testing duration, required personnel, and necessary qualifications are provided.
• Sample QA forms and VMAT-specific testing protocols are presented.

Conclusions:

• This report offers practical resources to facilitate the implementation of TG 142 quality assurance recommendations.
• The inclusion of VMAT-specific guidance addresses the needs of modern radiation therapy practices.
• The provided guidelines and forms aim to enhance the efficiency and consistency of radiation therapy QA programs.