Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.2478/10004-1254-62-2011-2103
Survey of Equipment Quality Control in Radiotherapy Centres in Croatia: First Results
Slaven Jurković
; University Hospital Rijeka, Radiotherapy Department, Rijeka, Croatia
Ana Diklić
; University Hospital Rijeka, Radiotherapy Department, Rijeka, Croatia
Mladen Kasabašić
; University Hospital Osijek, Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Osijek, Croatia
Đeni Smilović Radojčić
; University Hospital Rijeka, Radiotherapy Department, Rijeka, Croatia
Manda Švabić
; University Hospital Rijeka, Radiotherapy Department, Rijeka, Croatia
Ana Ivković
; University Hospital Osijek, Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Osijek, Croatia
Dario Faj
; University Hospital Osijek, Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Osijek, Croatia
Abstract
Implementation of advanced radiation therapy techniques in clinical practice can greatly improve tumour control and normal tissue sparing. An important part of this implementation is quality control (QC) of every part of the radiotherapy process, as it helps to detect errors and provides instant remedy. This increases the probability of successful radiation treatment and ensures patient radiation safety. Every radiotherapy quality assurance (QA) programme is based on quality control of radiotherapy equipment. The aim of our survey was to review QC practices in a number of radiotherapy centres in Croatia. As a fi rst step, we defi ned a set of tests to check different parameters of linear accelerators and simulators in these centres.
The tests were defi ned and performed according to protocols developed at two university hospitals. Test results varied largely between the centres. This calls for harmonisation of QC protocols.
Keywords
linear accelerator; mechanical accuracy; quality assurance; radiation accuracy; radiation therapy
Hrčak ID:
71778
URI
Publication date:
23.9.2011.
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