IOMP School on Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)

When: 5-8 October 2024 (preceding AOCMP/SEACOMP2024)

Where: National Cancer Institute, Putrajaya, Malaysia

Aimed at: Medical Physicists from LMI countries

Objectives:  Understanding of IMRT, including planning, delivery, associated technologies, professional and quality assurance considerations

Registration: USD100

Programme: Download the IOMP School on IMRT Programme

Submit your EOI: https://forms.gle/eELdwU29hC8Z12KKA

The main objective of the course is around specific treatment planning IMRT techniques as well as patient specific quality assurance (QA) for common cancers in the region, specifically: prostate, breast, head and neck, brain and lung.

1. Introduction to IMRT

1. • Understand the basic principles of IMRT from physics and radiobiology point of view (including QA, multileaf collimators and treatment planning algorithms, organs at risk)
   • Understand the principles of patient immobilization and imaging for IMRT.
   • Understand and perform practical tasks of IMRT patient plan QA on a linear accelerator.
   • Apply digital imaging concepts to treatment verification, including image matching.

2. Introduction to Cancer and Cancer-Specific IMRT:

1. • Review the epidemiology, pathology, and main treatment approaches for prostate, breast, head and neck, brain and lung cancers.
   • Perform tasks related to radiation therapy IMRT planning, for prostate, breast, head and neck, brain and lung cancers.

• Develop treatment plans optimizing tumour control while minimizing toxicity.

1. • Discuss dose and fractionation principles and apply radiobiology knowledge to treatment planning.

• Implement quality assurance protocols for dose calculation and verification using 2D/3D phantoms and a linear accelerator.

3. Documentation and Technical Skills:

1. • Learn proper treatment chart documentation and QA documentation and reporting.
   • Identify equipment used in radiation therapy planning and delivery and QA.

4. Advanced Treatment Techniques:

1. • Understand the principles of volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) and stereotactic ablative body therapy (SABR) – Introductory level.
   • Relate the principles of emerging technologies in radiation therapy, including new advancements in treatment methods.

5. Radiation Safety, Ethics and Professional Practice:

1. • Act ethically, professionally, and in a safe manner adhering to relevant codes of conduct, radiation safety guidelines, and legislation.
   • Apply principles of radiation safety in the therapy department.
   • Understand management processes related to legalities, information management, incident reporting, and quality assurance programs.

6. Clinical Skills Development:

1. • Operate effectively as a responsible practitioner, performing IMRT procedures, including treatment planning and patient specific and linear accelerator QA.
   • Demonstrate beginning-level IMRT treatment planning skills and knowledge.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a comprehensive understanding of intensity modulated radiotherapy, including its planning, delivery, and associated technologies, along with the ethical, professional, and quality assurance considerations essential for effective clinical practice.