Image guided radiotherapy using kV and MV imaging presented a marked benefit to the patient in ensuring therapeutic dose was being delivered correctly. The advent of MRI in radiotherapy presents a transformative improvement in the ability to treat precisely and adaptively in real time. Three MRI linacs are in clinical use across Australia, from Townsville Hospital in Queensland to St. Vincent’s Hospital in NSW and the Austin in Victoria, and it is anticipated that these numbers will increase.
The aim of the MRI linac quality assurance (QA) group is to create practical guidelines and recommendations on QA. Tests should reflect clinical practice patterns of use and should be relevant to detecting errors related to specific use of an MRI linac. Critical performance tests in establishing and maintaining a safe and effective QA program will be garnered from current vendor recommendations, special interest groups and peer reviewed journals. Where available, recommendations from medical physics organisations like the AAPM or IAEA will also be reviewed for endorsement.
Members of this group
Luis Munoz – SA
Zoe Moutrie – NSW
Stephen Gibson - QLD
Nick Cook – NZ
Vendor representatives
Jason Arts – Elekta
Maria Bellows – ViewRay