DOSM 442 - Brachytherapy for Medical Dosimetrists

4 CR

Examines treatment planning techniques for both LDR and HDR brachytherapy. Topics include radioactive source characteristics, calculation of dose distributions, imaging requirements, systems of implant dosimetry and treatment planning goals across various anatomical sites.

Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the program.

Course Outcomes

Demonstrate ability to calculate linear and specific source activity.
Demonstrate ability to convert between different units of activity.
Able to define isotropy and anisotropy and discuss how these each affect a brachytherapy plan.
Demonstrate ability to employ different planning techniques to limit dose to critical structures.
Evaluate the needs of imaging for both HDR and LDR brachytherapy cases.
Demonstrate ability to calculate an isotope’s half-life and mean-life.
Demonstrate ability to perform hand calculations for simple volume and planar implants based on the Paterson-Parker System.
Demonstrate ability to determine the duration of an implant based on specified dose rate.
Evaluate the following implant systems: Paterson-Parker, Quimby, Paris and Computer.
Demonstrate ability to define key QA recommendations by AAPM Task Group Reports 56, 59 and 64.
Evaluate the role of a Remote Afterloader and its role within radiation protection.
Assess the role of an emergency procedure plan and demonstrate proper procedure for emergent situations.

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