Clinical Implementation of Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Snergy Systems Perspective

Ying Xiao, PhD, James Galvin, D.Sc, Greg Bednarz, PhD, Mitchell Machtay, MD, Maria Werner-Wasik, MD, Richard Valicenti, MD, Walter Curran, MD

Radiation Oncology Department, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) represents one of the most significant technical advances in radiation therapy. IGRT shows significant potential for further improving the therapeutic ratio and reducing toxicity. The content of the presentation is a snapshot of the current IGRT technology, with the emphasis on Synergy systems, discussions of issues that confront safe implementation and judicious use of IGRT as we experienced during the roll out of Synergy IGRT systems. The topics include: acceptance testing, commissioning, periodical quality assurance, clinical implementation for various disease sites, etc. The clinical sites presented are prostate, lung and head and neck. This presentation will aid radiation oncologists and physicists in understanding the nuances of IGRT and its implementation for different disease sites. The presentation can also help residents and all other health professionals involved in the field of radiation oncology who may not be specialists in IGRT. The objective of the presentation is to provide the knowledge of basic tools for evolving IGRT and the knowledge to make informed decisions on implementations of IGRT.