QUALITY ASSURANCE IN RADIATION THERAPY

Purpose: Quality assurance in radiation therapy nescessiates defined standards on planning, delivering of treatment and follow-up. The results of quality assurance programme running in Dokuz Eylül University Radiation Oncology Department is presented and discussed in the context of efficacy. Methods and Materials: Treatment planning starts after completion of staging investigations and assesment of patient in the related multidiciplinary group. Simulation, computed treatment planning and individual shielding blocks are provided for all patients. Before treatment starts there is a need all the simulation films and treatment chart reviewed and signed by the senior doctors. The first set up and all complex set up should be checked by radiation oncologist. The port films are taken for once at least at the first week of treatment for all of patients diagnosed with head and neck carcinomas, central nervous system tumors, breast carcinomas and lymphomas. Patient information sheets, dose calculations, treatment charts and patients reviewed in a weekly basis in a meeting with the participation of related staff. Results: The quality control procedures in 485 patients were carried out in 1999. Total number of procedures were 1989. 252 patients (52%) had port films assesment of their treatment fields. Clinical information, field information and control signature of senior staff is missing on 4.3%, 3.7 and 3.3% respectively. Dose calculations were all correct. Conclusion: The results of this study showed less than 5% of the total procedures, did not meet the defined quality assurance programme and none had a major influence on patient treatment resuics. Port films were taken only in limited number of patients and needs to be provided in all patients to increase the quality.

Keywords: quality asssurance, radiation therapy