Investigation Research
A survey of clinical application of image-guided radiotherapy in North China
Ke Zhang, Jinhu Chen, Chaoen Bao, Yuexin Guo, Keqiang Wang, Jianting Liu, Xiaoli Wu, Jianrong Dai, Yong Yin, Fushan Zhai, Hongchang Lei, Xiao Xu, Xiaofen Xing, Zhilong Yu
Published 2016-07-15
Cite as Chin J Radiat Oncol, 2016, 25(7): 665-670. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1004-4221.2016.07.001
Abstract
ObjectiveTo conduct a survey to investigate the current status of clinical application of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) in North China.
MethodsA census was performed by telephone and email from December 25, 2014 to April 25, 2015.
ResultsIn a total of 507 radiation oncology centers in North China, 64 had already purchased IGRT equipment, and 60 had already applied IGRT. A total of 3 407 staff members were involved in the application of IGRT, consisting of 1101 doctors (372 associate or full professors), 325 physicists (42 associate or full professors), 801 technicians (23 associate or full professors), 63 engineers (15 associate or full professors), and 1 117 nurses (55 associate or full professors). There were 163 devices, 91 of which were available for IGRT. The frequency and strategy in the application of IGRT varied among centers. The main components of quality assurance (QA) included spatial resolution, density resolution, uniformity, spatial distortion, consistency between imaging center and treatment center, and signal-to-noise ratio. The inspection was performed monthly. IGRT helped to reduce positioning error and improve treatment accuracy. However, it prolonged treatment duration and increased patient's exposure to radiation. The design and implementation of appropriate IGRT protocol and strategy need to be individualized.
ConclusionsThe popularization of radiation treatment units in China is far below the world level. The current application of IGRT varies a lot among different centers. Standardized procedures need to be made to ensure the robust application and quality of IGRT.
Key words:
Image-guided radiation therapy; North China; Application Status
Contributor Information
Ke Zhang
Department of Radiation Oncology, National cancerCenter/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
Jinhu Chen
Department of Radiation Physics, Shandong Cancer Hospital&
Institute, Ji'nan 250117, China
Chaoen Bao
Department of Radiation Oncology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
Yuexin Guo
Department of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
Keqiang Wang
Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
Jianting Liu
Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanxi Tumor Hospital, Taiyuan 030013, China
Xiaoli Wu
Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohehot 010050, China
Jianrong Dai
Department of Radiation Oncology, National cancerCenter/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
Yong Yin
Department of Radiation Physics, Shandong Cancer Hospital&
Institute, Ji'nan 250117, China
Fushan Zhai
Department of Radiation Oncology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
Hongchang Lei
Department of Radiation Oncology, Henan Cancer Hospital, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
Xiao Xu
Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
Xiaofen Xing
Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanxi Tumor Hospital, Taiyuan 030013, China
Zhilong Yu
Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohehot 010050, China
