Work

Optimizing QACT Frequency in Proton Therapy: Analysis of Standard Guidelines Across Treatment Sites

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: Anatomical changes during proton therapy are typically monitored using quality assurance computed tomography (QACT) scans. However, excessive QACTs can increase patient burden, resource use, and health care costs. This study evaluates the impact of implementing standardized minimum QACT frequencies across treatment sites. Materials and Methods: -test was used to determine if the QACT rate was lowered after guideline implementation. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine if the adaptive planning rate was different before and after guideline implementation. Results: = .22), supporting that reduced QACT use did not compromise identifying needed treatment adaptations. CBCT was effective in identifying anatomical changes that prompted adaptive replanning in pelvis prostate patients. Conclusion: Establishing standard minimum QACT frequencies led to a significant reduction in the number of QACTs performed across several treatment sites. These findings support the utility of structured QACT guidelines to enhance resource efficiency and reduce patient burden in proton therapy.

Source: International Journal of Particle Therapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpt.2025.101205

Authors: Rachel B. Ger, Todd R. McNutt, Curtiland Deville, Aditya N. Halthore, Heng Li

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Radiation Therapy and Dosimetry

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,700