Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title EXTERNAL BEAM RADIOTHERAPY PLANNING
Code PHYS856
Coordinator Ms LH Howard
Physics
Laura.Howard@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 10

Aims

The aim of the module is for students to develop an deep understanding of the underpinning scientific basis and clinical application of external beam radiotherapy planning. The module will aim to give the students knowledge of  emerging technological and clinical advances in radiotherapy. A computer session is aimed at developing practical skills in radiotherapy planning and dose calculation for MV photon beams using a treatment planning software package.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students completing the module will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of dose and fractionation effects in radiotherapy, knowledge of normal tissue tolerances and  metrics used to estimate tumour response and normal tissue toxicity

(LO2) Students completing the module will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of methods used for radiation dose calculation in radiotherapy, their relative strengths and weaknesses and the need for independent dose checking

(LO3) Students completing the module will be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of current clinical radiotherapy techniques for common tumour sites, and an awareness of relevant clinical trials

(LO4) Students completing the module will be able to demonstrate Practical skills to produce clinically relevant radiotherapy plans using commercial software and to perform independent dose checks.

(LO5) Students completing the module will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of emerging technological advances in photon, electron, proton and heavy ion radiotherapy

(S1) Communication skills

(S2) Problem solving skills


Syllabus

 

Radiotherapy dose and fractionation, tumour & normal tissue constraints and outcome metrics review of beam characteristics; PDD, TMR, OAR and point dose calculations for independent checking beam data requirements and commissioning of commercial planning systems external beam dose calculation algorithms for photons and electrons, accuracy requirements in radiotherapy planning, ICRU and RCR recommendations. Pre-treatment imaging; tumour and normal tissue delineation with CT, MR, PET, SPECT; image registration and fusion. Forward and inverse-planning, constrained optimisation. Principles of CRT, IMRT, VMAT. On-treatment planar and CBCT imaging, IGRT Clinical radiotherapy techniques for common tumour sites Quality control in radiotherapy planning; data and software integrity, end-to-end testing and in vivo dosimetry proton & heavy ion therapy; review of beam characteristics and modulation, clinical examples recent and current radiotherapy trials; rationale, trial arms and resul ts. Advanced techniques; biological/functional optimisation, DART. There is a session using a commercial treatment planning software package. There is a one hour formative class test at the end of the week.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Series of one hour lectures
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: Medical Physicists from a hospital will delivered the lectures

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Problem solving and revision sessions
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Students can get help with problem solving, see model answers to problems and ask any questions.

Teaching Method 3 - Laboratory Work
Description: Sessions using treatment planning software
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: A commercial software package is used. This work extends into the assignment.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 15

  5

6

    26
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 74
TOTAL HOURS 100

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Examination There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :end semester 2  2 hours    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assignment There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :February during semester 2  1500 words (plus dia    30       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.