Transcript What Happens in the days before treatment ? CT/Simulation Contouring images Treatment planning Radiation Field Design Quality Assurance Iso-center check.

What Happens in the days before
treatment ?
CT/Simulation
Contouring images
Treatment planning
Radiation Field Design
Quality Assurance
Iso-center check
CT/Simulation
A series of detailed pictures taken of
areas within the body to precisely
locate and mark the target (cancer)
area that is going to be receiving the
radiation therapy.
CT/Simulation
Contouring Images
The Images from your CT/Simulation are
downloaded into a treatment planning
program. Then, the important anatomy
in and/or around the radiation therapy
field are outlined.
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Head/Brain
Head and Neck
Bladder
Lungs
Femoral
Head
Heart
Prostate
Rectum
Liver
Kidneys
Treatment Planning
This is a process in which the
Physician, Physicist, and Dosimetry staff
work together to optimize delivering the
highest prescription dose to the target
area while minimizing radiation to the
normal anatomy.
Treatment Planning
Collaborative effort of Physician, Physicist,
and Dosimetry Staff
Radiation Field/Beam Design
The radiation fields will be designed according
to the Physician’s prescription with the aid of
the treatment planning system. This 3-D
shaping (modulation) helps
prevent/minimize radiation dose to the
surrounding healthy anatomy.
Radiation Field Design
MLC (Multi Leaf Collimation)
• The Radiation Beam is Shaped (modulated) internally;
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inside the Treatment Machine.
There are hundreds of interlocking lead ‘leaves’ working
together to create one unique dynamic shape altering
the 3-D effect of the radiation beam.
Radiation Field/Beam Manipulation
by
Designing the MLC Pattern
• The design of the MLC pattern is based solely upon the
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patients unique anatomy in correlation to the
physician’s prescription.
As the radiation beam travels through the MLC pattern
the intensity of the beam is shaped (modulated) as it
enters the target area (cancer). Meaning, the target
area (cancer) is receiving the highest prescription
radiation dose and the surrounding healthy anatomy is
receiving the absolute minimum amount of radiation.
Quality Assurance Testing
Upon finishing the Radiation Therapy Treatment
plan, our physicist will perform a series of QA
testing to ensure that the radiation dose we are
delivering to the patient is exactly what the
prescription calls for prior to the start of treatment.
Isocenter Check
Isocenter Check (Verification CT Simulation)
Isocenter Check
This is a process in which we verify the center
of the radiation field that correlates with the center
of the target (cancer) area receiving radiation. In
addition this confirms that the patient’s position is
accurate. This procedure produces the final
markings of the radiation field. (3 points)
Note: Patient will get permanent tattoo marks the size of a small
freckle. (Usually 3)
Scheduling the Treatment Course
• Treatment days are Monday-Friday, no weekends.
• A standing appointment time will be set up prior to the first day. It
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is important to have the same appointment time everyday but
arrangements can be made from time to time.
Our clinic tries very hard to accommodate the patient’s home and
work schedules; however, appointments may be limited to overall
volume.
In the event we are closed for a holiday or for an unexpected
circumstance, we will take the days missed and add them to the
end of your treatment.
Try not to schedule travel plans within close proximity (5-7 days)
to the end of the treatment date because that date could change.
Treatment Day
Treatment Machine
Radiation Therapist work station
What to Expect during Treatment
• Most people are nervous the first couple of days of
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treatment; however, the actual treatment received on a
daily basis is the easiest part of the entire process.
There is no sensation at all from start to finish from the
radiation. Ex, getting an X-ray.
The Patient is monitored by sight and sound 100% of
the time while in the treatment room.
It is extremely important to lay completely still during
treatment.
Please empty pants pockets of unnecessary items prior
to entering room. Ex: coins, wallets, knives, combs..
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Note: The Treatment table can be elevated 5 feet off the ground so
never attempt to dismount the table without the help and direction
from a therapist.
Things to Make note
of while undergoing
Radiation Therapy
Nutrition While Undergoing Radiation
• Please eat balanced meals, and stay well hydrated.
• Do not try to diet or lose weight during the treatments.
• It is extremely important that patients try and maintain the
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same weight throughout the entire course.
Weight gain or loss over 10 lbs may result in re-planning.
Weekly Weights will be kept on record.
General Side Effects
• Fatigue may occur as you near the end of treatment
• Hair loss or thinning of hair in the treated area may
occur and is likely to re-grow
• Irritation/Redness to the treatment area may occur
depending on the site of treatment
General Side Effects
• Please report all possible side effects
or issues to any staff members ASAP.
Thank you