Clinical trials Quality Assurance platform

Introduction and aim

Radiotherapy quality assurance (RTQA) is essential for clinical trials and standard RT. However, with the increasing clinical workload, performing standard RTQA and the more elaborate national-initiated RTQA becomes difficult.      

The current work package aim is to create general RTQA guidelines and build technical tools to perform standard and elaborate RTQA. 

Background
Radiotherapy quality is crucial for patient survival, as poor RT significantly lowers survival rates. Key QA components include precise treatment planning with accurate imaging and dosimetry, regular equipment calibration, and real-time monitoring. Patient positioning verification and adherence to protocols are vital for consistent treatment delivery. Regular audits, performance metrics, and continuous staff training ensure high standards. Technological advances like adaptive radiotherapy and AI enhance accuracy. High-quality RT improves tumor control and reduces side effects, thereby enhancing survival outcomes. Ensuring rigorous QA processes in RT is essential for optimal patient care. 

Projects
Several projects are ongoing, and the DESIRE project is developing many technical tools directly or indirectly linked to RTQA. 

• National guidelines for RTQA – draft version of guidelines have been circulated 
• Pelvis OAR variance quantification – draft version of the manuscript currently with main authors 
• DcmCollab audit analyses module – automated analyses for contouring and dose audits 
• AI quality assurance in RT – a new project investigating how to perform QART involving AI 
• Using AI for RTQA – PhD project investigating how AI can be used for contouring and treatment plan QA  

WP leaders

Christian Rønn Hansen, medical physicist, Odense and DCPT 
Eva Samsøe, chief medical physicist, Næstved