Trinidad-and-Tabago-Congerss-Abstract-Book

20 th ISRRT World Congress 2018
Hosted by
Website: www.isrrt2018.org.tt
Email: queries@isrrt2018.org.tt
Evaluating the Effect of Linens on Surface Skin Dose and Patient Perspectives on Respect and
Dignity in Radiation Therapy
Marcia Smoke
Head of Radiation Therapy/Manager of Radiation Therapy, Juravinski Cancer Centre - Radiation Therapy
Department, Canada; ISRRT Council Member for Canada
RT5-2
Purpose: This study investigates the effects of linens on surface skin dose. The study included a survey asking patients
their perspectives on respect and dignity in radiation therapy (RT). The study site covers patients during treatment with
a linen sheet but the actual treatment port is not covered.
Methods: Dose measurements were acquired using GafchromicTM EBTXD film and measured skin dose changes in
the treatment port with towels, draw sheets, hospital gowns, and flannel blankets. Irradiations were performed on
polystyrene phantoms and a RANDO® phantom. The level of significance for the physics data was determined using
uncertainty calculations. A quantitative and qualitative patient survey was developed by the team of investigators. The
patient survey asked about the patient’s perspective on the dignity and respect they received during treatment. A
qualitative question asked patients for feedback on how radiation therapists could improve on patient care.
Results: Physics data showed that there is an increase in surface skin dose when a linen is used to cover the field.
The greatest increase in surface dose was observed at lower megavoltage (MV) energies, and when covering with a
towel. The physics data highlights the importance of considering surface skin dose when covering patients with linens.
A total of 69 patients completed the survey and the data indicated that all patients felt they were treated with respect
and dignity during RT treatments. The qualitative question revealed that patients felt that the radiation therapists
provided exceptional patient care. No differences in responses were seen between age and gender groups.
Conclusion: Surface skin dose is increased when materials are placed as a cover to the treatment port.
The study indicated that patients are comfortable with the current practice at the study centre in not covering the
treatment port during radiation therapy treatment.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy as an Alternative to Brachytherapy in Gynaecologic Cancer RT5-3
Ebison Chinherende
The Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean, The Medical Pavilion P.O Box W599 Michael’s Mount, Queen Elizabeth
Highway, St John’s, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda.
Purpose:The standard treatment for locally advanced cervical and endometrial cancer patients combines
chemotherapy (CTX) along with conventional external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy boost (BB). BB is a
valuable treatment option because it allows for a high dose to the tumour while maintaining a steep dose gradient
sparing the nearby structures. To treat to a tumoricidal dose using EBRT alone would lead to significant dose to nearby
normal structures (mainly rectum, small bowel and the bladder) which would entail a high likelihood of acute and late
toxicity. However, some patients are unable to tolerate brachytherapy due to medical or other reasons. Stereotactic
body radiotherapy (SBRT) offers an alternative form of treatment.
Methods: Patients were identified and retrospectively reviewed using departmental MOSAIQ Version 2.6, and Monaco
TPS 5.10 databases. Eligibility criteria for the review included gynaecologic cancer patients who received an SBRT
boost instead of a BB. All patients that were initially evaluated and had been recommended to undergo a BB, and for
medical or other reasons, they were not able to have BB treatment and were thus treated with SBRT. A total of 5
gynaecologic patients who could not have brachytherapy received SBRT as an alternative for the treatment of their
malignancies. Three patients required tandem and ovoid brachytherapy and two required a cylinder. Median SBRT
dose was 20Gy in four fractions.
Results: For SBRT boost plans, the largest CTV volume was 126.1cm³ (range: 44-126.1cm³). Median PTV coverage
was 99% (range: 97-100%). Median conformity index was 0.99 (range: 0.97-0.99). Maximum rectal point dose ranged
from 18.626.7Gy (median: 21Gy); median rectal dose to 1cm³ was 20Gy (range: 17-26Gy) and median rectal dose to
2cm³ was 20Gy (range: 20-26Gy). Maximum bladder point dose ranged from 18.4-25.9Gy (median: 26Gy); median
bladder dose to 1cm³ was 20Gy (range: 18-25Gy); and median bladder dose to 2cm³ was 20Gy (range: 17.8
24.6Gy). None of the patients included in this study experienced acute toxicity during SBRT. No grade 3 toxicity was
reported on follow-up.
20 th International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologist, World Congress
April 12 – 15, 2018 • Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad, W.I.
Website: www.isrrt2018.org.tt Email: queries@isrrt2018.org.tt