ACPSEM position paper on ROMP scope of practice and staffing levels for magnetic resonance linear accelerators.

The purpose of this position paper is to outline the ACPSEM recommendations on Medical Physicist scope of practice and staffing levels, as they relate to the use of dedicated MRI-Linacs in the treatment of patients. A core function of Medical Physicists is to safely implement changes in medical practice via the introduction of new technology and to ensure high quality radiation oncology services are provided to patients. Determining the feasibility of MRI-Linacs in any existing setting, or in establishing a new site, mandates the knowledge and services of Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists (ROMPs) as the Qualified Experts within this setting.

Victoria (Australia) radiotherapy response to working through the first and second wave of COVID-19: Strategies and staffing.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic demanded a rapid response within Radiation Oncology services to minimise the risk of infection to patients and workforce. This study aimed to assess whether the operational changes put in place to reduce infection risks were effective in engaging and supporting staff.

Methods: Our service's response saw staff and patients split into morning or afternoon shifts without overlap.

A phantom study to contrast and compare polymer and gold fiducial markers in radiotherapy simulation imaging.

To assess visibility and artifact characteristics of polymer fiducials compared to standard gold fiducials for radiotherapy CT and MRI simulation. Three gold and three polymer fiducials were inserted into a CT and MRI tissue-equivalent phantom that approximated the prostate cancer radiotherapy configuration. The phantom and fiducials were imaged on CT and MRI.

Assessing the impact of FDG-PET in the management of anal cancer.

Purpose: To assess the utility of FDG-PET in anal cancer for staging and impact on radiotherapy planning (RTP), response and detection of recurrent disease.

Methods And Materials: Fifty histopathological anal cancer patients were reviewed between 1996 and 2006. The median age was 58 years (range 36-85) with 19 males:31females.

Orbital lymphoma: a simple treatment using electrons.

Previous papers have discussed the successful treatment of orbital lymphoid tumors using a low-vacuum contact lens placed directly on the eye and the use of a lead bar suspended over the eye with a retort stand. In this paper, a novel approach using a cerrobend bar attached to an electron shield for the treatment of a conjunctival lymphoma is presented. With this approach, the entire eye, excluding the lens, may be treated with a single field.