Chairman's message

Abstract

Every clinical physicist I have asked readily acknowledges the great desirability of a 3D dosimetry system for the verification of advanced radiation therapy treatments. An accurate and practical 3D dosimetry system would greatly strengthen the foundation of quality assurance in radiation therapy by enabling a rigorous and comprehensive whole system test. Such systems are now emerging, and the innovations and progress that led to them are remarkably captured in the proceedings of five prior DOSGEL conferences, the last three of which are freely available in the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. These meetings included a focus on the technical challenges of various approaches to 3D dosimetry. When considering plans for the present 6th meeting, the scientific committee recognized that the field has matured, and a broader focus was desirable, including a strengthening of the clinical and applications component, while preserving a strong technical component. There was also the desire to embrace a variety of other semi-3D techniques which have also recently emerged to implementation in the clinic. In accordance with these sentiments, the committee approved changing the name of the conference from the International Conference on Radiotherapy Gel Dosimetry (DOSGEL) to the International Conference on 3D Radiation Dosimetry (IC3DDose) and to the following objectives –Conference Objectives: 1. To provide a forum to discuss the latest research and developments in 3D and advanced radiation dosimetry. 2. To elevate the quality of radiation therapy treatments (quality assurance QA) through improved clinical dosimetry. 3. To explore the dosimetric challenges posed by modern radiation treatment techniques 4. To energize and diversify dosimetry research and clinical practice by encouraging interaction and synergy between advanced, 3D, and semi-3D dosimetry techniquesThe scientific program of the IC3DDose2010 meeting has been crafted to meet the objectives listed above, and we were fortunate that many leading speakers shared their experience and perspectives to help achieve these aims.On a more personal note it was a true pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all conference attendees. We have a very diverse group of clinical and research physicists from many parts of the world, and it is truly a pleasure to welcome you all.Finally I would like to acknowledge the many people who have made the meeting possible. Special thanks go to the Scientific Organizing Committee (listed opposite) who reviewed all the conference abstracts and participated in many planning conference calls, and meeting activities. The Local Organizing Committee shouldered a significant load finalizing the conference abstract book and ensuring smooth meeting logistics. We are also very grateful to our sponsors, both academic and industrial, whose support was vital to this meeting.Mark Oldham, PhD, FAAPM Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology and Biomedical Engineering, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA mark.oldham@duke.edu