Abstract
AAPM Task Group 58 was created to provide materials to help the medical physicist and colleagues succeed in the clinical implementation of electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) in radiation oncology. This complex technology has matured over the past decade and is capable of being integrated into routine practice. However, the difficulties encountered during the specification, installation, and implementation process can be overwhelming. TG58 was charged with providing sufficient information to allow the users to overcome these difficulties and put EPIDs into routine clinical practice. In answering the charge, this report provides; comprehensive information about the physics and technology of currently available EPID systems; a detailed discussion of the steps required for successful clinical implementation, based on accumulated experience; a review of software tools available and clinical use protocols to enhance EPID utilization; and specific quality assurance requirements for initial and continuing clinical use of the systems. Specific recommendations are summarized to assist the reader with successful implementation and continuing use of an EPID.
Highlights
A critical requirement in radiation therapy is accurate dayto-day treatment setup
An effective means to reduce setup error would be to increase the frequency of treatment verification with portal imaging.[25]
The need for an improved portal imaging system to enhance verification of conformal radiation therapy spurred the development of on-line electronic portal imaging devicesEPIDs
Summary
A critical requirement in radiation therapy is accurate dayto-day treatment setup. Early studies based on port films indicated the benefits of portal verification.[1,2,3,4] Numerous subsequent studies have characterized the magnitude and nature of setup errors for a variety of clinical conditions. An effective means to reduce setup error would be to increase the frequency of treatment verification with portal imaging.[25] Such action using port film is time consuming and labor intensive and can reduce throughput in a busy radiation therapy department. TG58 was formed to help AAPM members understand and implement EPID technology It is the goal of this report to provide information to enhance and encourage effective use of these powerful devices. ͑1͒ To provide comprehensive technical information about the operation, limitations, and system characteristics of the various commercially available EPIDs for the purpose of implementation, use, and developing quality assurance programs. A basic understanding of these relationships is important in maintaining optimal operation of EPIDs. In Sec. III, the technologies employed in commercially available EPIDs are described.
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