Surface-guided radiotherapy for lung cancer can reduce the number of close patient contacts without compromising initial setup accuracy.

Abstract

Surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT) can assist with patient setup by providing a real-time feedback mechanism over the whole patient treatment surface. It also has the potential to reduce the number of close contacts between staff and the patient, which is advocated for infection control during the COVID-19 pandemic. Residual translations and rotations (post-CBCT) were acquired following a conventional setup protocol (using permanent marks and lasers) and an SGRT setup protocol. The SGRT protocol resulted in one of the two therapeutic radiographers not having any close contact (<2m) with a patient during setup. Data from 702 imaging sessions showed similar setup accuracy with either protocol, fewer large translations and fewer repeat setup occurrences using the SGRT protocol. The potential of SGRT for infection control should be recognised alongside other benefits.