Radiation Protection in
Radiotherapy
Lecture Course
Outline
IAEA Training Material on Radiation Protection in Radiotherapy

Radiation Protection in Radiotherapy Part 0: Lecture Course Outline 2
The IAEA
 International Atomic Energy Agency
 Statutory function: “to establish standards
of safety for the protection of health … and
to provide for the applications of these
standards.”
 Objective to accelerate and enlarge the
contribution of atomic energy to peace,
health and prosperity throughout the world.

Radiation Protection in Radiotherapy Part 0: Lecture Course Outline 3
Radiotherapy
 Constitutes a peaceful
application of ionizing radiation
 Is an essential part of cancer
management
 Issues of safety, quality assurance and
organization must be considered
VARIAN Oncology

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Content of the Lecture Course
A Background (Radiotherapy, effects
of radiation, principles of protection)
B Properties of equipment used in
radiotherapy
C Radiation exposure (Occupational,
medical and accidental)
D Associated issues (Transport,
discharge of patients, organization)

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Essential Reading
 International Basic Safety
Standards for Protection
against Ionizing Radiation
and for the Safety of
Radiation Sources,
Vienna 1996 (IAEA, FAO,
ILO, OECD/NEA, PAHO
and WHO)

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Structure of the Course
 18 Parts
 Two weeks
 Lectures for each modules
 Quick test after each module
 Many modules involve also a practical
session
 Final examination

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Other Features
 Local relevance
 Handouts, references
 On-going support
 Questions/Interaction encouraged

Radiation Protection in Radiotherapy Part 0: Lecture Course Outline 8
Other Features
 Local relevance
 Handouts, references
 On-going support
 Questions/Interaction encouraged
 … cannot replace other publications
and particularly not protocols

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Note
Radiation units & quantities are in
the process of undergoing
consensus through ICRU and IAEA.
There may be changes necessitating
incorporation in this CD.

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Feedback?
Is encouraged throughout the course and
explicitly asked for at the end of the
course.

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Any questions?

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Acknowledgement
 Material and inspiration was received from many people - particular
mention deserve: Pedro Ortiz-Lopez, Modupe Oresegun, Madan
Rehani, Lee Collins, John Drew
 Material was used from many web pages and brochures from
professional organizations, educational institutions and the following
companies - they are gratefully acknowledged: Aktina, Bicron, Brainlab,
CMS, CIRS, Elekta, Gammasonics, Gammex RMI, General Electric,
Hitachi, Leybold-Heraeus, MDS Nordion, MedTec, Mentor, Nomos,
Nucletron, Phantom Lab, Philips/ADAC, PTW, Radionics, IDL
(Scanditronix, Wellhofer), Siemens, Sun Nuclear, Standard Imaging,
Tomotherapy Inc. and VARIAN
 Thanks also to the European Medical Radiation Learning Development,
EMERALD
 It was aimed at having many relevant products from many important
companies represented. However, the course is by no means a
complete summary of equipment available and inclusion of material
from companies does not constitute an endorsement of the particular
product.