A Study on the Evaluation of Image-Guided Treatment Use in Radiotherapy Centers in Türkiye

Abstract

This study presents a preliminary investigation into the use of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) in radiotherapy centers in Türkiye, based on survey data. Radiation therapy technologists were administered a 67-item Internet-based questionnaire. The first five items focused on demographic data, while the remaining items pertained to IGRT applications in the clinics where the technicians worked. Statistical data of the answers obtained were used in SPSS 28.0. While evaluating the study data, descriptive statistical methods (frequency, percentage) were used. A total of 314 individuals participated in the survey, with 45.9% (n=144) being female and 54.1% (n=170) being male. The study focused on patients with stomach (20.6%), rectum (18.9%), prostate (17.6%), head and neck (14.5%), lung (14.3%), and breast (13.9%) cancers. It was observed that megavoltage (MV) ports (35.7%) were used more frequently during daily checks. It has been stated that 1-25 MV ports are drawn daily. This is followed by Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) and kilovoltage (kV) port checks. In our country, it is seen that important steps have been taken in IGRT and its use is quite common. It has been observed that the technical infrastructure and manpower in the clinics are sufficient. It is predicted that the development of systems that reduce the doses received by patients and employees with IGRT and the development of wage policies will increase the use of IGRT. We hope that this result will be supported by future large-scale studies. Although we think that the use of IGRT is at an adequate level, there are differences in practices between clinics. It is thought that the establishment of national protocols for the use of IGRT will be in favour of patients and technicians.