Radiotherapy Special Interest Group

Introduction to Radiotherapy Physics

Radiotherapy Physics involves the use of ionising radiation for the treatment of cancer, focusing on the precise delivery of radiation to target tumours while minimising exposure to healthy tissues. This field encompasses key areas such as treatment planning, dosimetry, quality assurance, brachytherapy, and the development of advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Radiotherapy members have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Treatment planning and delivery: Ensuring the accurate and effective use of radiation for cancer treatment.
• Dosimetry: Measuring and calculating radiation doses to ensure safety and treatment efficacy.
• Radiotherapy equipment management: Overseeing the commissioning, calibration, and maintenance of radiation therapy machines.
• Radiotherapy safety: Implementing protocols to protect patients and staff from unnecessary radiation exposure.
• Research and development: Innovating new treatment techniques and improving existing methods.
• Education and training: Supporting the next generation of clinical scientists, technologists and engineers.

The Radiotherapy Physics Special Interest Group (RTSIG)

The Radiotherapy Physics Special Interest Group (RTSIG) is a community of IPEM volunteers who specialise in radiotherapy physics. These professionals work in clinical environments and research institutions, and are united by their commitment to advancing the field of radiotherapy physics.

RTSIG’s Goals

The primary goals of RTSIG are to:

• Provide expert advice on radiotherapy physics matters.
• Promote innovation and best practices in the field.
• Support education and professional development within radiotherapy.
• Facilitate collaboration between different sectors, including healthcare, academia, and industry.
• Engage with national bodies to represent radiotherapy physics interests.

Current Areas of Interest

Some of the key areas RTSIG is currently focusing on include:

• Innovation in radiotherapy techniques: Developing and integrating new technologies to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
• Radiotherapy safety and quality assurance: Promoting best practices and standardisation to enhance patient safety.
• Collaboration: Working with other healthcare disciplines to improve interdisciplinary practices in radiotherapy.

Publications and Events

RTSIG is actively involved in producing guidance and reports to advance radiotherapy physics practices. It also organises educational events such as webinars and symposia, where professionals can share knowledge and discuss the latest advancements in the field.

Joining the RTSIG

The RTSIG is open to all IPEM members interested in radiotherapy physics. If you would like to get involved, follow the “Volunteer for IPEM” link below to apply for a committee role.

RTSIG shares updates and discussions via IPEM’s online Community of Interest, which is open to anyone with an interest in radiotherapy physics. You can join the community for free by following the link below.

The current members of the SIG are: