Inter-society standards for the performance of brachytherapy: a joint report from ABS, ACMP and ACRO.

PURPOSE The proliferation of various brachytherapy modalities for different anatomical sites necessitates the creation of standards for brachytherapy. METHODS A panel consisting of members of The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS), The American College of Medical Physics (ACMP) and The American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) developed standards for the clinical practice and quality assurance (QA) of brachytherapy. These were based upon their clinical experience and a review of the literature. RESULTS Recommended practice standards are presented for clinical processes, treatment planning, equipment, facilities, QA, dose evaluation, dose specification, dose reporting, the training, and credentialing of personnel, and radiation control/safety/protection. Safe and efficacious performance of brachytherapy requires a highly structured QA program and carefully designed treatment delivery processes, as well as a coordinated effort amongst the team members. CONCLUSION Standards for clinical brachytherapy are proposed. Practitioners are encouraged to use these standards to design and implement a consistent and efficacious brachytherapy program.

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