RPLD-based postal dosimetry audits for radiotherapy hospitals: a full investigation of linear accelerators in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

Radiation therapy technology has been advancing with a focus on enhancing treatment efficiency based on state-of-the-art medical physics technologies. The rapid increase in the use of medical radiation and technological advancements that aim to achieve high-performance and high-precision radiotherapy necessitates the evaluation of existing technologies and the development of regulatory technologies for the safe use of medical radiation. In this study, we conducted a national postal dosimetry audit for the output dose and mechanical accuracy of clinical radiotherapy at medical institutions between 2017 and 2020; the audit was performed on the output dose and mechanical accuracy of photon beams (385 beams) for 200 linear accelerators (LINACs) from 92 institutions. As a result of corrective action and re-execution, it was confirmed that the energy in the LINACs met acceptable standards. These results confirm the quality management status of the LINACs used in radiotherapy in South Korea. This audit can aid in the establishment of a national quality control system for radiotherapy according to the proposed quality control standard procedures. Finally, through the independent national quality audits at the secondary standard dosimetry laboratory level, stable use of high-energy radiation for radiation therapy can be achieved.