Session

Overview: In this debate 4 renowned clinical physicists will debate whether or not we still need a routine patient/plan specific quality assurance (PSQA) measurements. With the introduction of complex radiotherapy techniques like IMRT, VMAT and stereotactic radiotherapy in the beginning of this century and uncertainties associated with small field dosimetry, MLC modelling in TPS, etc. have increased the demand for PSQA. The provision of commercial PSQA tools lead to intensification of PSQA. PSQA has certainly increased our quality and safety of complex radiotherapy techniques. Over the years, radiotherapy delivery machines have become more stable. Also, treatment planning dose calculations have become more accurate. Moreover, data transfer is exceedingly automated, reducing the chance on human errors. As such, it seems the treatment delivery process might be “in control”. This would mean that, if the treatment techniques are properly commissioned, measurement based PSQA would become less important. Is this true? Come to this debate and let your opinion count! Arguments for and against continued measurement based PSQA will be shared and you can vote who has won the debate.