Old dogs, new tricks: MR‐Linac training and credentialing of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and medical physicists

Abstract

The introduction of magnetic resonance (MR) linear accelerators (MR‐Linacs) into radiotherapy departments has increased in recent years owing to its unique advantages including the ability to deliver online adaptive radiotherapy. However, most radiation oncology professionals are not accustomed to working with MR technology. The integration of an MR‐Linac into routine practice requires many considerations including MR safety, MR image acquisition and optimisation, image interpretation and adaptive radiotherapy strategies. This article provides an overview of training and credentialing requirements for radiation oncology professionals to develop competency and efficiency in delivering treatment safely on an MR‐Linac.

Optimising the MR‐Linac as a standard treatment modality

“…These efficiencies can be attributed to several factors including the increased confidence and experience of the dedicated multidisciplinary team, improvements in documentation and communication between the treating team and the implementation of a Wacom Cintiq tablet (Wacom Co., Ltd., Otone, Saitama, Japan) to reduce online contouring time 4 . Ongoing staff education and training are crucial for maintaining efficiency gains 5 . In the first 2 years, the most frequent treatment sites were prostate (40%), oligometastatic lymph node (30%), liver (8%) and pancreas (8%).…”

Professional certification for radiation therapists—adapting to a new language in MRI

“…Current practice utilising MR Linacs has resulted in a change of role and scope of practice for radiation therapists and their MDT. 1 , 2 …”

“…Radiation Therapy practitioners are part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) responsible for accurate target delineation and treatment delivery. Current practice utilising MR Linacs has resulted in a change of role and scope of practice for radiation therapists and their MDT 1,2 …”

“…As the quest for improved patient outcomes continues, the natural progression in image guidance is the use of MR. The use of MR technology for the purposes of radiation therapy and planning provides the ability to visualise anatomical changes in the live environment 1 . The ability to make modifications and adapt patients' treatment with this accuracy has altered both the patient experience and enhanced professional capabilities.…”

“…Current practice utilising MR Linacs has resulted in a change of role and scope of practice for radiation therapists and their MDT. 1,2 This special issue of Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences discusses the educational needs of the profession as it adopts and adapts to this new technology.…”