CONTROL FACTORS FOR SITE ERRORS MANAGEMENT OF RADIOTHERAPY DELIVERY

The aim: This study aimed to define the factors related to irradiation field equality and target accuracy which will further influence the irradiation result. Materials and methods: This is a prospective-qualitative study, conducted by observation of image data verification from cervical cancer patients in the Department of Radiotherapy, dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta who had undergone several times a week irradiation utilizing Telecobalt60 device and by conducting an in-depth interview to ten Indonesian radiotherapy experts, in October 2018. The data was further analyzed using correlation – regression test. Results: From 30 verification image data of the irradiated patients, we conclude that the scheme, body size, and patient positioning factors have all revealed statistically significant correlations to the irradiation field equality. On the other hand, factors such as patient and tele-therapy device set-ups, tele-therapy device calibration, human resources quality, and tele-therapy device malfunctions have all revealed statistically significant correlations to the irradiation target accuracy. These facts were further strengthen by the supporting statements from 10 Indonesian radiotherapy experts. Conclusions: The impact factors of field equality and accuracy of the irradiation target could serve as an important control factors which is substantially required to manage and minimize site errors of the radiotherapy delivery.