THE ROLE OF THE TECHNICIAN IN RADIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CHOROID MELANOMA WITH STEREOTAX TELETHERAPY

Introduction Among primary malignant intraocular tumors, uveal melanoma is the most common in adults. It arises from uveal tract melanocytes and most commonly affects the choroid, a vascular layer of the eyeball wall that lies between the white part of the eye (sclera) and the retina (visual membrane). Choroid melanoma has a high incidence of metastasis with an global mortality rate of up to 50% at 10 years (Olsen et al 2000). External radiation is an option that can be used to treat medium-sized lesions (about 2.5 to 10 mm). With technological advances, it has become possible to treat small to medium-sized ocular melanomas using stereotactic radiotherapy. The aim of this study is to emphasize the importance of the radiation therapy technologist at all stages of treatment, since making immobilization accessories, pre- and post-treatment imaging until dose delivery. Materials and methods A Trilogy linear accelerator with integrated OBI system was used, which allows us to produce volumetric images of the treatment region (Conebeam CT). Immobilization of the patient was achieved by using a BrainLab‘s thermoplastic mask, ensuring an adequate fixation of the treatment site. The CCD camera will be attached to the mask and will monitoring the patient as well as any eye movements. The technician monitors the position of the eyes through the monitor prior to radiation delivery. Any change in eye positioning will generate beam interruption by the technician. Conclusion We conclude that the role of the radiation therapy technologist in the treatment of choroidal melanoma with teletherapy has great importance for the good application of radiotherapy techniques. For this treatment aforementioned is necessary great skill in the delivery of the dose and theoretical domain, this includes perform the treatment as determined in the prescription and simulation form, keep the patient under visual observation throughout the exposure, be responsible for the technical procedures performed in the service, ensure the patient‘s well-being during the treatment period, know and apply the safety and radiological protection rules in accordance with current legislation.

 

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No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
23 October 2019