saturday 25th march - iapm · 2018. 6. 10. · 8 | iapm annual scientific meeting 2017 young...

IRISH ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICISTS IN MEDICINE 8THANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING

SATURDAY 25TH MARCH 2017

HILTON HOTEL

DUBLIN

1 | IAPM Annual Scientific Meeting 2017


TABLE OF CONTENTS

President’s Welcome .............................................................................................................................. 3

Sponsors .................................................................................................................................................. 5

Scientific Program of the 8th IAPM ASM ................................................................................................. 6

Invited Speakers .................................................................................................................................... 10

Dr. Karl Johnston ............................................................................................................................... 10

Dr. James Dempsey ........................................................................................................................... 11

Dr. Ciara McMahon ........................................................................................................................... 12

Abstracts ............................................................................................................................................... 13

Plenary Session ......................................................................................................................... 13

Diagnostic Parallel Session ........................................................................................................ 13

Radiotherapy Parallel Session ................................................................................................... 13

Young Investigator Grant 2016 ................................................................................................. 13

Joint Session .............................................................................................................................. 13

Posters for consideration of IEL Bursary ................................................................................... 13

Poster Session ........................................................................................................................... 13

List of Delegates .................................................................................................................................... 54


PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Welcome to the IAPM’s 8th Annual Scientific Meeting, the premier forum to

present and discuss progress in research, development and technological

advances in Medical Physics in Ireland. The ASM organising committee have

worked hard all year to bring to you another exciting and stimulating programme

of special lectures, proffered papers and posters.

It’s an exciting time for Medical Physics and the IAPM continues to grow, adapt and respond to the

needs of its members. Our organisation is confronting a time of changes and we’re meeting these

changes with enthusiasm and positivity. Medical Physics is an exciting area in which to work and

study, and the IAPM will continue to meet and bring inspired people together in forums like this, to

ensure our organisation remains at the cutting edge.

We’re transforming the way we operate to continuously improve our ability to engage with our

members and deliver current topics in Medical Physics that are relevant to you. This year, I invite you

to have your say on what has inspired you by voting for who you think should win first place for best

poster. This is available at https://tinyurl.com/IAPMposter. I would also encourage you to complete

the feedback survey that will be emailed to you after this event so that we can continue to grow and

improve this event.

Many people have contributed to making this a special and successful occasion:

I’d like to thank Senator Grace O’Sullivan who has taken time out of her busy schedule today to address

our assembly and kick start today’s proceedings.

Many thanks to our invited speakers: Dr. Karl Johnston from the ISOLDE facility at CERN, Dr. James

Dempsey from ViewRay® and Dr Ciara McMahon from the EPA for agreeing to share with us their

specialist expertise and knowledge and for keeping us up to date in state-of the art technology and

practices relevant to our profession.

Once again, our sponsors, through their generous contributions, have demonstrated incredible

support for this event, the IAPM, our members and our profession. Without the support of our

sponsors this event would not be possible and I urge all our delegates to visit and engage with our

sponsors throughout the day to make this a worthwhile event for them also.

Many thanks to Imaging Equipment Ltd who, for the 3rd year running are awarding a €500 bursary to

a Trainee or Junior IAPM member for best research demonstrating “clinical improvements to service

offered through medical physics”. Eligible candidates will present a poster and a short oral

https://tinyurl.com/IAPMposter


presentation after lunch. Please support our trainees and Junior IAPM members by viewing their

posters and attending their oral presentations.

A warm, heartfelt thank you to the IAPM’s ASM Organising Committee whose commitment to making

this day a reality knew no bounds.

Before I close, I’d like to thank each of your for attending our meeting and bringing your expertise to

our gathering. You have the vision, the knowledge and the experience to pave our way into the future.

We could not accomplish what we do without your support and leadership. Throughout this meeting,

I ask you to stay engaged, keep us proactive and help us shape the future of Medical Physics in Ireland.

My personal respect and thanks goes out to all of you. Enjoy the day!

______________________________

Dr Amanda Barry, CPhys, MIPEM

IAPM President

IAPM ASM ORGANISING COMMITTEE 2017

Amanda Barry

Niall Colgan

Louise Fahy

Emer Kenny

Michael Manley

Christopher Walker

FEEDBACK

Your feedback will enable us to improve our conferences and better meet the needs of the IAPM.

To feedback on the workshop go to: https://tinyurl.com/IAPM-2017Workshop

To feedback on the ASM go to: https://tinyurl.com/IAPM-ASM2017

https://tinyurl.com/IAPM-2017Workshop

https://tinyurl.com/IAPM-ASM2017


SPONSORS

The IAPM Gratefully Acknowledge and Extend Appreciation to The Following Companies For Their Sponsorship Of This Meeting:

VARIAN / SIEMENS

BAYER (RADIOMETRICS)

ELEKTA

LANDAUER

VISION RT LTD

ACCURAY

BXT - ACCELYON

DAAX LTD.

FLUKE BIOMEDICAL

GE

IMAGING EQUIPMENT LTD

M2I

MEDRAY

ONCOLOGY IMAGING SYSTEMS

ONCOLOGY SYSTEMS LTD

PERLAMAR

PHILIPS HEALTHCARE

PHOENIX DOSIMETRY

PTW UK

VERTEC SCIENTIFIC LTD


SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM OF THE 8TH IAPM ASM

08:30 Registration

PLENARY SESSION CHAIR: AMANDA BARRY

09:00 President's Welcome Amanda Barry

09:10 Senator's Address to the Assembly Senator Grace O’Sullivan

09:20 GUEST LECTURE Dr. Karl Johnston

Exploiting exotic isotopes for medicine: the ISOLDE facility at CERN

ISOLDE facility, CERN

Questions

10:10 GUEST LECTURE Dr. James Dempsey MRIdian® MRI-LINAC system ViewRay®, Inc.

Questions

11:00 Coffee in the sponsorship area

DIAGNOSTIC PARALLEL SESSION CHAIR: NIALL COLGAN

11:30 Effects of sampling frequency on the accuracy of phenomenological and pharmacokinetic parameters derived from dynamic contrast enhanced MRI data

Silvin P. Knight

11:40 Does Magnification increase Total Unsharpness in DR Radiography?

Eamon Loughman

11:50 Durham MED tester acceptance testing and calibration using EBT3 Gafchromic film

Michael Manley

12:00 Digital Angiography: Moving With the Times David Costello

12:10 Protective aprons in Interventional Radiology and Cardiology: An assessment of minimum requirements

Danielle Maguire

12:20 Personalised Medicine – Dosimetry in Radioiodine Therapy for Benign Thyroid Disease

Jennie Cooke


RADIOTHERAPY PARALLEL SESSION CHAIR: MARGARET MOORE

11:30 CT MR image registration for 3D image based treatment planning in cervical cancer brachytherapy – an initial experience

Admire Dzingwa

11:40 Verification of the Collapsed Cone algorithm using a 3D printed phantom with varying densities

Sarah Larkin

11:50 Gamma index based criterion for the characterization of dosimetrically matched beams.

Francisco Cutanda Henríquez

12:00 Demystifying failed VMAT PSQA measurements with ArcCHECK

Paul Kinsella

12:10 Comparison of IMRT QA measurement methodology Moahmmed Alaswad

12:20 Novel optical fibre dosimeters and their applications in radiotherapy: A Monte Carlo Study

Majed Alharbi

12:30 Lunch in the sponsorship area

POSTER PRESENTATION SESSION

IMAGING EQUIPMENT BURSARY COMPETITION CHAIR: LOUISE FAHY

Open to students, trainees or basic grade IAPM members who submitted work with a clinical application

13:45 Protective aprons in Interventional Radiology and Cardiology: An assessment of minimum requirements

Danielle Maguire

13:48 The Impact of Contrast on the Volume Accuracy for Ultrasound Systems used for Guided Prostate Brachytherapy Treatment Planning

Andrea Doyle

13:51 Imaging Dose Assessment for Cyberknife Intra-Cranial Treatments

Karl Jordan

13:54 The Grandfather Effect- Personalizing Radiation Safety Precautions following Prostate Implantation with I-125 Seeds

Michael O'Neill

13:57 Verification of the Collapsed Cone algorithm using a 3D printed phantom with varying densities

Sarah Larkin


YOUNG INVESTIGATOR AWARD CHAIR: LYNN GAYNOR

14:00 YOUNG INVESTIGATOR GRANT AWARD 2017 Lynn Gaynor

14:10 Experimental and numerical assessment of MRI-induced temperature change and SAR distributions in phantoms

Niall Colgan

INVITED SPEAKER

14:25 Radiation Protection in Ireland: a changing environment Dr. Ciara McMahon

15:00 Coffee in the sponsorship area

JOINT SESSION CHAIR: SEÁN COURNANE

15:30 Dose Distribution in the Region of the Eye Lens for Interventionalists

Jackie McCavana

15:40 Two years of experience of Y90 microspheres SIRT therapies- a truly multidisciplinary endeavour

Brenda Byrne

15:50 The Impact of Contrast on the Volume Accuracy for Ultrasound Systems used for Guided Prostate Brachytherapy Treatment Planning

Andrea Doyle

16:00 Radiotherapy in Nepal: A view from Medical Physics Paul Hill

16:15 Imaging Equipment Bursary Award Phil Neale (IEL)

16:20 Close of Meeting Amanda Barry


POSTERS FOR CONSIDERATION FOR THE IMAGING EQUIPMENT LTD. BURSARY

Protective aprons in Interventional Radiology and Cardiology: An assessment of minimum requirements

Danielle Maguire P1

The Impact of Contrast on the Volume Accuracy for Ultrasound Systems used for Guided Prostate Brachytherapy Treatment Planning

Andrea Doyle P2

Imaging Dose Assessment for Cyberknife Intra-Cranial Treatments Karl Jordan P3

The Grandfather Effect - Personalizing Radiation Safety Precautions following Prostate Implantation with I-125 Seeds

Michael O’Neill P4

Verification of the collapsed cone algorithm using 3D printed phantom with varying densities

Sarah Larkin P5

POSTER PRESENTATION SESSION

Characterisation of Ultrasound Contrast Agents for Subharmonic Imaging for use in quantitative Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound.

Aoife Ivory P6

Development of polyvinyl alcohol cyrogel based anatomically realistic vessels for use in Doppler ultrasound flow phantoms

Andrew Malone P7

Comparison of the Dixon and CTDI dose quantification techniques Ahmad Albngali P8

Practical Experience with Radionuclide Gastric Emptying Naomi Mc Elroy P9

Nodal dose estimation for individualised brachytherapy planning for patients with cervical cancer

Anysja Zuchora P10

Six Sigma in Radiotherapy Amanda Barry P11

Repeatability and reproducibility of MTF, NPS and DQE in Full Field Mammography for baseline setting.

Maeve Masterson P12

Evaluation of software programs, ImageJ and IQworks, for MTF, NPS and DQE analysis.

Maeve Masterson P13

Quantitative Ultrasound of the mandible as a novel screening tool for osteoporosis.

Seán Cournane P14

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) Dose Survey and the establishment of a DRL for a National Breast Screening Service

James McCullagh P15

Comparison of contrast detail phantoms in mammography Emer Kenny P16

Digital Detector Quality Assurance testing in Ireland Naomi Mc Elroy P17

Comparison between measured peripheral doses of a Siemens Oncor linear accelerator and AAPM Report No 50 data

Eamonn Hayes P18

Exploratory regression analysis of the geometric targeting accuracy of the Cyberknife system

Bojan Strbac P19

Implementation of Aria v13.6 OIS Caitriona Collins P20

HAVE YOUR SAY BY VOTING FOR BEST POSTER AT HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/IAPMPOSTER

https://tinyurl.com/IAPMposter


INVITED SPEAKERS

Dr. Karl Johnston

Scientific co-ordinator of the ISOLDE experiment at CERN. Dr. Johnston will give a lecture about the

activities which are carried out at ISOLDE, especially those related to medicine and what the new

MEDICIS (Medical Isotopes Collected from ISOLDE) facility will be able to provide.


INVITED SPEAKERS

Dr. James Dempsey

Company founder, CSO and inventor of ViewRay technology. Dr. Dempsey guides the scientific and

technical aspects of ViewRay’s MRI and radiation therapy delivery technology, MRIdian. Dr. Dempsey

holds a PhD in nuclear chemistry from Washington University. He is a board-certified medical physicist

and former associate professor of radiation oncology at the University of Florida.


INVITED SPEAKERS

Dr. Ciara McMahon

Dr. McMahon was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science (Experimental Physics) by Trinity

College Dublin, and a PhD in Experimental Physics (radiation physics and radiochemistry) from

University College Dublin.

After completing her PhD in 1999 she moved to the USA to work at the National Institute of Standards

and Technology (NIST) in the Radioactivity Standards Group. In 2002, she returned to Ireland to work

for the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII). From 2002 to 2004, Dr McMahon worked as

a senior scientist in the environmental radioactivity monitoring laboratory, specialising in marine and

food monitoring. In 2005 she became the manager of the Emergency Preparedness and Nuclear Safety

sections until 2011 when she was appointed as the Director of Environmental Surveillance and

Assessment.

Following the merger of the RPII and the Environmental Protection Agency in 2014, Dr McMahon was

appointed as a Programme Manager in the EPA’s Office of Radiation Protection & Environmental

Monitoring. She is currently head of the EPA’s Radiation & Nuclear Safety programme. Internationally,

Dr McMahon has represented Ireland on a number of EU, IAEA and NEA committees, including

chairing expert groups on emergency planning at the OECD-NEA. She has also regularly acted as a

consultant to the IAEA, assisting in the preparation of new international standards, chairing technical

meetings and lecturing in the areas of emergency preparedness, regulatory competence needs and

radioactivity in food and drinking water.


ABSTRACTS

Plenary Session

Diagnostic Parallel Session

Radiotherapy Parallel Session

Young Investigator Grant 2016

Joint Session

Posters for consideration of IEL Bursary

Poster Session


PLENARY SESSION 09:00 – 11:00 Exploiting exotic isotopes for medicine: the ISOLDE facility at CERN

Dr. Karl Johnston CERN, EP department, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland

0 0

The ISOLDE facility at CERN is the longest continuously running experiment at CERN and is CERN’s radioactive ion beam facility. Originally started as an experiment in the late 1960s to produce radioactive ion beams for nuclear structure experiments, ISOLDE has evolved over the course of its history and now welcomes a very wide ranging experimental programme. At present 1200 beams from 71 elements are available. These continue to be applied to nuclear structure experiments, but are also applied to nuclear astrophysics, atomic physics and searches for physics beyond the standard model. In addition, a strong programme in “applied nuclear physics” has been established: this ranges from solid state physics, biophysics, biochemistry and also medical physics. This talk will present recent results and developments in the ISOLDE medical physics programme: in particular the development and use of Tb beams for both imaging and therapy will be described, along with other exotic isotopes of potential use for medical applications. Medical physics currently only constitutes about 5-10% of the annual physics programme at ISOLDE – where the nuclear physics programme has priority. To overcome this restriction, a new facility – MEDICIS – is being built and is expected to be commissioned in September 2017. This will allow isotopes to be available for medical studies for at least 7 months of the year and will greatly enhance the possibilities of harnessing exotic and innovative isotopes for the medical community.


PLENARY SESSION 09:00 – 11:00 MRIdian® MRI-LINAC system

Dr. James Dempsey ViewRay Inc.

0 0


Diagnostic Parallel Session 11:30 – 12:30

Effects of sampling frequency on the accuracy of phenomenological and pharmacokinetic parameters derived from dynamic contrast enhanced MRI data

Silvin P. Knight1 National Centre for Advanced Medical Imaging (CAMI), St James’s Hospital / School of Medicine, Trinity College University of Dublin

Jacinta E. Browne School of Physics & Medical Ultrasound Physics and Technology Group, Centre of Industrial Engineering Optics, FOCAS, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin 8

James F. Meaney National Centre for Advanced Medical Imaging (CAMI), St James’s Hospital / School of Medicine, Trinity College University of Dublin

Andrew J. Fagan National Centre for Advanced Medical Imaging (CAMI), St James’s Hospital / School of Medicine, Trinity College University of Dublin

The sampling frequencies (fs) at which dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI data are acquired is known to affects the accuracy of derived parameters. Phenomenological parameters empirically characterise the shape and structure of the signal-time curves, whereas pharmacokinetic approaches estimate physiologically relevant parameters from the concentration-time curves, such as the volume-transfer constant (Ktrans) and the extravascular-extracellular fractional volume (ve). Both of these approaches have shown promise in the detection of prostate cancer, however to date a method has been lacking to quantitatively compare MR-measured to known ‘ground truth’ parameter values. In the present work, a newly developed anthropomorphic DCE-MRI prostate phantom was utilised to this end. Precisely known ‘healthy’ and ‘tumorous’ curves were measured using a 3T scanner (Philips, Netherlands) and 32-channel detector coil (3D-FOV=224x224x80mm3, voxels=1x1x4mm3) at fs= 0.5, 0.26, 0.19, 0.12, 0.061, and 0.041Hz. Phenomenological analysis revealed that wash-0.12Hz, whereas wash-out gave comparatively higher errors (up to 27%) across this same range of fs. Lowest errors in time-to-peak (<11%) were measured using fs= 2s and 8.1s. Pharmacokinetic analysis using the Tofts model gave errors in Ktrans and ve values <14% and <10%, for acquisitions wi

Quantitative phantom-based approaches, such as the one used herein, offers the prospect of a standardisation in the way DCE-MRI is performed in the prostate, and possibly a wider acceptance of the technique for routine clinical use.

1 [email protected]



Does Magnification increase Total Unsharpness in DR Radiography?

Eamon Loughman1 Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Michael Rowan Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Patrick Kenny Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

In General Diagnostic Radiography it is generally assumed that an increase in magnification results in a non-linear increase in total unsharpness (Utot). Utot is the sum in quadrature of contributing sources of unsharpness, including geometrical/penumbra (Upen) and detector unsharpness (Udet). However, this assumption is based on traditional film/screen radiography where focal spot sizes of approximately one and two millimetres are considerably greater than the resolution of the film/screen detector. Therefore penumbra (or geometrical) unsharpness (Upen) dominated. However, modern Digital Radiography (DR) imaging systems combine smaller focal spot sizes (typically 0.6 & 1.0 mm), with lower resolution detectors having pixels sizes of approximately 0.15 mm. It is unclear how magnification affects total unsharpness in such systems. The purpose of this study is to record the total unsharpness for a range of imaging arrangements and verify that they are consistent with the calculated total unsharpness (Utot). Images of a Tantalum target in air, located at different distances from the detector, were recorded. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) values were used to describe the total unsharpness obtained for a variety of focal spot sizes, detector pixel sizes and magnifications. A novel MTF parameter, % fill area below Nyquist, was used to estimate total unsharpness (Utot). The results obtained are surprising to the extent that many of the magnifications in conventional diagnostic radiography improved total unsharpness. This may have consequences in fluoroscopy. Finally, we verified that magnification, as used in mammography, reduces total image unsharpness.

1 [email protected]



Durham MED tester acceptance testing and calibration using EBT3 Gafchromic film

Michael Manley1 St. Vincent's University Hospital

Jackie McCavana St. Vincent's University Hospital

The Hybec Durham Erythema MED tester is a hand held test device designed to measure the Minimal Erythema Dose for a patient receiving UVB phototherapy. It has a series of 10 apertures with a superimposed foil grid of varying attenuation so that 10 doses of UVB are delivered to a patient simultaneously in increments of 1.26. Several groups have researched this device and published results differ. A more optimum method of calibration is required. There are three challenges in the measurement of the output of the 9 mm diameter apertures: availability of a detector of appropriate size, use of appropriate input optic for the ‘in contact’ geometry and the variation in bulb output with time. Calibrated EBT3 Gafchromic film is ideal for this application as it allows simultaneous measurement of all apertures and quantitative investigation in the patient exposure geometry. The EBT3 and a Bentham spectral radiometer were used to quantify the output characteristics of two handheld testers. Lamp stability, warm up characteristics, relative output at apertures and uniformity of bulbs were evaluated in simulated patient exposure geometry. Previous research was carried out with the tester free in air. Measurements carried out in this research demonstrate that the geometry has an influence on warm up and relative output of apertures, due to heating effects. Results allowed a treatment protocol to be established with revised warm-up time and modified relative aperture outputs. EBT3 is suitable for the commissioning and routine quality control of the device.

1 [email protected]



Digital Angiography: Moving With the Times

David Costello1 Mater Misericordiae University Hospotal

Patrick Kenny Mater Misericaordiae University Hospital

Mandy Lewis Mater Misericaordiae University Hospital

Low dose Angiography (LDA) systems rely on significant recursive filtration (AKA temporal averaging) to maintain image quality. In situations of rapid motion, such processing can have a detrimental effect on images obtained, producing motion blur and temporal ghosting. LDA enables the use of lower kV’s and mAs resulting in lower staff and patient doses. It also allows manufacturers to overcome output limitations when using smaller focal spots. While the benefits are clear very little work has been carried out in relation to the drawbacks of this approach. This work aims to examine the impact of recursive filtration on moving targets in LDA systems. Common test objects such as the Leeds Test Objects do not allow for the dynamic assessment of Image Quality. In this study, a NEMA Cardiology Phantom was modified to investigate the impact of Motion Unsharpness and Recursive Filtering on image quality in LDA. This investigation was carried out under conditions simulating normal clinical use. Systems assessed were: Philips Alura FD 20, Alura Clarity FD 10 and two Siemens Artis Zee systems. All systems using LDA demonstrated different levels of Temporal Ghosting. The Intensity and spacing of the ghost images was dependent on system type and pulse rate. When set to acquisition mode, the ghosting artefact was not present. However, an increase in motion unsharness as a result of longer pulse widths was observed. The impact of motion unsharpness and temporal ghosting impinges on the effective optimisation of clinical systems and should form of regular QC.

1 [email protected]




Danielle Maguire1 St. Vincent's University Hospital

Eileen Seymour St. Vincent's University Hospital

Julie Lucey St. Vincent's University Hospital


It has been shown that lead-free and lead-composite aprons do not perform as well as their 100% lead counterparts, and secondary fluorescent radiation can contribute to staff doses. The aim of this project is to measure the transmission through the current cohort of aprons in use in our Cardiology and Interventional Radiology departments, to examine the effectiveness of their protection and determine the optimal transmission and design of protective aprons for future purchasing. Apron designs include full length, backless, skirt/vest aprons, both single panel and overlap. Measurements performed in narrow, broad and the recommended inverse-broad beam geometries (I.S.EN61331-1-2014) are compared with a 100% lead apron for a number of beam qualities. Aprons tested include Xenolite TB and NL, Safety First, Rayshield and Infab lead-free and bi-layer aprons, as well as a 100% lead Amray apron. Calibrated Harshaw TLD-100 and TLD-100H dosimeters were placed on the aprons of several members of staff, including an IR radiologist and a Cardiology registrar, to measure the effectiveness of the apron at multiple sites in a clinical setting. Preliminary results show that for high throughput /high dose procedures, lead equivalence of 0.25 mm is inadequate. The extent of the overlap is not sufficient on some models of apron, particularly on the side of the apron closest to the tube. The suitability of backless aprons will also be discussed. Results will inform minimum requirements, such as the type and thickness of barrier material, apron design and extent of the overlap required for optimal protection.

1 [email protected]



Personalised Medicine – Dosimetry in Radioiodine Therapy for Benign Thyroid Disease

Jennie Cooke1 St. James's Hospital

Maeve Masterson DIT Kevin Street

Isolda Frizelle AMNCH

Niamh Phelan St. James's Hospital

Marie-Louise Healy St. James's Hospital

The EANM Guidelines for Dosimetry for Benign thyroid diseases(1) recommend two or more uptake measurements to estimate the residence time of I-131 in the thyroid, which when combined with the mass of the gland can be used to calculate the treatment activity. The guidelines also outline methods to estimate residence time using one early or one late uptake assessment, with subsequent loss of accuracy. The workup for therapy in our centre includes thyroid ultrasound and an I-131 uptake measurement. For patients with a solitary toxic nodule the uptake measurement combined with nodule size have been used to determine treatment activity. Patients with Grave’s disease and multinodular goitre were previously treated with fixed activities. Following a review of the treatment outcome for 130 patients we present a retrospective analysis which demonstrates that these fixed activities resulted in estimated thyroid doses which ranged over an order of magnitude. Subsequently we present our initial experiences of adopting the EANM Dosimetry guidelines using a minimum of two uptake measurements. For therapies such as I-131 therapy with high success rates (85%-90% in our centre), it has been difficult to justify the use of dosimetry in the past. However with the imminent implementation of the 97/43/EURATOM and to optimise the therapeutic benefit to the patient, it is essential that we begin to utilize available dosimetry techniques. 1. Hänscheid, Heribert, et al. "EANM Dosimetry Committee series on standard operational procedures for pre-therapeutic dosimetry II. Dosimetry prior to radioiodine therapy of benign thyroid diseases." EJNMMI 40.7(2013):1126-1134.

1 [email protected]


Radiotherapy Parallel Session 11:30 – 12:30

CT MR image registration for 3D image based treatment planning in cervical cancer brachytherapy – an initial experience

Admire Dzingwa1 Cork University Hospital

Eamonn Hayes Cork University Hospital

The use of image registration is relevant in radiotherapy centres with good access to computed tomography (CT) and limited access to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. This presentation outlines recent work on commissioning and bringing into clinical use CT MR image registration to facilitate 3 dimensional image based treatment planning in cervical cancer high dose rate brachytherapy. CT MR compatible ring and tandem applicators are required for this dual imaging approach. X-ray catheters and MR line markers were fitted into the applicators as appropriate for the imaging modality. Applicator reconstruction, dose prescription, organ at risk (OAR) contouring and optimisation were performed on the CT images. Contouring of the high risk clinical target volume was performed on the MR images. Image registration involved identifying and marking three corresponding points on the ring and tandem applicator on both the CT images and the MR images. The average error associated with the registration in all three patients involved in this study was less than 1 mm. Treatment plans were generated that complied with published dose volume parameters for the target and OAR dose constraints [1, 2]. CT MR image registration was shown to be feasible for delivering high quality cervical cancer brachytherapy treatments and shows a distinct improvement on CT only treatments. References: 1. A European study on MRI guided Brachytherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer (EMBRACE), 2008. 2. Implementing image-guided Brachytherapy for cervix cancer in the UK. The Royal College of Radiologists, 2009.

1 [email protected]



Verification of the Collapsed Cone algorithm using a 3D printed phantom with varying densities

Sarah Larkin1 University Hospital Galway

The purpose of the study was to test the feasibility of using 3D printing technology to create an inhomogeneous phantom for the verification of the Collapsed Cone algorithm. Using software and CT images of a patient, a soft-tissue model of a thorax was designed and then printed using a 3D printer. To represent vertebra, spinal cord and lung tissue, modelling clay, wax and foam were used, respectively. A lung tumour was replicated by using a ball of wax placed in the lung close to the heart. CT images of the phantom showed that the materials used created the desired density profile of soft-, bone- and lung- tissue. The phantom was CT scanned and dose plans were deigned, which were then delivered to the phantom using 6MV photon beam. The delivered dose was measured using Gafchromic EBT3 film. The plans were constructed using the Pencil Beam (PB) algorithm and then recalculated using the same monitor units with the Collapsed Cone (CC) algorithm. Using gamma analysis it was shown that the CC algorithm was more accurate at calculating the dose delivered to the phantom then the PB algorithm. Therefore, the study showed that is possible to use 3D printed material for creating an inhomogeneous phantom for dosimetric verification of radiotherapy treatment planning systems. With further work in 3D printed phantom construction it would be possible to use patient specific 3D printed phantoms for end-to-end testing and be designed to hold dosimeters specified by the medical physic.

1 [email protected]



Gamma index based criterion for the characterization of dosimetrically matched beams.

Francisco Cutanda Henríquez1

Edinburgh Cancer Centre

Silvia Vargas Castrillón Lanarkshire Beatson NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Dosimetry commissioning, beam modelling in a treatment planning system and patient quality assurance are the basic dosimetric steps in modern radiotherapy. As technology has evolved, beams with equal nominal energy from linear accelerators of the same make and model are very likely interchangeable in terms of beam features. This work presents a novel approach to the characterization of matched beams, which can be based on commissioning data as it is being acquired and before any beam modelling tasks are started. Gamma analysis has become a gold standard for patient quality assurance assessment, which is evaluated statistically as the conformance of measurement points in an array to the planned data. Beam matching implies plans optimized for one of the beams would pass a stringent patient QA. One way to ensure this is to apply gamma index to the input data for beam modelling, comparing homologous profiles and percentage depth dose curves on both machines. This method has been applied to a set of beams of the same nominal energy. Results have proven that a stringent gamma index test is met by beams matched according to the usual criteria, but it also rejects as non equivalent beams from different models and slightly different quality indices. The use of one dimensional gamma analysis, which is the one actually developed in the original article by Low et al, is, apart from a powerful tool to assess patient quality assurance results, an analysis tool for the definition of pools of matched beams from different machines.

1 [email protected]



Demystifying failed VMAT PSQA measurements with ArcCHECK

Paul Kinsella1 St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network

Brendan McClean St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network

Luis Leon-Vintro University College Dublin

A means of reducing Patient Specific QA (PSQA) measurements for VMAT is currently a popular topic due to the resource burden it generates. The reluctance to reduce PSQA may be due to the difficulty in identifying the cause/s of plans that fail. Plans may fail due to a number of potential factors caused by the TPS, linac or measurement device. The goal of this study was to uncover the reason/s why a selection of VMAT plans have failed. PSQA was performed with SNC ArcCHECK. Five failing plans and two passing plans were analysed. The control points for each plan were broken up into separate static fields. The fields were delivered to ArcCHECK and compared to the TPS using a Python program. Dose-differences were tracked field-by-field for each diode and categorised according to the location of the diode to the beam: In-field, penumbra and out-of-field. A composite measurement of individual control point fields compared with the conventional PSQA measurement showed minimal difference indicating that the reason for PSQA fail was not due to dynamic delivery. Dose differences due to the out-of-field component had the greatest impact on the overall pass-rates. The latest version of the SNC Patient software provides corrections for diode over-response out-of-field and was investigated as a potential solution. The impact of applying the correction resulted in all previously failing plans passing. Deconstructing PSQA measurements identified out-of-field dose differences as the main cause of plans failing. The results of this study indicate the new out-of-beam correction should be applied.

1 [email protected]



Comparison of IMRT QA measurement methodology

Moahmmed Alaswad1 NUIG ( National University fo Galway)

Linda Coleman Galway University Hospital

This study evaluated the effect of small systematic errors, such as Multi Leave Collimator (MLC), jaw misalignments, and monitor unit errors, on the quality of Intensity Modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment plan delivery. A python code was created to enable the modification of these treatment-planning parameters. Two IMRT QA verification techniques, field-by-field (FBF) and single gantry angle composite (SGAC), were performed to evaluate the original and modified plans using a 2-D ion chamber array detector. The dose distribution measured by the array detector for the FBF and SGAC were compared with the dose distribution calculated by the treatment planning system (TPS). The FBF method was more sensitive than the SGAC for detecting small systematic errors, such as opening and closing the MLC segments, which were evaluated with respect to a gamma-index of 3%/3mm and 2%/2mm. The systematic errors involvedin closing the segments of the anterior field by 2mm and 3mm showed a significant difference compared with the original field (unmodified): 80.97 ±1.7% and 41.52 ±1.9% gamma-index passing rates according to FBF. For SGAC, the magnitude of closing the MLC by 2mm remained unnoticed and resulted in a 96.95±2.61% gamma-index passing rate. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) test was used to evaluate the clinical impact of the systematic errors. Opening the MLC by 2mm gave a false negative, but more than 5% of the rectum received 75 Gy, which exceeded the tolerance radiation dose according to Quantitative Analyses of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (QUANTEC).

1 [email protected]



Novel optical fibre dosimeters and their applications in radiotherapy: A Monte Carlo Study

Majed Alharbi1 School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.

Michael Martyn School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland

Peter Woulfe Dept. of Radiotherapy Physics, Galway Clinic, Galway, Ireland

Lingxia Chen Optical Fibre Sensors Research Centre, University of Limerick, Ireland

Sinead O’Keeffe Optical Fibre Sensors Research Centre, University of Limerick, Ireland

Mark Foley School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland

Monte Carlo (MC) techniques have become an essential dosimetry tool in radiotherapy. A MC model of an Elekta Agility treatment head (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden) was developed. The MC software packages BEAMnrc and DOSXYZnrc were used to perform radiation transport simulations. The treatment head model consisted of several components including: the x-ray target, primary collimator, flattening filter, tongue-and-groove multi-leaf collimator, and jaws. Treatment head specifications were provided by Elekta. Accurate modelling was achieved through an iterative tuning process varying the energy and full width half maximum (FWHM) of the incident electron beam in steps of 0.1 MeV and 0.05 cm, respectively, until MC and measured lateral dose profiles and percentage depth dose curves (PDDs) agreed within 2%. Dose was scored in a user-defined homogeneous water phantom. The tuned MC model of the treatment head is then used to quantify the accuracy of our novel optical fibers. Optical fibre sensors offer several advantages over conventional dosimeters. Optical fibers have small dimensions, are immune to electromagnetic fields and can be used to remotely monitor radiation in real time. Results have been obtained using novel silica optical fibre (SOF) based and plastic optical fibre (POF) based sensors for clinical in-vivo dosimetry showing that both sensors exhibit an energy dependency. Ongoing work will include measurements using new scintillation materials, with a value for Zeff closer to that of water, which has a low dependence on radiation source energy, and benchmarking these measurements against the developed MC model and Gafchromic films.

1 [email protected]


Young Investigator Grant 2016 14:00 – 14:25

The 2016 YIG was awarded to Niall Colgan

Experimental and numerical assessment of MRI-induced temperature change and SAR distributions in phantoms

Niall Colgan1 National University of Ireland, Galway; University Hospital Galway

Clinical MRI scanners must conform to EU standards(IEC60601-2-33). Under this mandate all scanners must provide specific energy absorption rates(SAR) prior to initiating each scan and incorporate safeguards blocking excessive exposures. Currently all manufacturers SAR assessment are based on mathematical models. In August 2015 GE healthcare released an urgent medical device correction because they were underestimating patient SAR exceeding the mandated limits. Local MRI safety rules state the statutory SAR should not exceed IEC60601-2-33 standards and MR implant devices are design to these tolerances. There is an urgent requirement to independently verify SAR levels and we aim to address this shortfall.

1 [email protected]


Invited Speaker 14:25 – 15:00

Radiation Protection in Ireland: a changing environment

Ciara McMahon1 Office of Radiation Protection & Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Protection Agency

Tanya Kenny Office of Radiation Protection & Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Protection Agency

Collette O’Connor Office of Radiation Protection & Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the national competent authority for radiation protection and the regulatory body for regulating the custody, use, transport and disposal of radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus. This presentation will give an overview of the EPA’s role in ensuring that people and the environment in Ireland are protected from the harmful effects of ionising radiation. As part of its remit in this area, the EPA maintains a register of the names of persons and corporate bodies approved to act as Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) to licensees. These advisers play an important role in radiation safety for licensed activities. An overview of the RPA system, including how to apply to be an RPA, will be given. The main piece of legislation underpinning radiation protection in the EU is the Basic Safety Standards (BSS) Directive. A new BSS directive was published in 2014 and must be transposed and implemented in Ireland by February 2018. Some of the key elements of the new BSS and the national transposition process will be described.

[email protected]


Joint Session 15:30 – 16:20

Dose Distribution in the Region of the Eye Lens for Interventionalists


Michael Manley St. Vincent's University Hospital


Danielle Maguire St. Vincent's University Hospital

Jackie McCavana1 St. Vincent's University Hospital

In 2011, the International Commission on Radiological Protection reduced the occupational eye lens dose limit from 150mSv to 20mSv per annum, averaged over a defined period of 5 years. Transposition into Irish legislation by February 2018 of Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom on Basic Safety Standards will see this become the revised legal occupational eye lens dose limit. This has significant implications for Interventional Radiology and Cardiology where staff doses can be particularly high. The aim of the study is to investigate the dose distribution across the eyes of operators performing fluoroscopy guided procedures in a dedicated IR room, equipped with a Siemens Axiom Artis dTa C-arm system with flat-panel detector. There is a ceiling-suspended lead glass shield, which is typically interposed between the detector and the operator. Measurements will be carried out with the CIRS ATOM model 702 adult female. This phantom is sectioned and drilled to accept TLDs, and there are two TLD holes in each eye. The dose will be measured during simulation using calibrated Harshaw TLD-100H dosimeters placed within the cavities and on the lens of each eye of the phantom, and on the inner and outer surface of the lens and frame of lead glasses worn by the phantom. Eye-D dosimeters (Landauer Nordic, Sweden) will also be used, to allow comparison with Hp(3). The study will evaluate several models of lead glasses, inform the optimum position of an eye dosimeter, and establish the relationship between the dose measured at that point and the eye lens dose.

1 [email protected]



Two years of experience of Y90 microspheres SIRT therapies- a truly multidisciplinary endeavour

Brenda Byrne1 Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Michael Rowan Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Mandy Lewis Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) is a targeted treatment for liver tumours that delivers millions of tiny Y90 radioactive beads know as microspheres directly to the liver tumours through the hepatic artery. Y90 is a beta emitter with a half-life of 64 hours, maximum energy of 2.27 MeV and produces Bremsstrahlung radiation when interacts with matter. It is a therapy which requires the patient to undergo two angiograms, one for planning and one for the implanting the microspheres, one injection of Tc99m MAA to help plan the therapy and estimate how many of the microspheres could travel to the lungs during the therapy phase, two/three doses of Y90 microspheres delivered to the liver tumours through a catheter, two visits to the nuclear medicine department for imaging, the dispensing of the Y90 microspheres, overnight stay in hospital for the patient and a lot of coordination by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, bed managers, radiographers, medical physicist and consultant radiologists. This presentation will give an overview of our two years of experience of Y90 SIRT therapy which includes the treatment of over 24 patients. The presentation will include details on the risk assessments carried out in advance, the training of staff required, the staff and patient radiation doses, the precautions taken in the interventional laboratory to prevent the contamination of the lab with radioactivity during both angiograms and some of the issues we have discovered with deliverying a radionuclide therapy outside of the nuclear medicine department.

1 [email protected]




Andrea Doyle1 Dublin Institute of Technology

Jacinta Browne Dublin Institute of Technology

Deirdre King Hermitage Medical Clinic

The ability to delineate the prostate from surrounding tissue, namely contrast is vital in ultrasound-guided prostate brachytherapy.[1] In order to evaluate this performance criteria a series of volume phantoms with clinically relevant contrasts (-3dB and -4dB) were developed and manufactured in-house. Ultrasound-guided brachytherapy for prostate cancer was introduced in 2007 in Ireland [2] and has since been accepted in a number of treatment centres, largely due to benefits for patient recovery.[1] Success of the procedure is based on correct dose estimation and concise implantation of the brachytherapy seeds in the prostate. The purpose of the developed prostate volume phantoms was to assess the impact of varying contrast the on volume calculations which are made for prostate brachytherapy treatment planning. The effect of different image optimisation parameters was also investigated to determine their impact on volume estimation accuracy. The optimised images for contrast resolution and volume accuracy results were compared to those obtained for the default clinical settings. It was found that the use of tissue harmonic imaging THI, improved the volume accuracy by as much as 20% and also gave more consistent volume estimations compared to the default B-mode settings. The -3dB target proved to be more challenging to delineate compared to that of -4dB. This study illustrates how clinically relevant contrast challenges the delineation of the targets, and how image optimisation can improve the achievable contrast resolution and thus volume estimation accuracy. [1] D. Pfeiffer, et. al “AAPM Task Group 128,” Med. Phys., 2008. [2] National Cancer Registry, 2010.

1 [email protected]



Radiotherapy in Nepal: A view from Medical Physics

Paul Hill1 Cork University Hospital

Aileen Flavin Cork University Hospital

Jane Barrett Thames Valley Clinical Senate, Oxford

Diana Ritchie Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow

In October 2016 a team comprising three Radiation Oncologists and one Medical Physicist made a visit to Kathmandu, Nepal. The purpose of the visit was to deliver a Radiotherapy Treatment Planning course to trainees, Consultant Radiation Oncologists and Physicists. Visits were made to three radiotherapy centres in Kathmandu : Bir Hospital Kathmandu (1 Co60), Kathmandu Cancer Centre(1 linac) and the Nepal Cancer Centre (1 linac). This paper provides a snapshot of the challenges facing the delivery of Radiotherapy services in Nepal. There is a shortage of trained Medical Physicists. Each of the centres visited has only one Physicist for all treatment planning and machine related activities. The staff are enthusiastic, eager to learn and, like physicists worldwide, aspire to deliver high quality treatment using the latest technologies. However, the lack of support in both human and material resources presents significant challenges to delivering safe and timely radiotherapy. This results in a large workload for individuals and limits the process and workflow to a single person environment. Due to a lack of access to healthcare most treatments are palliative and, while cancer incidence is expected to rise, Radiotherapy is not a public health priority in Nepal. The expansion of services are only taking place in the private sector. The course was delivered in two sessions to staff from the three centres. The topics covered included: the physics of photon and electron beams, 3D conformal planning and plan evaluation, planning volumes, contouring (H&N and cervical), breast planning, Quality Assurance, protocols and guidelines.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session – For consideration for Imaging Equipment Ltd. Bursary P1


Danielle Maguire1 St. Vincent's University Hospital




It has been shown that lead-free and lead-composite aprons do not perform as well as their 100% lead counterparts, and secondary fluorescent radiation can contribute to staff doses. The aim of this project is to measure the transmission through the current cohort of aprons in use in our Cardiology and Interventional Radiology departments, to examine the effectiveness of their protection and determine the optimal transmission and design of protective aprons for future purchasing. Apron designs include full length, backless, skirt/vest aprons, both single panel and overlap. Measurements performed in narrow, broad and the recommended inverse-broad beam geometries (I.S.EN61331-1-2014) are compared with a 100% lead apron for a number of beam qualities. Aprons tested include Xenolite TB and NL, Safety First, Rayshield and Infab lead-free and bi-layer aprons, as well as a 100% lead Amray apron. Calibrated Harshaw TLD-100 and TLD-100H dosimeters were placed on the aprons of several members of staff, including an IR radiologist and a Cardiology registrar, to measure the effectiveness of the apron at multiple sites in a clinical setting. Preliminary results show that for high throughput /high dose procedures, lead equivalence of 0.25 mm is inadequate. The extent of the overlap is not sufficient on some models of apron, particularly on the side of the apron closest to the tube. The suitability of backless aprons will also be discussed. Results will inform minimum requirements, such as the type and thickness of barrier material, apron design and extent of the overlap required for optimal protection.

[email protected]




Andrea Doyle1 Dublin Institute of Technology



The ability to delineate the prostate from surrounding tissue, namely contrast is vital in ultrasound-guided prostate brachytherapy.[1] In order to evaluate this performance criteria a series of volume phantoms with clinically relevant contrasts (-3dB and -4dB) were developed and manufactured in-house. Ultrasound-guided brachytherapy for prostate cancer was introduced in 2007 in Ireland [2] and has since been accepted in a number of treatment centres, largely due to benefits for patient recovery.[1] Success of the procedure is based on correct dose estimation and concise implantation of the brachytherapy seeds in the prostate. The purpose of the developed prostate volume phantoms was to assess the impact of varying contrast the on volume calculations which are made for prostate brachytherapy treatment planning. The effect of different image optimisation parameters was also investigated to determine their impact on volume estimation accuracy. The optimised images for contrast resolution and volume accuracy results were compared to those obtained for the default clinical settings. It was found that the use of tissue harmonic imaging THI, improved the volume accuracy by as much as 20% and also gave more consistent volume estimations compared to the default B-mode settings. The -3dB target proved to be more challenging to delineate compared to that of -4dB. This study illustrates how clinically relevant contrast challenges the delineation of the targets, and how image optimisation can improve the achievable contrast resolution and thus volume estimation accuracy. [1] D. Pfeiffer, et. al “AAPM Task Group 128,” Med. Phys., 2008. [2] National Cancer Registry, 2010.

[email protected]



Imaging Dose Assessment for Cyberknife Intra-Cranial Treatments

Karl Jordan1 Hermitage Medical Clinic

Adam Agnew Hermitage Medical Clinic


Mohamed Galal Hermitage Medical Clinic

The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess patient treatment log files to determine an optimal imaging frequency for Intracranial Stereotactic Cyberknife treatments and thus, reducing the imaging dose received by the patient to ALARA while maintaining acceptable delivery accuracy. Image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) have become fundamental treatment modalities in radiotherapy for ensuring accurate dose distribution to the intended target. To assess intra-fractional motion, frequent tracking can be employed to accurately track target motion during treatment. If an ionising radiation modality is used, the additional imaging dose received by the patient should be optimised.Patient entrance surface dose (ESD) was measured utilising solid water phantoms to mimic patient scatter for exposures used clinically. Imaging dose was quantified by applying ESD measurements to retrospective data for a cohort of 100 fractions and analysing patient position at each acquired image pair. Patient movement was established by the difference between two consecutive images for the duration of the treatment fraction. Patient movement along with plan robustness was used to determine imaging frequency. ESD was measured to be 0.24 mGy per image pair. In comparison to an original average imaging frequency of 43 seconds over all patients, an imaging frequency of 64 and 15 seconds has been suggested for Meningiomas (MEN)/Acoustic Neuromas (AN) and Trigeminal Neuralgia (TGN) respectively. By optimising the imaging frequency, the imaging dose received by patients may increase by up to 150% (TGN) or decrease by up to 20% (MEN/AN) while adequately tracking patient movement.

[email protected]



The Grandfather Effect- Personalizing Radiation Safety Precautions following Prostate Implantation with I-125 Seeds

Michael O'Neill1 NUIG

Prostate Brachytherapy with Iodine-125 seeds is considered to be on par, in terms of survival rate, with other forms of prostate cancer treatment such as EBRT and Prostatectomy. Following successful implantation patients are required to follow strict radiation protection guidelines, to ensure that exposures to family members and members of the public do not exceed specified dose limits.These guidelines include not holding a child in the lap area for more than 1 hour per day and not sleeping within 1 meter of a partner. These guidelines last for a period of 1 year. Clinicians have reported that some patients may choose to refuse prostate brachytherapy as a form of treatment, because of these guidelines being too restrictive, this was seen predominately in a population of elderly gentlemen who had grandchildren. This project evaluated the dose-rates present after implantation among a population of 16 patients, by directly measuring dose-rates using a suitable survey meter. An algorithm was built to yield a theoretical estimation of these dose-rates based on the patients anatomy and seed characteristics. Using estimated and measured dose-rates it is possible to provide accurate and more flexible radiation protection guidelines to patients. Clinical tools, such as a Nomogram and Computer application, were created to allow an efficient, reproducible method allowing patients to receive radiation safety guidelines that are specific to them. It is hoped that this rigorous evaluation of current guidelines and the development of clinical tools will help to make the brachytherapy more appealing, where it is best suited.

[email protected]



Verification of the Collapsed Cone algorithm using a 3D printed phantom with varying densities

Sarah Larkin1 University Hospital Galway

The purpose of the study was to test the feasibility of using 3D printing technology to create an inhomogeneous phantom for the verification of the Collapsed Cone algorithm. Using software and CT images of a patient, a soft-tissue model of a thorax was designed and then printed using a 3D printer. To represent vertebra, spinal cord and lung tissue, modelling clay, wax and foam were used, respectively. A lung tumour was replicated by using a ball of wax placed in the lung close to the heart. CT images of the phantom showed that the materials used created the desired density profile of soft-, bone- and lung- tissue. The phantom was CT scanned and dose plans were deigned, which were then delivered to the phantom using 6MV photon beam. The delivered dose was measured using Gafchromic EBT3 film. The plans were constructed using the Pencil Beam (PB) algorithm and then recalculated using the same monitor units with the Collapsed Cone (CC) algorithm. Using gamma analysis it was shown that the CC algorithm was more accurate at calculating the dose delivered to the phantom then the PB algorithm. Therefore, the study showed that is possible to use 3D printed material for creating an inhomogeneous phantom for dosimetric verification of radiotherapy treatment planning systems. With further work in 3D printed phantom construction it would be possible to use patient specific 3D printed phantoms for end-to-end testing and be designed to hold dosimeters specified by the medical physic.

[email protected]


Poster Session P6

Characterisation of Ultrasound Contrast Agents for Subharmonic Imaging for use in quantitative Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound.

Aoife Ivory1 National Centre for Advanced Medical Imaging (CAMI), St James Hospital / School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin

Jacinta E Browne School of Physics & Medical Ultrasound Physics and Technology Group, Centre of Industrial Engineering Optics, FOCAS, Dublin Institute of Technology

Carmel M. Moran Medical Physics, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Andrew J Fagan National Centre for Advanced Medical Imaging (CAMI), St James Hospital / School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin

Dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) using ultrasound contrast agents (UCA) is a non-invasive method of imaging the microvasculature, employing harmonic signal detection. UCAs are currently used clinically for qualitative visualisation purposes predominately. There is current interest in detecting the subharmonic component, known to be generated by UCAs but not tissue, which may increase sensitivity, although optimal transmission parameters remain to be determined. The aim of this work was to establish an acoustic characterisation system for use in establishing optimal subharmonic parameters. A reflection-based broadband acoustic system for UCA characterisation was developed and used to measure the attenuation of the UCA Definity™ (Lantheus, USA) across the diagnostic frequency range 1-10MHz. A Coulter counter (aperture size 20μm) was used to establish the size distribution (1.3-10μm) and concentration of the UCA (1.2-1.4x10^9 bubbles/ml). Using a pulse-echo substitution method and single element transducer (Olympus, USA) the attenuation was measured of a solution of Definity diluted in saline, made up to an ‘in vivo’ concentration of 800,000 bubbles/ml. Pressure levels and frequency content, which influence the production of subharmonic signal, were also investigated using a through-transmission set-up with a needle hydrophone (Precision Acoustics, UK). A through-transmission narrowband characterization system for use in subharmonic characterization was also developed and pressure levels above the subharmonic threshold of ~50kPa were measured. An attenuation of 1.1dB/cm was measured at 5MHz, which is close to that reported in literature(1). The developed broadband and narrowband systems are enabling an in-depth investigation of optimal transmit settings to maximise the subharmonic signal.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session P7

Development of polyvinyl alcohol cyrogel based anatomically realistic vessels for use in Doppler ultrasound flow phantoms

Andrew Malone1 Dublin Institute of Technology


Andrew Fagan Trinity College Dublin

Polyvinyl alcohol cyrogel (PVA-C) is commonly utilised in ultrasound flow phantoms due to its variable Young’s modulus, which can be manipulated through successive freeze-thaw cycles. Vessel mimicking material (VMM) was prepared using PVA-C with varying concentrations of Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) to optimise the production. These samples were characterised acoustically and mechanically to determine the optimum concentrations of constituent chemicals to adequately mimic the properties of healthy and diseased vessels found in vivo. The optimised mixture was determined using a PVA-C sample prepared after two freeze-thaw cycles, with a speed of sound of 1530±5 m/s and an attenuation of 0.521±0.02 dB cm-1 MHz-1. In addition, this material was used in a series of experiments to test a new approach to the production of anatomically realistic soft plaques in flow phantoms. Current research into plaque characteristics in Doppler flow phantoms has been limited to the use of wedges of PVA-C which are subjected to more (hard plaques) or fewer (soft plaques) freeze thaw cycles than the surrounding vessel[1]. A novel approach to the production of soft plaques is presented where cod liver oil capsules are embedded in the tissue. Following the production of the flow phantom, the gelatine capsules can be breached and liquefied by placing the entire phantom in a heated water bath; this leaves the cod liver oil encased in the vessel by a thin layer of PVA-C. By replacing the cod liver oil with a soft lipid mimicking fluid, anatomically realistic plaques can be constructed. 1/Ultrasound Med. Biol 40(1),200–209.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session P8

Comparison of the Dixon and CTDI dose quantification techniques

Ahmad Albngali1 Department of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway

Andy Shearer Department of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway

Margaret Moore 1- (Department of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway) 2- ( Saolta University Health Care Group, Division of Medical Physics, University Hospital Galway )

Brendan Tuohy 1- (Department of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway) 2- ( Saolta University Health Care Group, Division of Medical Physics, University Hospital Galway )

Niall Colgan 1- (Department of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway) 2- ( Saolta University Health Care Group, Division of Medical Physics, University Hospital Galway )

Quantification of radiation dose in computed tomography(CT) is an ongoing area of research due to the continual evolution of CT technology both physical and software based. CT contributes to nearly 70% of the total dose given to patients during examinations(1). As the number CT examinations are grown in the world, the radiation dose delivered from CT scanners to patient must be quantified precisely. Current dose measurement from CT is based on Computed Tomography Dose Index(CTDI) which was developed in 1981(2). The CTDI method utilizes a 10-cm long pencil ionization chamber placed in a 14-cm long PMMA phantom at 5 independent sites. The CT dose measurement is of a single rotation for each reference site. Modern CT scanners with helical scanning modes, auto exposure control, array detectors and multiple slice planes go beyond the efficacy of the CTDI technique. CTDI excludes the contribution of radiation scattered beyond the 100-mm range along the z axis. Dixon et al.,(3) developed a new method to measure the dose from CT scan which is more accurate than the conventional CTDI. By scanning the length of a long phantom containing a small volume farmer chamber we were able to directly measure the cumulative dose D(x) at any point allowing the measurement of a dose equilibrium at the centre of the dose profile. This presentation will compare both techniques (i.e. the dose profiles and output obtained from Dixon and CTDI method in a Clinical CT. 1. Stefanovski_et-al,Proceedings MPBE Nov-2010;2. McColloughet-al(2011) Radiology;259 (2): 311-6;3. L.Dixon(2003)Med. Phys.30,1272(2003)

1 [email protected]


Poster Session P9

Practical Experience with Radionuclide Gastric Emptying

Naomi Mc Elroy1 Tallaght Hospital

Practical experience with Radionuclide Gastric Emptying Assessment of the motor functions (motility) of the stomach is important in the studies of gastric physiology and pathophysiology. Nuclear Medicine imaging is considered the gold standard because it provides a direct, non-invasive quantification of gastric emptying (Ref 1,2). However, it is a time intensive procedure for both the patient and staff. There is also a lack of consensus on the meal to be consumed by the patient. Following review of the facilities and potential meal combinations, it was decided an oatmeal based meal(Ref 3) would be used in our institution for simplicity, low cost, and ease of preparation. This work aims to present the of setting up a new Gastric Emptying service, detailing practical experience based on 3 years of performing this examination. 1. Methods for measurement of gastric motility. L.A Szarka & M Camilleri. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 296: G461-G475, 2009. DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.90467.2008 2. SNMMI Procedure Guideline for Adult Solid-Meal Gastric Emptying Study, version 3.0, approved February 2009. 3. The Gastric Emptying study with oatmeal: reference range and reproducibility as a function of age and sex. W.C Klingensmith III, K.L Rhea, E.A Wainwright & O. Woodie Hopper. J Nucl Med Tech 2010;38:186-190. DOI: 10.2967/jnmt.110.077065

1 [email protected]


Poster Session p10

Nodal dose estimation for individualised brachytherapy planning for patients with cervical cancer

Anysja Zuchora1 University Hospital Galway

Louise Fahy University Hospital Galway

Ibrahim Nazir University Hospital Galway

Jamsari Khalid

Introduction: Radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancers involves External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) and a High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR-BT) boost. 50% of these patients present with Pelvic Lymph Nodes (PLN) metastases therefore total dose delivered to PLN is an important consideration. This study estimates differences between dose at point B (Manchester system): for plans prescribed to point A and plans optimised to cover a High Risk Clinical Tumour Volume (HR-CTV). Methods: Retrospective analysis was completed for 14 consecutive patients. EBRT standard 4-field box technique 50.4Gy in 28 fractions was delivered followed by HDR-BT 6-7Gy in 3 fractions using Varian ring and tandem applicators. Standard plans were normalised to point A and, if necessary, dwell times manually adjusted to optimise HR-CTV coverage D90 ≥100%. Doses at points B were calculated in 2Gy Equivalent Dose (EQD2) using radiobiology Linear Quadratic model (LQm) using α/β=10 for all HDR-BT fractions. Results and Conclusions: The average EQD2 for EBRT and HDR-BT combined treatment was 55.1Gy for standard plans and ranged between 52.8Gy and 56.5Gy for optimised plans. Dose at points B for HDR cervix treatment depends on the intended dose to the HR-CTV, HR-CTV volume and loading pattern. For standard plans the dose is predictable, approximately 1.8Gy per fraction, however for individualised plans there is much greater variation. As we move towards more individualised planning it is important to be aware of these differences in dose delivered to PLN and the relationship between dose to PLN and risk of metastases.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session p11

Six Sigma in Radiotherapy

Amanda Barry1 UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre

Quality in healthcare is essential for the delivery of safe and effective patient care. Safe delivery of radiation to patients means ensuring that the radiation dose delivered is as planned. Therefore careful and rigorous quality control is essential in all aspects of radiotherapy. Any deviation from these controls may lead to errors with the potential for fatal outcomes for patients. The standard quality methodology in radiation oncology is through prescriptive machine and patient-specific QA measures. Periodic measurements of physical medical devices and software ensure correct functioning of treatment related devices while patient-specific QA ensures the oncologist’s prescription is implemented. As radiotherapy techniques become increasingly complex, the focus is switching to using more modern quality management methodologies to safeguard the patient during their treatment. Specifically, methods such as Six Sigma (and Lean) are being employed to address both clinical and technical aspects in a bid to reduce radiotherapy errors and to adopt a more patient-oriented view of quality. Six Sigma has been used with widespread success in complex manufacturing settings. However, such approaches are relatively new to the healthcare service industry and are slow to be adopted without the necessary rigorous underpinning research. The research presented here, will demonstrate through examples how Six Sigma methodology can be effectively applied to patient pathways and technology management within the sector to optimise patient outcomes.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session p12

Repeatability and reproducibility of MTF, NPS and DQE in Full Field Mammography for baseline setting.

Maeve Masterson1 School of Physics, Kevin’s St, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin 8.

Dermot Gorman Medical Physics and Bioengineering Department, St James’s Hospital, Dublin

Seán Cournane Medical Physics and Bioengineering Department, St James’s Hospital, Dublin

Louise Bowden Medical Physics and Bioengineering Department, St James’s Hospital, Dublin

Colin Walsh Medical Physics and Bioengineering Department, St James’s Hospital, Dublin

The European guidelines for Full Field Digital Mammography1 recommend using performance indicators such as Modulation transfer function (MTF), Noise Power Spectrum (NPS) and Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE). This study assessed the setup variables for each, examining the repeatability and reproducibility to inform on Quality Control setup and tolerance establishment. A Siemens Novation system was used, with W/Rh tube potential 28kV, tube current 50mAs, achieving an output of 50–100µGy at the detector1. A 150x150mm Cu plate of 1mm thickness was positioned on the bucky1,2, with 2x1mm Al plates at the tube head1,3. MTF, NPS and DQE were assessed for repeatability, with and without moving the Cu plate, varying the angle between 0-15 degrees and varying output (78-704µGy). MTF showed little variance with angle (≤10°) varying between 1–4% for the 0–7 lp/mm. NPS showed to be repeatable with confidence Interval (CI) of 2.50x10-5%. MTF data variance with angle showed a confidence level <3%. The EU guidelines have no recommended tolerance for DQE. Using the MTF and NPS European guidelines tolerances, (±10% and ±15%) and propagating errors, allowed for the establishment of local tolerances. MTF, NPS and DQE measurements were found to be reliable and repeatable. The EU protocol offers suggested deviation from baseline limits; however, it does not include absolute limiting values for MTF, NPS or DQE. There is a need to establish a minimum requirement for these parameters and to establish local limits.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session p13

Evaluation of software programs, ImageJ and IQworks, for MTF, NPS and DQE analysis.

Maeve Masterson1 School of Physics, Kevin’s St, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin 8.

Dermot Gorman Medical Physics and Bioengineering Department, St James’s Hospital, Dublin

Seán Cournane Medical Physics and Bioengineering Department, St James’s Hospital, Dublin

This study compared two QA analysis programs, ImageJ and IQworks, to establish their repeatability and reproducibility in testing the performance indicators, Modulation transfer function (MTF), Noise Power Spectrum (NPS) and Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) as recommended by the European (EU) guidelines for Full Field Digital Mammography. Following the EU guidelines1, a Siemens Novation FFDM system with W/Rh Tube/Filter combination was used to acquire the desired MTF and NPS images. A Cu edge plate of 1mm thickness used1,2, in addition to 2x1mm Al plates (purity>99%) at the tube head . Each metric was tested for repeatability and reproducibility on the selected software programs, with this data then used to establish correlation and agreement between programs. Both programs show a confidence interval of <3% for MTF and NPS images, respectively. Bland-Altman statistics showed a strong correlation across all metrics, further supported with R-squared values of 0.95, 0.84 and 0.91 for MTF, NPS and DQE, respectively. However, the DQE % difference showed a >10% differences above 3.5 lp/mm between the two programs. Both programs were capable of producing repeatable and reliable results when considering MTF and NPS; however, the DQE showed differing results between the two indicating that they should not be used interchangeably. From a practicality perspective, the ImageJ program was preferable given its user-friendliness and better repeatability. Additional calculations had to be performed with IQworks to establish DQE.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session p14

Quantitative Ultrasound of the mandible as a novel screening tool for osteoporosis.

Seán Cournane1 Medical Physics and Bioengineering Department, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8.

Ciarán Finucane Medical Physics and Bioengineering Department, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8.

Leo Stassen National Maxillofacial Unit, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8.

Osteoporosis is a largely silent disease with many patients only diagnosed when presenting with fragility fractures. There is an increasing body of research examining the use of Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) for assessing bone strength. QUS avoids the high capital cost and ionising radiation related risks associated with Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. QUS devices are portable and relatively easy to use, offering the potential for use across a broader spectrum of health care professionals. There is also limited literature on the effect osteoporosis may have on the facial skeleton and, thus, there is a need to understand the relationship between low bone density and both osteointegration. Female Caucasian subjects (between 22 and 88 years or age) were assessed for osteoporotic status using DEXA and the FRAX® Osteoporosis assessment tool. Axial Transmission QUS was also employed to assess mandible bone speed of sound (SOS). Regression models suggest that increased mandible SOS significantly associated with a decreased odds of having osteoporosis, while accounting for patient age. There was only a moderate correlation found between total hip BMD and mandible SOS. The use of axial transmission mandible QUS as a screening tool for osteoporosis is demonstrated. This is the first study of its kind employing axial transmission QUS to assess mandible bone strength.The involvement of the dental profession in screening for risk factors for osteoporosis could allow access to a patient cohort which may not otherwise be accessed.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session p15

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) Dose Survey and the establishment of a DRL for a National Breast Screening Service

James McCullagh1 National Cancer Screening Service

Niall Phelan National Cancer Screening Service

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has proven invaluable to BreastCheck as an adjunct to 2D imaging, and since 2014, BreastCheck has commissioned 15 Hologic Selenia Dimensions DBT systems. Risk assessment is one of the many important reasons for performing a breast dose survey. This study is a presentation of the results of the first dose survey performed on the new 3D imaging systems. Mean glandular dose (MGD) is the commonly accepted measure of mammographic radiation risk and was calculated for each 3D image according to Dance et al. The survey used the exposure data from at least 45 examinations per DBT unit and dose calculations were performed using the NCCPM breast dose survey software. Dose survey results were in good agreement with values published in the literature. As expected the average 3D breast dose exceeds the average 2D dose (Ratio = 1.28). The estimate of the 3D imaging DRL (2.6mGy) was based on the average MGD of an oblique exposure of an average sized breast. Survey results indicated a drop in breast dose for breast thickness greater than 90mm. The manufacturer has confirmed this occurs by design to minimize long exposure times and focal spot blur which could occur for the larger breast thicknesses. The strong comparison between calculated and displayed doses should simplify future surveys.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session P16

Comparison of contrast detail phantoms in mammography

Emer Kenny1 Hermitage Medical Clinic

Paola Baldelli BreastCheck

Gillian Egan BreastCheck


Threshold contrast visibility measurements are used in mammography to assess image quality. The CDMAM contrast detail phantom version 3.4 was used to set the European standards for quality assurance in digital mammography. As such, the phantom has been widely used to assess the threshold contrast of clinical mammography equipment across Ireland. Recently an updated version of the phantom, version 4.0, was released. The CDMAM 4.0 consists of a new layout with more disc diameters and thicknesses than its predecessor. The new version was created with the aim to be more closely adopted to the image quality found in modern mammography systems and to reduce the variability across individual phantoms. This study compares the sensitivity of the two versions of the CDMAM phantom across a range of mammography systems at clinical settings. Contrast detail measurements were taken using the different phantoms on four different makes of digital mammography equipment and images were analysed using CDMAM Analysis v2.1.0 software package. Here we present resuts of a comparison in threshold contrast sensitivity between the two versions of the phantom.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session p17

Digital Detector Quality Assurance testing in Ireland

Naomi Mc Elroy1 Tallaght Hospital

As Direct Digital Radiography (DDR) systems are replacing older imaging systems in hospitals, it is essential to ensure that Medical Physicists are performing the most appropriate testing on this newer modality. Specifically, quality control testing on the Digital Detector is central to ensuring adequate image quality to allow clinical diagnosis and treatment. There are a number of different guidelines(ref 1-4) available on testing for digital systems, however it is unclear what practical approaches are being undertaken in Ireland. A short survey of DR testing practice in Ireland was performed to establish common practice and assist in developing recommendations for progression of this type of testing in conjunction with the Ionising Imaging Special Interest Group (II SIG) of the IAPM. This poster aims to discuss the findings of the survey. References: 1. IPEM Report 32 Part VII (2010) – Measurement of the performance characteristics of Diagnostic X-ray Systems: Digital Imaging Systems 2. RP162 (2012) Criteria for acceptability of Medical Radiological Equipment used in Diagnostic Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy 3. AAPM (2005) Online report 03 Assessment of Display performance for medical imaging systems 4. IPEM Report 91 (2005) – Recommended standards for the routine performance testing of diagnostic X-ray imaging systems.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session p18

Comparison between measured peripheral doses of a Siemens Oncor linear accelerator and AAPM Report No 50 data

Eamonn Hayes1 HSE

Fintan Bradley HSE

Lalan Ramalingam HSE

Treatment of pregnant patients with external beam radiotherapy generally speaking is uncommon. In 2016 we made an assessment of likely foetal doses for a pregnant patient. Foetal dose estimation is an important factor in determining the need to construct bespoke shielding devices to limit foetal dose. AAPM REPORT NO. 50 ‘Fetal Dose from Radiotherapy with Photon Beams’ was consulted for guidance. The Report identifies that the principal sources of dose outside a treated volume are, photon leakage through the treatment head, radiation scattered from the collimators/beam modifiers and radiation scattered within the patient from the treatment beams. The Report describes techniques and presents data that can aid in planning and treating pregnant patients using photon beams. We present results of pre-treatment phantom measurements using a Siemens Oncor 6 MV photon beam. Our peripheral dose phantom measurements are shown to be comparable with the data presented in AAPM Report 50, allowing us to use the data in this report with some confidence.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session p19

Exploratory regression analysis of the geometric targeting accuracy of the Cyberknife system

Bojan Strbac1 Hermitage Medical Clinic

James Connolly Hermitage Medical Clinic

Catherine Rahill Hermitage Medical Clinic

Mohamed Galal Hermitage Medical Clinic

Quality Assurance is an important part of a safe radiotherapy service. The End to End (E2E) test assesses the overall spatial targeting accuracy of the integrated CyberKnife system for multiple beams delivered isocentrically. The targeting accuracy is quantified based on the dose distribution recorded on film. The complexity of the entire process suggests that data-driven approaches can provide robust solutions for the detection and prediction of errors. Regression analysis is a statistical technique for determining the relationship between a single dependent (criterion) variable (in this analysis: total targeting error) and one or more independent (predictor) variables, which are specific error components from the Anterior-Posterior(AP), Left-Right(LR) or Superior–Inferior(SI) directions. Dominance analysis (DA) was used as a method to find whether one independent variable contributes more variance to the regression effect than another independent variable on average across all possible set of independent variables. We analysed the E2E results for different tracking modalities: Stationary modes (6d Skull, Fiducials, Xsight Spine) and Motion Tracking Modes (Synchrony with fiducials, and XsightLung tracking). In the stationary tracking modes the largest contribution to the total targeting error for the trigeminal, 1path_head and 1path_body path sets was from the LR, AP and AP error components, respectively. For the Motion tracking mode with 1path_body, the most dominant component of the total error was from the SI direction.

1 [email protected]


Poster Session P20

Implementation of Aria v13.6 OIS

Caitriona Collins1 Cork University Hospital

The purpose of this project is the transfer from Impacts Lantis® v6.1 record and verify system to Varian’s Aria® v13.6 Oncology Information System for our Oncology division. This OIS will govern data storage for all oncology patients and will also be the record and verify system for all radiotherapy patients. The project is also focused on achieving increased efficiencies by standardising processes used by the end users within Oncology and implementing a paperless environment. Aria is a sophisticated software system which houses the entire patients’ electronic medical record (EMR); linear accelerator record and verify system (R&V); radiotherapy treatment planning system (Eclipse); and Medical Oncology; Haematology; e-Prescribing; scheduling; and toxicities. Therefore, it forms the root of the electronic chart for the whole of our Oncology division. The functionality of the OIS, such as electronic prescribing and creating care paths, recording of treatments and treatment related side effects, for both Radiation and Medical Oncology/Haematology, is vital to the efficient use of time and resources for standardising the patient journey through Oncology. The risks associated with removing the paper chart for radiotherapy patients are high and therefore to reduce the risks workflow processes require stringent testing prior to becoming a paperless department and the success of the project will be reliant on good communication, documentation and user training.

1 [email protected]


LIST OF DELEGATES

Adam Agnew Hermitage Medical Clinic

Ismail Ahmed Hermitage Medical Clinic

Mohammed Alaswad National University of Ireland, Galway

Ahmad Albngali National University of Ireland, Galway

Majed Alharbi The National University of Ireland, Galway

Fionnuala Barker

Amanda Barry UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre

Leanne Berrigan Mater Private Hospital

Louise Bowden St James's Hospital / University Hospital Limerick

Alicia Bowe Mater Private Limerick

Fintan Bradley Cork University Hospital

Rhonda Brown St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network


Antonia Bryan St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network

Brenda Byrne Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Tom Carty Cork University Hospital

Terry Casey National University of Ireland, Galway

Sinead Cleary University Hospital Galway

Darren Coen Cork University Hospital

Patricia Coen Cork University Hospital

Niall Colgan National University of Ireland, Galway; University Hospital Galway

James Connolly Hermitage Medical Clinic

Jennie Cooke St. James's Hospital

Clare Corbally National University of Ireland, Galway


Seán Cournane St James's Hospital

John Cronin Galway Clinic

Donal Cummins St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network

Francisco Cutanda NHS Lothian

Paul Davenport St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network

Mairead Dennehy Mater Private Limerick

Anita Dowling St. James's Hospital

Andrea Doyle Dublin Institute of Technology

Admire Dzingwa Cork University Hospital

Andrew Fagan Centre for Advanced Medical Imaging

Louise Fahy University Hospital Galway

Ronan Faulkner Beaumont Hopital

Lynda Fennell St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network

Ciaran Finucane St. James's Hospital

Cathy Fleming St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network

Mark Foley National University of Ireland Galway

Aoife Gallagher St. James's Hospital

Lynn Gaynor St. Luke's Hospital

Ian Gillan Belfast Health & Social Care Trust

Sean Gillespie Galway Clinic

Paddy Gilligan Mater Private

Orla Gilligan National University of Ireland, Galway

Rachel Hanley National University of Ireland Galway

Conor Heeney Mid-Western Radiation Oncology Centre

Paul Hill Cork University Hospital


Alan Hounsell NI Cancer Centre Belfast

Wendy Hyland Western Health and Social Care Trust

Aoife Ivory Trinity College Dublin

Karl Jordan Hermitage Medical Clinic

Helen Kelly Galway Clinic

Anne Marie Kennedy Beacon Hospital

Emer Kenny Hermitage Medical Clinic

Paul Kinsella St Lukes Radiation Oncology Center @ Beaumont Hospital

Silvin Knight Trinity College University of Dublin

Marco Kuntzsch UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre

Caroline Lannon St Lukes Radiation ONcology Network

Sarah Larkin National University of Ireland, Galway

Mandy Lewis Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Caitriona Little Medical Physics Dept; Cork University Hospital

Eamon Loughman Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Julie Lucey St Vincents University Hospital

Susan Maguire Mater Private Hospital

Danielle Maguire St. Vincent's University Hospital

Ciaran Malone St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network

Lesley Malone Retired

Jim Malone

Andrew Malone Dublin Institute of Technology

Michael Manley St. Vincent's University Hospital

Maeve Masterson St. James's Hospital

Aine Maxwell Beacon Hospital


Claire Mc Cabe Tallaght Hospital

Naomi Mc Elroy Tallaght Hospital

Leanne Mc Namara Blackrock Clinic

Niall McAndrew GenesisCare

Niamh McArdle National University of Ireland, Galway

Jackie McCavana St Vincents University Hospital

Brendan McClean St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network

James McCullagh Cork University Hospital

Sarah McDermott St Lukes Oncology Network

John McFadden National University of Ireland, Galway

Anne Marie McGarrigle Cork University Hospital

Aibhilinn McHugh IAPM

Niall McLaughlin Blackrock Clinic

Aisling McMahon Cork University Hospital

Nina McWilliams National University of Ireland, Galway

Patrick Monnelly Galway Clinic

Margaret Moore University Hospital Galway

Andrew Moran CUH Temple Street

James Murphy University Hospital Galway

Dara Murphy Our Lady's Children's Hospital

Aoife O'Brien University Hospital Galway

Janet O'Callaghan St James's Hospital

Una O'Connor St. James's Hospital

Ruairi O'Donnell M2i Limited

James O'Halloran National University of Ireland, Galway


Serena O'Keeffe St Lukes Oncology Radiation Network

Michael O'Neill Beaumont Hospital

Geraldine O'Reilly St. James's Hospital

Ian Owens UPMC Whitfield

Eleonora Paulicelli Mater Private Hospital

Niall Phelan BreastCheck

Catherine Rahill Hermitage Medical Clinic

Ezhilalan Ramalingam Cork University Hospital

Edward Ranahan Cork University Hospital

Luke Rock Beacon Hospital

Mike Rowan Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Heather Ryan Mater Private Hospital

Colm Saidlear Children's Univeristy Hospital

Brandi Schuerman National University of Ireland, Galway


Laura Shields St Lukes Radiation Oncology Network

Ronan Spring Cork University Hospital

Bojan Strbac Hermitage Medical Clinic

Brendan Tuohy University Hospital Galway

Christopher Walker St Lukes Radiation Oncology Center @ St James

Colin Walsh St James's Hospital

Conor Ward Mater Private Radiotherapy

Peter Woulfe Galway Clinic

Anysja Zuchora Galway University Hospital

saturday 25th march - iapm · 2018. 6. 10. · 8 | iapm annual scientific meeting 2017 young...

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