Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for Treatment Workflow of a Novel Ring Gantry Linac

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

A new ring gantry Linac machine combined with a PET ring is available in the market. It has 3 separate centers, one for laser, one for CT imaging and a 3rd for the Linac. As a first-generation machine of its kind, the workflow heavily depends on user-input. As example, it uses two separate coordinate systems, IEC for lasers and CT localization offsets and DICOM for treatment planning. The planner must manually convert between the two systems. We hypothesize that the unique design of the machine that is heavily dependent on users' input increases the potential of failure of treatment. The present work investigates failure modes for treatment delivery using the methodology of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and proposes solutions to mitigate some of the failure modes (FMs).

MATERIALS/METHODS

A group of two radiation oncologists, two radiation therapists and three medical physicists was assembled. The process map for treatment delivery on the X1 was created and FMs were identified. Members independently graded each FM on 3 parameters, likelihood of occurrence, detectability of FM and level of severity on patient treatment. A grading scale of 1-5 was used with five representing the worst outcome in each parameter. Each member also identified the origin of each FM to be human, machine or clinical process. Mitigation solutions were proposed.

RESULTS

The process map of treatment delivery on X1 consists of six major processes and 24 sub-processes. A total of 27 FMs were identified, with many 19/27 (70%) caused by human errors and 7/27 (27%) caused by machine. From all responses, we tallied a median of 11 FMs (40%) that have both S≥ 4 and O or D ≥ 4. To further focus our analysis, we looked at the highest PRN scores from each member and found 7 FMs that were common. 1 FM was in "initiation of Treatment" sub-process and 6 FMs in "Treatment delivery" sub-process. Proposed solutions to these FMs were concerned with software upgrades. Examples are, allow changes in fractionation, allow dose tracking, auto calculation of couch position for various sub processes, allow DICOM image transfer and many more. The current clinical workflow that we adopted for these FMs either puts the burden on the user to confirm/verify parameters or the use of third-party software. In addition to these high-scoring FMs, we adopted changes in clinical workflow to mitigate other FMs, most of them through third-party software.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that the unique design and user-dependent machine environment, human failures are high accounting for 70% of FMs in treatment delivery alone. Our current workflow of the machine depends on direct user input to calculate/confirm certain parameters or the use of third-party software, which also depends on the user for proper completion of the task. Suggested solutions also included proposed improvement to the machine's software and user interface.

Conformality Indices and Brain Dose Objective for Multi-Lesion Brain Single Isocenter Linac-Based Stereotactic Radiosurgery

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The lack of recommendation on Linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and radiotherapy (SRT) plan quality for multi-lesion brain metastasis results in planning heterogeneity. The use of MLCs in the delivery is expected to add extra leakage when multi-lesions are treated simultaneously, and no recommendations availability in literature. We aimed to identify conformality indices and plan objectives that would guide multi-brain metastasis SRS & SRT MATERIALS/METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinically accepted brain metastasis radiotherapy plans treated using SRS and SRT at our department. Each plan was assessed for four metrics: Two conformality indices, including R50% referring to the ratio of the 50% dose cloud to the PTV, and %D1cm referring to the percentage of dose at 1cm away from PTV in any direction. One dose objective, V12 Gy referring to the brain volume receiving 12 Gy, and one delivery efficiency parameter, the modulation factor, defined as the ratio of the total MU to the prescribed dose. Each parameter was evaluated as a function of total PTV volume and number of lesions.

RESULTS

A total of 107 plans were analyzed. The analyzed plans included pre- and post-operative treated brain metastasis with 86% with ≤ 4 lesions (median is 2, IQR is 3), 80% of the plans received single fraction and 43% of plans have a total PTV volumes of ≤ 1cc (median is 2.2cc and IQR is 7.5cc). We used a two tail T-test to check for correlation. The 50% relative dose gradient, R50%, was found to be dependent on PTV volume (P < 0.001), and a power law was used to fit the data. The brain volume, V12 Gy, was also found to be dependent on total PTV volume (P < 0.0001) and a linear curve was used to fit V12 Gy vs PTV. We did not find correlation between the number of lesions and R50% and or V12 Gy (p-value = 0.154 and 0.736, respectively). The dose gradient at 1cm away in any direction from PTV, %D1cm, has a median, average and a S.D. of 32%, 33% and 9%, respectively. 85% of all plans have %D1cm<42% which falls within 1 S.D. In addition, we found %D1cm to be dependent on both PTV volume and number of lesions (P < 0.001 for both). The modulation factor (MF) has a median, average and a S.D. of 2.9, 3.0 and 1.5, respectively. We found that 81% of all plans has MF < 4.5, which is within the 1 S.D. It has a positive correlation of 0.628 with the number of lesions.

CONCLUSION

We found a clear correlation between the total PTV volumes and R50% and V12 Gy, and a fit line was used to relate each parameter to the total PTV volume. As for %D1cm and MF, we found that the average value within 1 S.D. is adequate to include > 80% of the plan. We propose these four parameters to fill the gap for plan quality for Linac-based SRS and SRT. Further evaluation and validation of our results on larger cohort is needed to allow generalizability and applicability of the results and correlation with clinical outcomes to guide clinical decision making.

Allergic rhinitis: diagnosis and management

Allergic rhinitis affects 20% of the population of the UK. It confers a significant health burden upon the individual as it affects the patient's quality of life and is associated with serious comorbidities including asthma, sinusitis and conjunctivitis. Owing to its prevalence, it has a significant economic impact through its effects on education, productivity and use of healthcare resources. This review focuses on the management of allergic rhinitis and potential future treatments, because of the lack of clear national guidelines and because this illness is often misdiagnosed and mismanaged. The article provides a comprehensive overview of allergic rhinitis and illustrates the assessment criteria for various subcategories.

An overview of parasitic infections of the gastro-intestinal tract in developed countries affecting immunocompromised individuals

In both developed and developing countries, parasitic infections continue to be a frequent cause of mortality and morbidity. Due to the globalization of the world, doctors must be fully prepared to deal with a plethora of parasitic infections. More commonly the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is infected and in developed countries protozoans are more likely to be the cause of infection compared to helminths. These GI protozoa are progressively becoming recognized as important pathogens in patients that are immunocompromised. The number of immunocompromised patients is increasing and therefore the likelihood of similar infections will also increase. This paper aims to highlight the key GI parasites affecting immunocompromised individuals in developed countries, discussing diagnosis, treatment options and also prevention. Cryptosporidium parvum may be the most common GI parasite found in the immunocompromised host closely followed by Cyclospora, however, Giardia duodenalis is the most common GI parasite found in developed countries. The pathogenesis of parasitic infection is not clear, poorly understood and diagnostic testing remains difficult with management continuing to be a challenge.

Port site endometrioma: a rare cause of abdominal wall pain following laparoscopic surgery

Endometriomas are a rare cause of abdominal wall pain. We report a case of a port site endometrioma presenting with an umbilical swelling. The patient underwent a laparoscopy for pelvic endometriosis 6 months previously and presented with a swelling around her umbilical port site scar associated with cyclical pain during menses. Ultrasound scan reported a well-defined lesion in the umbilicus and MRI scanning excluded other pathology. As she was symptomatic, she underwent an exploration of the scar and excision of the endometrioma with resolution of her symptoms. Precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of endometrial seeding during laparoscopic surgery. All tissues should be removed in an appropriate retrieval bag and the pneumoperitoneum should be deflated completely before removing ports to reduce the chimney effect of tissue being forced through the port site. The diagnosis should be considered in all women of reproductive age presenting with a painful port site scar.

Detection of MEF-1 laboratory reference strain of poliovirus type 2 in children with poliomyelitis in India in 2002 & 2003

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Significant progress has been made towards eradication of poliomyelitis in India. Surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) has reached high standards. Among the 3 types of polioviruses, type 2 had been eliminated in India and eradicated globally as of October 1999. However, we isolated wild poliovirus type 2 from a small number of polio cases in northern India in 2000 and again during December 2002 to February 2003. Using molecular tools the origin, of the wild type 2 poliovirus was investigated.

METHODS

Polioviruses isolated from stool samples collected from patients with AFP were differentiated as wild virus or Sabin vaccine-like by ELISA and probe hybridization assays. Complete VP1 gene nucleotide sequences of the wild type 2 poliovirus isolates were determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), followed by cycle sequencing. VP1 nucleotide sequences were compared with those of wild type 2 polioviruses that were indigenous in India in the past as well as prototype/laboratory strains and the GenBank database.

RESULTS

Wild poliovirus type 2 was detected in stool samples from 6 patients with AFP in western Uttar Pradesh and 1 in Gujarat. In addition, the virus was isolated from one healthy contact child and from environmental sewage sample in Moradabad where three of these patients were reported. These isolates were identified as genetically closely related to laboratory reference strain MEF-1. Molecular characterization of the isolates confirmed that there was no evidence of extensive person-to-person transmission of the virus in the community.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Laboratory reference strain (MEF-1) of poliovirus type 2 caused paralytic poliomyelitis in 10 patients in September 2000 and November 2002 to February 2003. The origin of the virus was some laboratory as yet not identified. This episode highlights the urgent need for stringent containment of wild poliovirus containing materials in the laboratories across the country in order to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Effects of rhizobacteria and root symbionts on the reproduction of Meloidogyne javanica and growth of chickpea

The effects of rhizobacteria, i.e. Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azotobacter chyroococcum and Azospirillum brasilense, alone and in combination with root symbionts, Rhizobium sp. and Glomus mosseae, on the growth of chickpea, Cicer arietinum, and reproduction of Meloidogyne jaranica were studied. When added alone G. mosseae was better at improving plant growth and reducing galling and nematode reproduction than any other tested organism. Application of P. fluorescens caused an almost similar increase in plant growth to that caused by Rhizobium sp., while use of A. chroococcum was better than A. brasilense in improving growth of nematode --infected plants. Combined use of P. fluorescens with G. mosseae was better at improving plant growth and reducing galling and nematode multiplication than any other combined treatment.