Stereotactic radiosurgery in India: A nationwide survey of technology and quality assurance practices

Abstract

Purpose: India is rapidly adopting advanced treatments like Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS). However, there is a paucity of data on SRS practice. The aim of study is to assess the current status of technology and practices of machine quality assurance (QA) and patient specific quality assurance for SRS in India. Materials and Methods: A survey questionnaire was designed using Google Forms and sent to chief/senior medical physicists across 220 radiotherapy centers in India on July 15, 2022. It contained questions on infrastructure availability, treatment planning, and QA. Results: SRS was found to be extensively used for the treatment of brain metastases (99.3%), followed by meningioma (50.3%), acoustic neuroma (45.5%), and pituitary tumours (33.1%). The most commonly used photon energy and treatment technique were 6MV FFF and VMAT, respectively. A prescription isodose line ranging from 70% to 100% was selected by linac users. Most linac institutes verify pretreatment doses. There was a lack of uniformity in the analysis metrics such as Low Dose Threshold, Dose Difference, and Distance to Agreement. A survey revealed that the variety of SRS QA programs being followed at Indian radiotherapy centers. Conclusion: This is the first study to report the physics practice of SRS in India. The survey shows a need to carry out a postal dose audit for small static photon fields in India.