Immobilization devices between routine and quality assurance.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of immobilization devices in reducing treatment errors and delivering high doses to limited target volumes. The clear advantages are matched with quality control necessity.


METHODS
The Authors examine two fundamental aspects of the topic: 1) the immobilization of head and neck and the relative implications in reducing the skin-sparing at the build-up region; 2) the rationale and management of quality assurance procedures in the immobilization devices utilization, with a particular reference to pelvic radiation treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The immobilization devices utilization certainly leads to an optimization in the execution of radiation treatments. Nevertheless, in the choice for their routine use, the Authors suggest to follow some "conceptual rules" with the aim of successfully matching each of the discussed aspects connected with their utilization.
Polico
C
C
Division of Radiation Oncology, ASL 18, Rovigo, Italy. staffradioterapia@dada.it
Pavanato
G
G
Capirci
C
C
Mandoliti
G
G
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007558:Italy; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011786:Quality Control; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*