Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
Department of Radiation Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
J Med Radiat Sci. 2023 Apr;70 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):107-113. doi: 10.1002/jmrs.646. Epub 2023 Jan 5.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has proven value in radiotherapy treatment planning (RTP). MRI provides excellent soft tissue contrast, and improves lesion detection, definition and extent, allowing for increased conformal treatment. Recent installation of dedicated MRI simulators and MRI-guided linear accelerators (MR Linacs) within radiation oncology departments has led to a sudden and rapid expansion in the scope of practice for many radiation therapists and MRI radiographers. The lack of current recommendations, guidelines and credentialing for both MRI radiographers and radiation therapists working within these atypical MRI environments poses a significant challenge for the education and training of staff, and the safe operation of these units. This commentary discusses current pathways for radiographers and radiation therapists entering the emerging field of MRI-guided radiation oncology, and the future role of the MRI radiographer in addressing the unique issues found in non-standard MRI environments. The authors draw on their collective experience as MRI radiographers assisting the rollout of dedicated MRI simulators in radiation oncology departments across Australia and reflect on the need for close collaboration between radiographers, radiation therapists and their respective departments. There is also a critical role for professional bodies to play in supporting existing and future roles in MRI and recognising advanced practitioner scope of practice.
磁共振成像（MRI）已被证明在放射治疗计划（RTP）中具有价值。MRI 提供了出色的软组织对比度，并提高了病变的检测、定义和范围，从而实现了更一致的治疗。最近，在肿瘤放射科部门中安装了专用的 MRI 模拟器和 MRI 引导的直线加速器（MR Linacs），这导致许多放射治疗师和 MRI 放射技师的实践范围突然迅速扩大。在这些非典型的 MRI 环境中工作的 MRI 放射技师和放射治疗师缺乏当前的建议、指南和认证，这对员工的教育和培训以及这些单位的安全运行构成了重大挑战。本评论讨论了放射技师和放射治疗师进入新兴的 MRI 引导放射肿瘤学领域的当前途径，以及 MRI 放射技师在解决非标准 MRI 环境中发现的独特问题方面的未来作用。作者借鉴了他们作为 MRI 放射技师的集体经验，协助在澳大利亚各地的肿瘤放射科部门推出专用 MRI 模拟器，并反思了放射技师、放射治疗师及其各自部门之间密切合作的必要性。专业机构在支持 MRI 中的现有和未来角色以及认可高级从业者的实践范围方面也起着至关重要的作用。
