Prerequisites for Module
No prerequisites other than course entry requirements.
Corequisite Modules
None.
Precluded Modules
None.
Aims of Module
To equip the student with a knowledge of the basic principles of cancer and its behaviours. In addition to provide the student with knowledge and understanding to support the assistant practitioner role in radiotherapy treatment delivery.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
| 1. |
Explain the basic principles of cancer biology.
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| 2. |
Outline the radiotherapy management of breast, lung, bowel, prostate, bladder, head and neck and metastatic cancers.
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| 3. |
Describe the appropriate patient postioning and radiotherapy technique for single field, parallel opposed and multiple field radiotherapy treatment.
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| 4. |
Outline the equipment, technology and quality assurance processes used for external beam radiotherapy.
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| 5. |
Describe the clinical processes involved in localisation and simulation of radiotherapy treatment.
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Indicative Module Content
Cancer biology and terminology.
Epidemiology, classification of tumours, cancer investigations.
Processes of cancer spread and management of metastases.
Introduction to chemotherapy, hormone therapy and surgery.
Cancers of the breast, lung, bladder prostate, bowel, head & neck and their associated radiotherapy management.
Patient positioning, immobilisation and accessory equipment.
Radiotherapy megavoltage treatment equipment.
| Principles of radiotherapy positioning and immobilisation.
Field parameters and placement.
Beam modification and shielding.
The treatment simulator and associated technologies.
Principles of radiotherapy localisation and simulation.
Quality assurance in radiotherapy.
Safe working practices in radiotherapy.
Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Blended Learning | Assessment
| 10 | Discussion Forums
| 20 | Lectures and Tutorials
| 20 | Simulation workshops
| 10 | Virtual Classroom
| 15 | Workbased learning
| 20 |
Directed Study
| | Online Activities
| 25 | Workbooks
| 50 |
Private Study
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| 130 |
Mode of Delivery
Block attendance lectures, tutorials and practical sessions.
Online lectures, workshops and discusion forums
Student workbooks and online activities.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| | Component 1 | 1,2,3,4
| | Component 2 | 5
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Component 2 is assessed by coursework.
Component 1 is assessed by examination.
Indicative Bibliography
| 1. | BOMFORD, KUNKLER and SHERIFF (2003). Walter and Millers Textbook of Radiotherapy. 6th ed. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingtsone.
| | 2. | WILLIAMS J., R. & THWAITES, D.I., 2000. Radiotherapy Physics in Practice.USA:Oxford University Press.
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