Thomas Costantino, MS, CMD, RT(T)
Dosimetry Manager
Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company

In recent history, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been employed throughout many industries. Many dosimetrists are concerned that they may be replaced by this technology. In our field, we possess something that artificial intelligence does not yet have the capability of doing. Thinking! Actual intelligence applies to the understanding of what will happen and how to manipulate the treatment planning system to achieve high-quality plans while still considering the patient as a unique individual. This requires an intimate understanding of the physical treatment unit, beam profiles, field geometry, and tools within the TPS that can be used that may not be common knowledge. Any planning system can produce clinically acceptable plans with automation, but it is the knowledge and skill of the planner that will produce high-quality plans that AI will be challenged to achieve. The tips and tricks that we hold up our sleeves should be shared. The ones I have found beneficial will be discussed.

Tips and tricks that can be utilized to increase plan quality and efficiency. These can be applied to 3D, VMAT, SRS/SBRT techniques.

Learner Outcomes:

1. Discuss the physical limitations of the treatment unit and apply them to their planning process
2. Apply specific field geometry techniques to maximize plan quality
3. Locate and utilize tools that may not be common knowledge

Educational Level: Intermediate

Presenter:
Thomas Costantino, MS, CMD, RT(T), is a Dosimetry Manager for Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company. As a dosimetry manager for Varian’s technology and product implementation, Thomas (Tommy) Costantino supports customers in several ways. He evaluates developing technology for clinical cost and benefit. With his 30 plus years of experience in medical dosimetry, he trains staff in advanced treatment planning techniques. He develops and verifies RapidPlan models for customers. In addition, he assists physicists and programmers in developing scripts to improve workflow efficiency.

Before joining Varian, Tommy served as chief medical dosimetrist at GenesisCare, where he managed a team of nine dosimetrists. His experience includes planning and supervising Intracranial SRS, SRT, SBRT, IMRT, and HDR and LDR brachytherapy treatments. He worked closely with physicians to institute new treatment procedures for the department, including extracranial radiosurgery, and recommend modifications to equipment enabling the treatment of a broader patient population.

Tommy has a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University in Management and Business Administration and a master’s degree in medical Dosimetry from John Patrick University South Bend, Indiana. He continues as an Adjunct Professor at John Patrick University, instructing students on advanced planning techniques.

NOTE: If you earned CE Credits for this session during the 2024 AAMD Specialized Techniques Virtual Symposium, you will not be eligible to earn CE Credits for it again.

ARRT CQR Credit Distribution
Radiation Therapy 2017:
Procedures
Prescription and Dose Calculation = 1.0

Radiation Therapy 2022       
Procedures
Prescription and Dose Calculation = 1.0