Radiation Oncology

Program Description:

This program is a specialized clinical educational program whose graduates, by learning the basics of 1. cancer prevention and oncology (etiological factors, epidemiology, molecular genetics, molecular biology, immunology, clinical pharmacology, medical statistics, protection and physics of radiotherapy and radiobiology) and 2. diagnosis affairs and 3. staging of cancer patients, will be able to cure patients with standard non-surgical treatments for all types of solid organ cancers.

This specialized field of radio-oncology, in the form of a multi-specialty team, plays a fundamental role in planning the different stages of standard treatment for cancer patients.

Objectives:

Expected Competencies and Skills for Graduates at the End of the Program:

A. Expected General Competencies:

 It is expected that graduates of this field will be able to:

• Participate in the prevention and early detection of cancer, including community screening,
• Perform clinical evaluation, diagnosis and staging of solid tumors,
• Based on specific conditions of each patient, explain the prognosis and outcome of patients with solid tumors in different stages of the disease,
• Accurately diagnose oncology emergencies and treat them with prompt and correct referral and care
• Treat patients with solid tumors, using standard non-surgical treatment methods,

• Carefully diagnose early and late side effects of various treatment methods, and take an appropriate action for suitable treatment or referral of this effects,
• Based on the side effects and specific clinical conditions of each patient, and also based on the individual needs of each patient or consultation with the multidisciplinary team, adjust the treatment plan,
• Choose and suggest appropriate follow-up methods with maximum benefit and minimum cost for patients,

• Choose the best way to deal with the patient by timely diagnosing the recurrence of the disease and distinguishing it from the late complications of the treatment,
• Know the basics of radiation physics, radiobiology and radiation protection and use them in professional activities,
• Participate in the design and implementation of clinical and interdisciplinary research related to cancer.

B. Expected Specific Competencies and Skills:

• Different types of radiation therapy methods (external, brachytherapy, radiosurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, radiation therapy during surgery, non-ionizing radiotherapy such as photodynamic therapy and electric field therapy),

• Working with all types of radiation therapy devices,

• Using modulating methods of standard cancer treatments (hyperthermia),

• Diagnostic, palliative and therapeutic aspiration or drainage,

• Prescribing and injecting a variety of chemotherapy drugs and other systemic treatments (oral, intravenous, intra-arterial, intrathecal, local, intra-cavitary) in Solid Tumors,

• Prescription and injection of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer,

• Use of infusion pump,

• Thoracocentesis and Pleurodesis,

• Necessary simulations to perform radiotherapy using (Pet CT Sim, Digital X ray, CT Sim, MR Sim),

• Designing types of treatment for external, internal and brachytherapy radiotherapy,

• Placement of external and brachytherapy applicators and implantation of intra-tissue catheters,

• Designing and manufacturing auxiliary devices for radiotherapy treatment (fixator, shield, blouse),

• Use and care of the infusion port.