EFOMP policy statement NO. 19: Dosimetry in nuclear medicine therapy - Molecular radiotherapy

Abstract

The European Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom (BSS Directive) includes optimisation of treatment with radiotherapeutic procedures based on patient dosimetry and verification of the absorbed doses delivered. The present policy statement summarises aspects of three directives relating to the therapeutic use of radiopharmaceuticals and medical devices, and outlines the steps needed for implementation of patient dosimetry for radioactive drugs. To support the transition from administrations of fixed activities to personalised treatments based on patient-specific dosimetry, EFOMP presents a number of recommendations including: increased networking between centres and disciplines to support data collection and development of codes-of-practice; resourcing to support an infrastructure that permits routine patient dosimetry; research funding to support investigation into individualised treatments; inter-disciplinary training and education programmes; and support for investigator led clinical trials. Close collaborations between the medical physicist and responsible practitioner are encouraged to develop a similar pathway as is routine for external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. EFOMP's policy is to promote the roles and responsibilities of medical physics throughout Europe in the development of molecular radiotherapy to ensure patient benefit. As the BSS directive is adopted throughout Europe, unprecedented opportunities arise to develop informed treatments that will mitigate the risks of under- or over-treatments.