***COVID-19 Proton Conditional Approval***

 

With the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, travel limitations within IROC, and visitor limitations at participating institutions, IROC Houston and the NCI have established a workflow for a conditional approval of proton centers wishing to participate in NCTN protocols. The details are listed below. These requirements will be in place until further notice.

 

In order to receive conditional approval for participation in NCTN protocols, a proton center must:

1.         Have been treating patients for a minimum of four months, and have experience treating at least three disease sites 

2.         Participate in annual monitoring of the proton beam calibration

3.         Complete four IROC phantom irradiations: prostate, H&N, lung, and liver

4.         Complete RLSP-CT calibration verification 

5.         Complete IGRT isocenter coincidence verification 

6.         Complete IGRT credentialing for boney and soft tissue  

7.         Complete remote review of QA and treatment planning practices 

 

Upon successful completion of the above requirements, a proton center will receive conditional approval to enroll patients in NCTN protocols. Once MD Anderson permits IROC staff to travel again, the proton center must complete an on-site dosimetry audit within 12 months or the conditional approval will be revoked. The institution will be charged the baseline approval fee of $16,000 up front.

 

The above workflow is for US proton therapy centers only. Any international center wishing to be approved for NCTN participation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

This conditional approval is for new proton centers or new machines at existing centers only. Proton centers who have already completed baseline approval do not need to complete any additional steps.