TRAINING COURSES

Objectives
The RayStation IT Administration course is aimed at personnel that will handle IT support and administration of the RayStation installation at the clinic.

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of IT terms like Microsoft Active Directory, Citrix XenApp, VMware Horizon, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft SQL Server and network architecture.

Contents

Attendees can choose to participate either day 1 and 2 (VMware customers) or day 2 and 3 ( Citrix customers).

• VMware Horizon - Basic administration and troubleshooting

• RayStation – Understanding the application architecture and its components
• Microsoft SQL Server – Configuration for RayStation and Microsoft best practices. Setting up maintenance jobs and handling backups. Also you will learn how to do performance testing with SQLIO.
• LM-X Licensing Server - Understanding and troubleshooting.
• DICOM Connectivity – Understanding and troubleshooting.
• System Environment Guidelines – Exploring the hardware demands for RayStation and the different deployment scenarios.

• Citrix XenApp - Basic administration and troubleshooting

Objectives
The scripting course goes through the basics of Python scripting but focuses on its application in RayStation. Students will learn how scripting can be used for applications in patient modeling, planning and optimization, or for automating of entire workflows in everyday practice as well as for use in research and data mining.

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in Python scripting or programming.

Contents
Basics of Pythons scripting and application of scripting in RayStation, with use of a lot of hands-on exercises and examples from today’s clinical practice. Topics such as automatic planning, data export to excel and creation of a GUI will all be covered. Students are encouraged to bring their own scripting ideas. 

Objectives
The scripting course goes through the basics of Python scripting but focuses on its application in RayStation. Students will learn how scripting can be used for applications in patient modeling, planning and optimization, or for automating of entire workflows in everyday practice as well as for use in research and data mining.

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in Python scripting or programming.

Contents
Basics of Pythons scripting and application of scripting in RayStation, with use of a lot of hands-on exercises and examples from today’s clinical practice. Topics such as automatic planning, data export to excel and creation of a GUI will all be covered. Students are encouraged to bring their own scripting ideas. 

Objectives

The RayStation Proton course covers all proton related functionality and is intended to give new users a comprehensive introduction to RayStation. At the end of the training the participants will be able to use RayStation clinically. There is an emphasis on practical exercises to give users hands-on experience.

The objective of the proton physics training is to obtain a detailed understanding of physical principles and algorithms implemented in RayStation – from CT image data to scoring of dose in the patient.

Prerequisites

Medical dosimetrists and physicists familiar with (proton) treatment planning.    

Contents

Proton planning (4 days):

• Patient data management: CT to density tables, DICOM import and export, patient backup and restore, handling of fraction image data
• Patient modeling: Standard options like manual contouring, Model Based Segmentation, atlas based segmentation and ROI algebra. Rigid and deformable image registrations.
• Planning and optimization: PBS planning (in depth on objective functions, spot selection techniques etc), US/DS, PBS with block apertures, robust optimization (patient setup-, range- and 4D-robustness), Multi Criteria Optimization, use of different dose engines (approximate pencil beam, pencil beam and monte carlo). Case examples including cranio spinal, head and neck, pelvic, lung etc.
• Plan evaluation: Dose computations on additional datasets, deforming dose to new datasets, perturbed dose calculations.
• Adaptive planning: Theory and practice in deformable registrations and its use for dose deformation, dose tracking and adaptive planning process.
• Upon request: Radiobiology for protons and fallback planning.

 Proton physics (1 day):

• Proton dose calculation: CT to stopping power conversion, Pencil-Beam dose engine, Monte Carlo dose engine.
• Proton beam commissioning: Beam data requirements and file format, beam modeling, validation.
• RayPhysics for proton PBS: Import of measured pristine Bragg peaks, spot profiles and absolute dosimetry data. Beam model generated from measured data by auto modeling. Beam model parameters displayed in the GUI. Computation of pristine Bragg peaks, spot profiles and absolute dosimetry data using Monte Carlo and/or Pencil Beam dose engine. Export of measured and computed pristine Bragg peaks and spot profiles.

Objectives
The RayStation IT Administration course is aimed at personnel that will handle IT support and administration of the RayStation installation at the clinic.

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of IT terms like Microsoft Active Directory, Citrix XenApp, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft SQL Server and network architecture.

Contents

Day 1:

• Introduction
• Citrix
• RayLauncher Part I
• SCP, DICOM storage
• RayStation Licensing - LM-X
• RayStation Security Groups
• Lab time
• SQL Server Part I

Day 2:

• SQL Server Part II
• RayStation Storage Tool
• RayLauncher Part II
• Lab time

Day 3:

• System Environment Acceptance Test
• RayStation Logs
• System Environment Guidelines for RayStation
• Course Conclusion / Lab time

Objectives
The advanced RayStation planning course gives the already experienced user a deeper knowledge of all functionalities exercised in the basic training. 

Prerequisites
Medical dosimetrists and physicists with basic experience from treatment planning in RayStation.

Contents

• Day 1 and 2: planning (IMRT and VMAT), optimization (conventional and Multi-Criteria Optimization) on advanced cases.
• Day 3 and 4: Morfeus and Anaconda deformable registration covering a variety of different anatomical sites, as well as dose tracking and treatment adaptation is further elaborated in this advanced planning course. The use of scripting in the adaptive workflow will also be covered.

With a combination of more challenging use cases, plan comparisons and discussions along with opportunities to network with the functionality developers at RaySearch Laboratories, the user is trained to an advanced level.

The course begins afternoon of the Monday and will finish at lunch on Friday.

Objectives
The Introduction to RayStation Planning course is aimed at new RayStation users. It covers almost all functionality (protons available on request) and is intended to give new users a comprehensive introduction to RayStation. At the end of the training the participants will be able to use RayStation clinically. There is an emphasis on practical exercises to give users hands-on experience.

Prerequisites
Medical dosimetrists and physicists familiar with treatment planning

Contents

• Patient data management: CT to density tables, DICOM import and export, patient backup and restore, handling of fraction image data
• Patient modeling: Standard options like manual contouring, Model Based Segmentation, atlas based segmentation, ROI algebra and contouring on registered image sets, as well as more advanced options for contouring such as the use of deformable registrations for patient modeling.
• Planning and optimization: Basic planning is applied for 3D-CRT, IMRT and VMAT techniques. Standard IMRT optimization as well as Multi-Criteria Optimization is included. Automated planning techniques including Plan Protocols, Fallback Planning and Automated Breast Planning are covered.
• Adaptive planning: Theory and practice in deformable registrations and its use for dose deformation, dose tracking and adaptive planning process.

Objectives
The physics course is aimed at medical physicists and should give an understanding of the photon and electron beam models, and how the different parameters affect the models. Other objectives are learning how to make QA-plans and how to use the Beam 3D Modeling-module and commission CT-machines.

Prerequisites
Knowledge in medical radiotherapy physics.

Contents

• Machine characterization, how and what to measure before the modeling process to have a good set of data.
• Dose calculation for photons and electrons. For photons: fluence generation, density and material handling, collapsed cone photon dose engine. For electrons: the phase space generation and the Monte Carlo based VMC++ electron engine.
• Photon model parameters: Photon energy spectrum, contamination electrons energy spectrum, off-axis softening and beam profile corrections, primary and flattening filter sources, output factor corrections, MLC and Jaw position and transmission, wedges and auto modeling tools.
• Electron model parameters: Electron energy spectrum, contamination photon energy spectrum, source phase space.
• CT-commissioning: Material handling in RayStation, creation of CT to mass density table.
• QA: Using the Beam 3D Modeling tools. Generate, approving and using phantoms for QA preparation. Creating and exporting patient QA plans in RayStation.

Objectives
The physics course is aimed at medical physicists and should give an understanding of the photon and electron beam models, and how the different parameters affect the models. Other objectives are learning how to make QA-plans and how to use the Beam 3D Modeling-module and commission CT-machines.

Prerequisites
Knowledge in medical radiotherapy physics.

Contents

• Machine characterization, how and what to measure before the modeling process to have a good set of data.
• Dose calculation for photons and electrons. For photons: fluence generation, density and material handling, collapsed cone photon dose engine. For electrons: the phase space generation and the Monte Carlo based VMC++ electron engine.
• Photon model parameters: Photon energy spectrum, contamination electrons energy spectrum, off-axis softening and beam profile corrections, primary and flattening filter sources, output factor corrections, MLC and Jaw position and transmission, wedges and auto modeling tools.
• Electron model parameters: Electron energy spectrum, contamination photon energy spectrum, source phase space.
• CT-commissioning: Material handling in RayStation, creation of CT to mass density table.
• QA: Using the Beam 3D Modeling tools. Generate, approving and using phantoms for QA preparation. Creating and exporting patient QA plans in RayStation.

Objectives
The advanced RayStation planning course gives the already experienced user a deeper knowledge of all functionalities exercised in the basic training.

Prerequisites
Medical dosimetrists and physicists with basic experience from treatment planning in RayStation.

Contents

• Day 1 and 2: planning (IMRT and VMAT), optimization (conventional and Multi-Criteria Optimization) on advanced cases.
• Day 3 and 4: Morfeus and Anaconda deformable registration covering a variety of different anatomical sites, as well as dose tracking and treatment adaptation is further elaborated in this advanced planning course. The use of scripting in the adaptive workflow will also be covered.

With a combination of more challenging use cases, plan comparisons and discussions along with opportunities to network with the functionality developers at RaySearch Laboratories, the user is trained to an advanced level.

Objectives
The physics course is aimed at medical physicists and should give an understanding of the photon and electron beam models, and how the different parameters affect the models. Other objectives are learning how to make QA-plans and how to use the Beam 3D Modeling-module and commission CT-machines.

Prerequisites
Knowledge in medical radiotherapy physics.

Contents

• Machine characterization, how and what to measure before the modeling process to have a good set of data.
• Dose calculation for photons and electrons. For photons: fluence generation, density and material handling, collapsed cone photon dose engine. For electrons: the phase space generation and the Monte Carlo based VMC++ electron engine.
• Photon model parameters: Photon energy spectrum, contamination electrons energy spectrum, off-axis softening and beam profile corrections, primary and flattening filter sources, output factor corrections, MLC and Jaw position and transmission, wedges and auto modeling tools.
• Electron model parameters: Electron energy spectrum, contamination photon energy spectrum, source phase space.
• CT-commissioning: Material handling in RayStation, creation of CT to mass density table.
• QA: Using the Beam 3D Modeling tools. Generate, approving and using phantoms for QA preparation. Creating and exporting patient QA plans in RayStation.

Objectives
The Introduction to RayStation Planning course is aimed at new RayStation users. It covers almost all functionality (protons available on request) and is intended to give new users a comprehensive introduction to RayStation. At the end of the training the participants will be able to use RayStation clinically. There is an emphasis on practical exercises to give users hands-on experience.

Prerequisites
Medical dosimetrists and physicists familiar with treatment planning

Contents

• Patient data management: CT to density tables, DICOM import and export, patient backup and restore, handling of fraction image data
• Patient modeling: Standard options like manual contouring, Model Based Segmentation, atlas based segmentation, ROI algebra and contouring on registered image sets, as well as more advanced options for contouring such as the use of deformable registrations for patient modeling.
• Planning and optimization: Basic planning is applied for 3D-CRT, IMRT and VMAT techniques. Standard IMRT optimization as well as Multi-Criteria Optimization is included. Automated planning techniques including Plan Protocols, Fallback Planning and Automated Breast Planning are covered.
• Adaptive planning: Theory and practice in deformable registrations and its use for dose deformation, dose tracking and adaptive planning process.

Objectives
The scripting course goes through the basics of Python scripting but focuses on its application in RayStation. Students will learn how scripting can be used for applications in patient modeling, planning and optimization, or for automating of entire workflows in everyday practice as well as for use in research and data mining.

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in Python scripting or programming.

Contents
Basics of Pythons scripting and application of scripting in RayStation, with use of a lot of hands-on exercises and examples from today’s clinical practice. Topics such as automatic planning, data export to excel and creation of a GUI will all be covered. Students are encouraged to bring their own scripting ideas. 

Objectives
The RayStation IT Administration course is aimed at personnel that will handle IT support and administration of the RayStation installation at the clinic.

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of IT terms like Microsoft Active Directory, Citrix XenApp, VMware Horizon, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft SQL Server and network architecture.

Contents

Attendees can choose to participate either day 1 and 2 (VMware customers) or day 2 and 3 ( Citrix customers).

• VMware Horizon - Basic administration and troubleshooting

• RayStation – Understanding the application architecture and its components
• Microsoft SQL Server – Configuration for RayStation and Microsoft best practices. Setting up maintenance jobs and handling backups. Also you will learn how to do performance testing with SQLIO.
• LM-X Licensing Server - Understanding and troubleshooting.
• DICOM Connectivity – Understanding and troubleshooting.
• System Environment Guidelines – Exploring the hardware demands for RayStation and the different deployment scenarios.

• Citrix XenApp - Basic administration and troubleshooting

Objectives

The RayStation Proton course covers all proton related functionality and is intended to give new users a comprehensive introduction to RayStation. At the end of the training the participants will be able to use RayStation clinically. There is an emphasis on practical exercises to give users hands-on experience.

The objective of the proton physics training is to obtain a detailed understanding of physical principles and algorithms implemented in RayStation – from CT image data to scoring of dose in the patient.

Prerequisites

Medical dosimetrists and physicists familiar with (proton) treatment planning.    

Contents

Proton planning (4 days):

• Patient data management: CT to density tables, DICOM import and export, patient backup and restore, handling of fraction image data
• Patient modeling: Standard options like manual contouring, Model Based Segmentation, atlas based segmentation and ROI algebra. Rigid and deformable image registrations.
• Planning and optimization: PBS planning (in depth on objective functions, spot selection techniques etc), US/DS, PBS with block apertures, robust optimization (patient setup-, range- and 4D-robustness), Multi Criteria Optimization, use of different dose engines (approximate pencil beam, pencil beam and monte carlo). Case examples including cranio spinal, head and neck, pelvic, lung etc.
• Plan evaluation: Dose computations on additional datasets, deforming dose to new datasets, perturbed dose calculations.
• Adaptive planning: Theory and practice in deformable registrations and its use for dose deformation, dose tracking and adaptive planning process.
• Upon request: Radiobiology for protons and fallback planning.

 Proton physics (1 day):

• Proton dose calculation: CT to stopping power conversion, Pencil-Beam dose engine, Monte Carlo dose engine.
• Proton beam commissioning: Beam data requirements and file format, beam modeling, validation.
• RayPhysics for proton PBS: Import of measured pristine Bragg peaks, spot profiles and absolute dosimetry data. Beam model generated from measured data by auto modeling. Beam model parameters displayed in the GUI. Computation of pristine Bragg peaks, spot profiles and absolute dosimetry data using Monte Carlo and/or Pencil Beam dose engine. Export of measured and computed pristine Bragg peaks and spot profiles.

Objectives
The advanced RayStation planning course gives the already experienced user a deeper knowledge of all functionalities exercised in the basic training. 

Prerequisites
Medical dosimetrists and physicists with basic experience from treatment planning in RayStation.

Contents

• Day 1 and 2: planning (IMRT and VMAT), optimization (conventional and Multi-Criteria Optimization) on advanced cases.
• Day 3 and 4: Morfeus and Anaconda deformable registration covering a variety of different anatomical sites, as well as dose tracking and treatment adaptation is further elaborated in this advanced planning course. The use of scripting in the adaptive workflow will also be covered.

With a combination of more challenging use cases, plan comparisons and discussions along with opportunities to network with the functionality developers at RaySearch Laboratories, the user is trained to an advanced level.

The course begins afternoon of the Monday and will finish at lunch on Friday.

Objectives
The scripting course goes through the basics of Python scripting but focuses on its application in RayStation. Students will learn how scripting can be used for applications in patient modeling, planning and optimization, or for automating of entire workflows in everyday practice as well as for use in research and data mining.

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in Python scripting or programming.

Contents
Basics of Pythons scripting and application of scripting in RayStation, with use of a lot of hands-on exercises and examples from today’s clinical practice. Topics such as automatic planning, data export to excel and creation of a GUI will all be covered. Students are encouraged to bring their own scripting ideas. 

Objectives
The physics course is aimed at medical physicists and should give an understanding of the photon and electron beam models, and how the different parameters affect the models. Other objectives are learning how to make QA-plans and how to use the Beam 3D Modeling-module and commission CT-machines.

Prerequisites
Knowledge in medical radiotherapy physics.

Contents

• Machine characterization, how and what to measure before the modeling process to have a good set of data.
• Dose calculation for photons and electrons. For photons: fluence generation, density and material handling, collapsed cone photon dose engine. For electrons: the phase space generation and the Monte Carlo based VMC++ electron engine.
• Photon model parameters: Photon energy spectrum, contamination electrons energy spectrum, off-axis softening and beam profile corrections, primary and flattening filter sources, output factor corrections, MLC and Jaw position and transmission, wedges and auto modeling tools.
• Electron model parameters: Electron energy spectrum, contamination photon energy spectrum, source phase space.
• CT-commissioning: Material handling in RayStation, creation of CT to mass density table.
• QA: Using the Beam 3D Modeling tools. Generate, approving and using phantoms for QA preparation. Creating and exporting patient QA plans in RayStation.