Six-year data from three magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy systems demonstrate long-term stability of linear accelerator quality assurance
In brief
Three MRI-guided radiotherapy systems kept 11 of 13 quality checks within limits
Over six years at one institution, three MRI-guided radiotherapy systems stayed within tolerance limits on 11 of 13 quality checks. The other two checks slightly exceeded limits, but the deviations were understood and not considered clinically relevant; no clinically important worsening trends emerged. The findings support reviewing QA programs, but do not establish which checks can safely be reduced.
- Journal
- Physics and imaging in radiation oncology (Q1)
- Published
- 23 September 2026
- Study design
- Cohort / observational study
- Evidence level
- Level 3, Low (CEBM 3b)
- Authors
- Guido C Hilgers, Simon J Woodings, Thomas A Foppen, Jochem W H Wolthaus, André W Minken, Bas W Raaymakers, et al.
- PMID
- 42935700
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.phro.2026.101091
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Medical Physics (paper of the day, 29 October 2026): Six-year measured QA stability across clinical MRI-linacs
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy systems require comprehensive quality assurance (QA) programs to ensure safe and precise treatment delivery. This study evaluates the long-term behavior and variability of linac-related QA results across three clinically operated 1.5 T MRI-linacs at a single institution and assesses compliance with tolerance limits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: QA data acquired over a six-year period from three clinically operated 1.5 T MRI-linacs were retrospectively analyzed. A range of linac-related dosimetric and mechanical QA tests was included. Performance envelopes (mean ± 2 SD) were constructed to characterize variability relative to tolerance limits. RESULTS: For 11 of 13 QA tests, performance envelopes for the associated metrics remained within the applied tolerance limits. For the two remaining tests, envelopes slightly extended beyond these limits. These deviations were not considered clinically relevant, and their underlying causes were understood. No progressive trends of clinical relevance were observed in the linac-specific time series. CONCLUSIONS: Stability of linac-related QA results was demonstrated over six years across three MRI-linacs, supporting reconsideration of the QA program.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.