FDA to host public meeting on device improvements for therapeutic radiation

The FDA will hold a public meeting to discuss possible steps and precautions that manufacturers of linear accelerators, radiation therapy treatment planning systems and radiation therapy simulators could take in order to help reduce misadministration and misaligned exposures.

Slated to be held on June 9 and 10, the meeting, entitled ``Device Improvements to Reduce the Number of Under-doses, Over-doses, and Misaligned Exposures from Therapeutic Radiation,” is seeking public comments on a number of questions.  

According to the agency, the questions will touch upon:

• Equipment features that manufacturers should incorporate into radiation therapy devices and software;
• Steps manufacturers should take to improve training of individuals who use these devices, and
• Steps to improve quality assurance (QA) at medical facilities.

Following each session, a roundtable discussion will be held between FDA staff and selected participants representing a range of constituencies, said the agency.

To be held at the Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C. North/Gaithersburg, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both meeting dates, any individuals interested in attending the public meeting or giving an oral presentation during any of the sessions must register by May 15.