Artificial Intelligence and the future of radiotherapy planning: The Australian radiation therapists prepare to be ready

Abstract

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions is rapidly changing the way radiation therapy tasks, traditionally relying on human skills, are approached by enabling fast automation. This evolution represents a paradigm shift in all aspects of the profession, particularly for treatment planning applications, opening up opportunities but also causing concerns for the future of the multidisciplinary team. In Australia, radiation therapists (RTs), largely responsible for both treatment planning and delivery, are discussing the impact of the introduction of AI and the potential developments in the future of their role. As medical physicists, who are part of the multidisciplinary team, in this editorial we reflect on the considerations of RTs, and on the implications of this transition to AI.