AU Training for RPT

Advancing the Future of Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT)
ASTRO’s Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT) Authorized User (AU) Training Program, supported by an educational grant from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, is designed to help physicians meet the final regulatory requirements to become an Authorized User for radiopharmaceutical therapy. Through this standardized, high-quality training program, ASTRO is advancing clinical expertise and expanding patient access to RPT. 

Why This Program Exists
To become an Authorized User under Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or Agreement State regulations, radiation oncologists must complete three supervised radiopharmaceutical therapy cases in addition to didactic training. For many physicians, accessing these cases can be challenging because of limited local opportunities, small patient volumes or lack of available mentors. ASTRO’s AU Training Program provides a structured pathway to meet the required clinical case requirements. 

Program Prerequisites 

• Limited to radiation oncologists who are (1) residing and practicing in the United States and (2) current ASTRO members.
• Participants must be pursuing AU status for the parenteral administration of a radioactive drug or be listed as AU eligible on ABR certificates.
• Acknowledgement that program participants must complete ASTRO’s in-person component; otherwise, they are responsible for the full training module fee.
• Participants must submit a current curriculum vitae (CV), a statement of clinical interest in RPT, and a letter of support from their Radiation Safety Officer confirming that the training will be recognized and accepted by their institution.

Steps to Becoming an AU

• Physicians should coordinate with their local RSO, follow VA/NHPP guidance, NRC or Agreement State requirements as applicable.
• Review ASTRO guidance to determine their AU pathway (RPT Navigator App).

• Interested physicians apply through ASTRO Academy and must provide:
  • CV and statement of clinical interest
  • RSO contact information and approval letter (can be brief)
  • Documentation of required training (i.e., board certification, residency documentation, etc.)
  • Summary of prior radiopharmaceutical therapy experience
• Participants attest to professional, safety, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance requirements. ASTRO reviews applications and determines eligibility for participation.

• Accepted participants receive free access to an ASTRO educational course (14.00>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™) at no cost.This is intended as a refresher and enhancement of the radiopharmaceutical therapy training received during radiation oncology residency. Topics include:
  • RPT basics, patient selection and clinical implementation
  • Radiation safety, regulations and quality considerations
  • Imaging, dosimetry and treatment workflows
  • Completion of the modules is required before proceeding to on-site training.

• ASTRO schedules participants for a 1.5-day on-site session with an approved AU Training Center. A preceptor form will be completed by the host facility Authorized User to attest to the supervised clinical experience. Participants will:
  1. Observe and participate in three supervised radiopharmaceutical therapy cases.
  2. Train in patient evaluation, treatment delivery, radiation safety and follow-up care.

• ASTRO’s AU Training Center preceptor will provide preceptor form in accordance with NRC guidelines and attest to supervised clinical experience. 
• ASTRO can assist with regulatory documentation but is not responsible for filing the information on behalf of participants.
• Regulatory documentation requirements vary by State, NRC, and NHPP. Consult the relevant regulations and guidance documents for next steps.