Development of a Monte Carlo beam model for raster scanning proton beams and dosimetric comparison

Abstract

Purpose To develop a Monte Carlo (MC) beam model for raster scanning proton beams for dose verification purposes. Methods and materials MC program FLUKA was used in the model. The nominal energy, momentum spread and beam angular distribution in the model were determined by matching the simulation profiles with the measured integral depth dose (IDD) and in air spot size. Dosimetric comparison was done by comparing the measured and simulated dose distributions. The 1 D dose profile of cubic Spread Out Bragg Peak (SOBP) plans, and the 2 D dose distribution of previously treated breast cancer patients’ clinical plans were measured by using Pinpoint chambers and 2 D array ionization chambers, respectively. Corresponding DICOM plan information was utilized for MC simulation. Results The MC results showed good agreement with measurements for the SOBP plans. The absolute comparison of the absorbed dose difference between the MC and the measurement was 0.93%±0.88%. For the patient plans, the overall passing rate of the gamma index analysis (γ-PR) between the MC simulation and measurement with the 2%-2 mm criteria was 97.78%, and only 1 case had a γ-PR less than 90%. With the 3%-3 mm criteria, γ-PR was never below 99% for all cases with and without the range shifter. Conclusions This work described a method for adapting a MC simulation model for a raster scanning proton beam. The good concordance between the simulations and measurements shows that the MC model is an accurate and reliable method. It has the potential to be used for patient specific quality assurance (PSQA) to reduce the beam time for the measurements in water.