Abstract
BackgroundA study was realised to evaluate and determine relative figures of merit of a new algorithm for photon dose calculation when applied to inhomogeneous media.MethodsThe new Acuros XB algorithm implemented in the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system was compared against a Monte Carlo method (VMC++), and the Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA). The study was carried out in virtual phantoms characterized by simple geometrical structures. An insert of different material and density was included in a phantom built of skeletal-muscle and HU = 0 (setting "A"): Normal Lung (lung, 0.198 g/cm3); Light Lung (lung, 0.035 g/cm3); Bone (bone, 1.798 g/cm3); another phantom (setting "B") was built of adipose material and including thin layers of bone (1.85 g/cm3), adipose (0.92 g/cm3), cartilage (1.4745 g/cm3), air (0.0012 g/cm3). Investigations were performed for 6 and 15 MV photon beams, and for a large (13 × 13 cm2) and a small (2.8 × 13 cm2) field.ResultsResults are provided in terms of depth dose curves, transverse profiles and Gamma analysis (3 mm/3% and 2 mm/2% distance to agreement/dose difference criteria) in planes parallel to the beam central axis; Monte Carlo simulations were assumed as reference. Acuros XB gave an average gamma agreement, with a 3 mm/3% criteria, of 100%, 86% and 100% for Normal Lung, Light Lung and Bone settings, respectively, and dose to medium calculations. The same figures were 86%, 11% and 100% for AAA, where only dose rescaled to water calculations are possible.ConclusionsIn conclusion, Acuros XB algorithm provides a valid and accurate alternative to Monte Carlo calculations for heterogeneity management.
Highlights
A study was realised to evaluate and determine relative figures of merit of a new algorithm for photon dose calculation when applied to inhomogeneous media
The first works on validation and evaluation of the Acuros XB algorithm were recently published by Fogliata et al [7] and Bush et al [8] showing very promising results compared to both measurements and Monte Carlo calculations
Dose to water, dose rescaled to water A summary of the Depth dose curves (DD) calculated with Acuros XB as dose to medium, dose to water, and dose rescaled to water is reported in figure 2(A) for all phantom A, and in figure 2(B) for all phantom B settings
Summary
A study was realised to evaluate and determine relative figures of merit of a new algorithm for photon dose calculation when applied to inhomogeneous media. A new photon dose calculation algorithm has recently been implemented in the Eclipse treatment planning system (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, USA). This algorithm, named Acuros® XB Advanced Dose Calculation (Acuros XB in the following) belongs to the class of the Linear Boltzmann Transport Equation (LBTE) Solvers. Many studies explored the accuracy of algorithms for photon dose calculation in materials different from water. The first works on validation and evaluation of the Acuros XB algorithm were recently published by Fogliata et al [7] and Bush et al [8] showing very promising results compared to both measurements and Monte Carlo calculations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
