Monte Carlo calculated detector-specific correction factors for Elekta radiosurgery cones

Abstract

A radiation field is considered small if its dimension is lower than the range of secondary electrons and the collimating devices partially occlude the source. Different detector types, such as unshielded diodes, diamond detectors, and small-volume ion chambers, are used for small-field measurements. Although the active volumes of these detectors are small, their non-water equivalent materials cause response variations. Herein, we aim to calculate the correction factors for our clinical detectors, EDGE detector (Sun Nuclear), 60017 diode (PTW), and CC01 ion chamber (IBA), for stereotactic radiosurgery cones of diameters of 5–15 mm in an Elekta Synergy linear accelerator using a Monte Carlo simulation. An Elekta Synergy linear accelerator treatment head was simulated using BEAMnrc Monte Carlo code as per the manufacturer specification. All three detectors were simulated as per the manufacturer specification. Three EGSnrc user codes were used for the detector simulation based on the detector geometry. The Monte Carlo model of the treatment head was validated against the measured data for a standard field size of 10 × 10 cm2. The off-axis profile, percentage depth dose, and tissue phantom ratio were verified in the validation procedure. The measured and Monte Carlo calculated relative output factors (ROFs) were not consistent. In a 5 mm field size, EDGE diode overestimated the ROF by 7.06%, and 60017 diode to 4.611%. In a 7.5 mm field size, the variations were 4.295% and 3.691% for EDGE and 60017 diodes, respectively. CC01 ion chamber under-responded up to 10% because of its low-density active volume. The maximum corrections were obtained in the smallest field size, which were 0.939(0.007), 0.962(0.006), and 1.117(0.008) for EDGE, PTW T60017, and CC01 detectors, respectively. After applying the Monte Carlo calculated correction factor to the measured ROF, it became consistent with the Monte Carlo calculated ROF.