Abstract
Understanding head scatter characteristics of photon beams is vital to properly commission treatment planning (TP) algorithms. Simultaneously, having definitive surface and buildup region dosimetry is important to optimize bolus. The Elekta Precise linacs have unique beam flattening filter configurations for each photon beam (6, 10, and 18 MV) in terms of material and location. We performed a comprehensive set of surface and buildup dose measurements with a thin window parallel‐plate (PP) chamber to examine effects of field size (FS), source‐to‐skin distance (SSD), and attenuating media. Relative ionization data were converted to fractional depth dose (FDD) after correcting for bias effects and using the Gerbi method to account for chamber characteristics. Data were compared with a similar vintage Varian linac. At short SSDs the surface and buildup dose characteristics were similar to published data for Varian and Elekta accelerators. The FDD at surface (FDD0) for 6, 10, and 18 MV photons was 0.171, 0.159, and 0.199, respectively, for a 15×15 cm2, 100 cm SSD field. A blocking tray increased FDD0 to 0.200, 0.200, and 0.256, while the universal wedge decreased FDD0 to 0.107, 0.124, and 0.176. FDD0 increased linearly with FS (~1.16%/cm). FDD0 decreased exponentially for 10 and 18 MV with increasing SSD. However, the 6 MV FDD0 actually increased slightly with increasing SSD. This is likely due to the unique distal flattening filter for 6 MV The measured buildup curves have been used to optimize TP calculations and guide bolus decisions. Overall the FDD0 and buildup doses were very similar to published data. Of interest were the relatively low 10 MV surface doses, and the 6 MV FDD0's dependence on SSD. © 2003 American College of Medical Physics. PACS number(s): 87.53.–j, 87.66.–a
Highlights
Understanding head scatter characteristics of photon beams is important to properly commission and test treatment planningTPalgorithms
The Elekta wedge is the Universal wedge with its proximal surface located at 18.6 cm from the source; and the Elekta block tray is a 9 mm lexan tray, located at 64.7 cm from the source
Overall the FDD at surface (FDD0) and buildup doses were very similar to published data
Summary
Understanding head scatter characteristics of photon beams is important to properly commission and test treatment planningTPalgorithms. Having definitive dosimetry at the surface and buildup region is important to optimize bolus thickness required to enhance surface dose, in clinical cases such as inflammatory breast disease. Comprehensive data sets in the buildup and build-downexitregions have been published for vintage Varian and Siemens linacs, and for modern day Varian or Elekta linacs. In these publications, it is evident that subtle differences in the unique beam delivery systems can affect dose to the buildup region. It is evident that subtle differences in the unique beam delivery systems can affect dose to the buildup region These include the beam monitor chamber and flattening filter construc-
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