TU‐D‐201‐06: HDR Plan Prechecks Using Eclipse Scripting API

Abstract

Purpose:Automate brachytherapy treatment plan quality check using Eclipse v13.6 scripting API based on pre‐configured rules to minimize human error and maximize efficiency.Methods:The HDR Precheck system is developed based on a rules‐driven approach using Eclipse scripting API. This system checks for critical plan parameters like channel length, first source position, source step size and channel mapping. The planned treatment time is verified independently based on analytical methods. For interstitial or SAVI APBI treatment plans, a Patterson‐Parker system calculation is performed to verify the planned treatment time. For endobronchial treatments, an analytical formula from TG‐59 is used. Acceptable tolerances were defined based on clinical experiences in our department. The system was designed to show PASS/FAIL status levels. Additional information, if necessary, is indicated appropriately in a separate comments field in the user interface.Results:The HDR Precheck system has been developed and tested to verify the treatment plan parameters that are routinely checked by the clinical physicist. The report also serves as a reminder or checklist for the planner to perform any additional critical checks such as applicator digitization or scenarios where the channel mapping was intentionally changed. It is expected to reduce the current manual plan check time from 15 minutes to <1 minute.Conclusion:Automating brachytherapy plan prechecks significantly reduces treatment plan precheck time and reduces human errors. When fully developed, this system will be able to perform TG‐43 based second check of the treatment planning system's dose calculation using random points in the target and critical structures. A histogram will be generated along with tabulated mean and standard deviation values for each structure. A knowledge database will also be developed for Brachyvision plans which will then be used for knowledge‐based plan quality checks to further reduce treatment planning errors and increase confidence in the planned treatment.