Uncertainties of “in vivo” Dosimetry Using Semiconductors

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the uncertainties of in vivo dosimetry measured with diode detectors for conformal radiation therapy techniques in order to define appropriate tolerance levels for pelvis and breast treatment in MEIH (Middle East Institute of Health). The present work is carried out on 30-472 and 30-473 diode detectors irradiated by 4 and 15MV photon beams of a medical linear accelerator Synergy from ELEKTA. Dose computation is performed with Pinnacle 7.4 k treatment planning system. First, an estimation of the uncertainties in a simple geometric case, using a water-equivalent solid phantom is done. Secondly, each treatment parameter such as field size, beam angle, beam modifiers and source-skin distance is evaluated in order to simulate the conformal radiation treatments used in the present institution for the main anatomical sites. Interpretation of entrance dose in-vivo measurements requires the determination of appropriate tolerance levels. Indeed, the authors found that the 5% action level proposed in the literature underestimates the uncertainties in the treatment process. A method for the evaluation of tolerance/action levels related to the different anatomical sites is developed. By the end of the present study the authors have developed an integrated monitoring system that offers accurate information about the dose received by patients.