Central Axis Depth Dose Research Articles

Study of unflattened photon beams shaped by multileaf collimator using BEAMnrc code

AbstractPurposeIn our study basic dosimetric properties of a flattening filter free 6 MV photon beam shaped by multileaf collimators (MLC) is examined using the Monte Carlo (MC) method.Methods and MaterialsBEAMnrc code was used to make a MC simulation model for 6 MV photon beam based on Varian Clinic 600 unique performance linac, operated with and without a flattening filter in beam line. Dosimetric features including central axis depth dose, beam profiles, photon and electron spectra were calculated and compared for flattened and unflattened cases.ResultsDosimetric field size and penumbra were found to be smaller for unflattened beam, and the decrease in field size was less for MLC shaped in comparison with jaw-shaped unflattened beam. Increase in dose rate of >2·4 times was observed for unflattened beam indicating a shorter beam delivery time for treatment. MLC leakage was found to decrease significantly when the flattening filter was removed from the beam line. The total scatter factor showed slower deviation with field sizes for unflattened beam indicating a reduced head scatter.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that improved accelerator characteristics can be achieved by removing flattening filter from beam line.

Monte Carlo based investigations of electron contamination from telecobalt unit head in build up region and its impact on surface dose

A Telecobalt unit has wide range of applications in cancer treatments and is used widely in many countries all around the world. Estimation of surface dose in Cobalt-60 teletherapy machine becomes important since clinically useful photon beam consist of contaminated electrons during the patient treatment. EGSnrc along with the BEAMnrc user code was used to model the Theratron 780E telecobalt unit. Central axis depth dose profiles including surface doses have been estimated for the field sizes of 0×0, 6×6, 10×10, 15×15, 20×20, 25×25, 30×30cm2 and at Source-to-surface distance (SSD) of 60 and 80cm. Surface dose was measured experimentally by the Gafchromic RTQA2 films and are in good agreement with the simulation results. The central axis depth dose data are compared with the data available from the British Journal of Radiology report no. 25. Contribution of contaminated electrons has also been calculated using Monte Carlo simulation by the different parts of the Cobalt-60 head for different field size and SSD's. Moreover, depth dose curve in zero area field size is calculated by extrapolation method and compared with the already published data. They are found in good agreement.

Analytic derivation of central axis percent depth dose calculations in transition zones with loss of electronic equilibrium

Purpose: The study of megavoltage photon dose distribution behind and near small areas of low and high density material is best understood with Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculation or direct measurements which may not be always be possible. This is especially true for air-tissue area where the replacement of soft tissue scattering material by air results in the loss of electronic equilibrium and changes in the lateral spread of the beam as well. Monte Carlo calculations are the standards to correctly evaluate in homogeneities in transition zones. If one could develop a model with sufficient accuracy to obtain similar results, this would be very helpful clinically. Methods: To this end, we have developed an exponential model and derive an explicit expression that accounts for the under dosage. The model is an extension of a much earlier work done with electrons and photons. Our analytic model is based on the experience of the underlying physics assuming exponential attenuation of photons in matter. Results: It differs from a similar work by solving the problem correctly and introducing parameters that can be traced to direct measurements without the need of extensive statistical data analysis. It combines the generation of free electrons through ionization and their attenuation to a simple differential equation for the central axis depth dose. It involves two parameters, which can be obtained from 1) direct beam measurements, 2) primary photon attenuation coefficients from physics tables and 3) iteration techniques. Conclusion: The simplicity of the model allows us to extend our derivation to situations such as transitions zones of different densities in areas such as head and neck and lung. A clinical example is illustrated to demonstrate the problems encountered in treating cancer of the larynx.

SU‐D‐BRC‐01: An Automatic Beam Model Commissioning Method for Monte Carlo Simulations in Pencil‐Beam Scanning Proton Therapy

Purpose:Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is typically regarded as the most accurate dose calculation method for proton therapy. Yet for real clinical cases, the overall accuracy also depends on that of the MC beam model. Commissioning a beam model to faithfully represent a real beam requires finely tuning a set of model parameters, which could be tedious given the large number of pencil beams to commmission. This abstract reports an automatic beam‐model commissioning method for pencil‐beam scanning proton therapy via an optimization approach.Methods:We modeled a real pencil beam with energy and spatial spread following Gaussian distributions. Mean energy, and energy and spatial spread are model parameters. To commission against a real beam, we first performed MC simulations to calculate dose distributions of a set of ideal (monoenergetic, zero‐size) pencil beams. Dose distribution for a real pencil beam is hence linear superposition of doses for those ideal pencil beams with weights in the Gaussian form. We formulated the commissioning task as an optimization problem, such that the calculated central axis depth dose and lateral profiles at several depths match corresponding measurements. An iterative algorithm combining conjugate gradient method and parameter fitting was employed to solve the optimization problem. We validated our method in simulation studies.Results:We calculated dose distributions for three real pencil beams with nominal energies 83, 147 and 199 MeV using realistic beam parameters. These data were regarded as measurements and used for commission. After commissioning, average difference in energy and beam spread between determined values and ground truth were 4.6% and 0.2%. With the commissioned model, we recomputed dose. Mean dose differences from measurements were 0.64%, 0.20% and 0.25%.Conclusion:The developed automatic MC beam‐model commissioning method for pencil‐beam scanning proton therapy can determine beam model parameters with satisfactory accuracy.

SU‐F‐T‐153: Experimental Validation and Calculation Benchmark for a Commercial Monte Carlo Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy Treatment Planning System in Water

Purpose:Eclipse proton Monte Carlo AcurosPT 13.7 was commissioned and experimentally validated for an IBA dedicated PBS nozzle in water. Topas 1.3 was used to isolate the cause of differences in output and penumbra between simulation and experiment.Methods:The spot profiles were measured in air at five locations using Lynx. PTW‐34070 Bragg peak chamber (Freiburg, Germany) was used to collect the relative integral Bragg peak for 15 proton energies from 100 MeV to 225 MeV. The phase space parameters (σx, σθ, ρxθ) number of protons per MU, energy spread and calculated mean energy provided by AcurosPT were identically implemented into Topas. The absolute dose, profiles and field size factors measured using ionization chamber arrays were compared with both AcurosPT and Topas.Results:The beam spot size, σx, and the angular spread, σθ, in air were both energy‐dependent: in particular, the spot size in air at isocentre ranged from 2.8 to 5.3 mm, and the angular spread ranged from 2.7 mrad to 6 mrad. The number of protons per MU increased from ∼9E7 at 100 MeV to ∼1.5E8 at 225 MeV. Both AcurosPT and TOPAS agree with experiment within 2 mm penumbra difference or 3% dose difference for scenarios including central axis depth dose and profiles at two depths in multi‐spot square fields, from 40 to 200 mm, for all the investigated single‐energy and multi‐energy beams, indicating clinically acceptable source model and radiation transport algorithm in water.Conclusion:By comparing measured data and TOPAS simulation using the same source model, the AcurosPT 13.7 was validated in water within 2 mm penumbra difference or 3% dose difference. Benchmarks versus an independent Monte Carlo code are recommended to study the agreement in output, filed size factors and penumbra differences.This project is partially supported by the Varian grant under the master agreement between University of Pennsylvania and Varian

Dose accuracy research on air cavity interface in treatment planning system

Objective To study the accuracy of collapsed cone convolution (CCC) and anisotropic analytical algorithm (AAA) in dosimetric calculation on the air cavity interface. Methods A BEAMnrc/EGSnrc Monte Carlo (MC) simulation was performed on a Varian Trilogy linear accelerator. The IBA Dosimetry blue 3D scanning system was used to verify the accuracy and reliability of the MC simulation. Central axis depth dose distribution and lateral dose profile in a water-equivalent phantom with variously sized air cavities were calculated by CCC and AAA. The obtained depth dose distribution and lateral dose profile were compared with those by MC simulation and EBT2 film, respectively. Results Both CCC and AAA overestimated the dose on the air cavity interface. In spite of some errors, CCC had a higher accuracy than AAA. The errors were mainly related to computational grid, field size, photon energy, cavity size, and the number of fields. Conclusion Electronic disequilibrium on the air cavity interface should be taken into account when CCC and AAA are used for dosimetric calculation in treatment planning system. Key words: Electron disequilibrium; Collapsed cone convolution; Anisotropic analytical algorithm; Monte Carlo algorithm; EBT2 film

SU‐E‐T‐118: Analysis of Variability and Stability Between Two Water Tank Phantoms Utilizing Water Tank Commissioning Procedures

Purpose:The commissioning criteria of water tank phantoms are essential for proper accuracy and reproducibility in a clinical setting. This study outlines the results of mechanical and dosimetric testing between PTW MP3‐M water tank system and the Standard Imaging Doseview 3D water tank system.Methods:Measurements were taken of each axis of movement on the tank using 30 cm calipers at 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 200 mm for accuracy and reproducibility of tank movement. Dosimetric quantities such as percent depth dose and dose profiles were compared between tanks using a 6 MV beam from a Varian 23EX LINAC. Properties such as scanning speed effects, central axis depth dose agreement with static measurements, reproducibility of measurements, symmetry and flatness, and scan time between tanks were also investigated.Results:Results showed high geometric accuracy within 0.2 mm. Central axis PDD and in‐field profiles agreed within 0.75% between the tanks. These outcomes test many possible discrepancies in dose measurements across the two tanks and form a basis for comparison on a broader range of tanks in the future.Conclusion:Both 3D water scanning phantoms possess a high degree of spatial accuracy, allowing for equivalence in measurements regardless of the phantom used. A commissioning procedure when changing water tanks or upon receipt of a new tank is nevertheless critical to ensure consistent operation before and after the arrival of new hardware.

Monte Carlo-based dose calculation for (32)P patch source for superficial brachytherapy applications.

Skin cancer treatment involving 32P source is an easy, less expensive method of treatment limited to small and superficial lesions of approximately 1 mm deep. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has indigenously developed 32P nafion-based patch source (1 cm × 1 cm) for treating skin cancer. For this source, the values of dose per unit activity at different depths including dose profiles in water are calculated using the EGSnrc-based Monte Carlo code system. For an initial activity of 1 Bq distributed in 1 cm2 surface area of the source, the calculated central axis depth dose values are 3.62 × 10-10 GyBq-1 and 8.41 × 10-11 GyBq-1at 0.0125 and 1 mm depths in water, respectively. Hence, the treatment time calculated for delivering therapeutic dose of 30 Gy at 1 mm depth along the central axis of the source involving 37 MBq activity is about 2.7 hrs.

Poster — Thur Eve — 37: Respiratory gating with an Elekta flattening filter free photon beam

In cases where surgery is not possible for lung cancer treatment, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) may be an option. One problem when treating this type of cancer is the motion of the lungs caused by the patient's respiration. It is possible to reduce the impact of this movement with the use of respiratory gating. By combining respiratory gating with a flattening filter free (FFF) photon beam linac, the increased treatment time caused by a reduced beam‐on time of respiratory gating methods can be compensated by the inherent increased dose rate of FFF beams.This project's aim is to create hardware and software interfaces allowing free respiration gating on an Elekta Synergy‐S linac specially modified to deliver 6 MV FFF photon beams.First, a printed circuit board was created for reading the signal from a Bellows Belt from Philips (a respiration monitor belt) and transmitting an On/Off signal to the accelerator. A software was also developed to visualize patient respiration.Secondly, a FFF model was created with the Pinnacle treatment planning system from Philips. Gamma (Γ) analysis (2%, 2 mm) was used to evaluate model. For fields going from 5.6 × 5.6 to 12 × 12 cm2, central axis depth dose model fitting shows an average gamma value of 0.2 and 100% of gamma values remain under the Γ = 1 limit. For smaller fields (0.8 × 0.8 and 1.6 × 1.6 cm2), Pinnacle has more trouble trying to fit the measurements, overestimating dose in penumbra and buildup regions.

TH-C-BRD-09: Successes and Limitations of Online Range Adaptive Spot Scanning Proton Therapy for NSCLC

Purpose: To determine the ability to adapt discrete spot-scanning proton therapy (SSPT) plans based on geometric changes of anatomy to minimize normal tissue dose and maintain target coverage. Methods: We developed and tested a range-correction algorithm to compensate for anatomy changes in SSPT with correction factors for target lateral size changes and energy scaling. This algorithm adjusts the energy of each spot from the original optimized treatment plan to match the new daily anatomy based on water equivalent path-length. To correct for the lateral target size changes, the peripheral spots were scaled based on phantom studies with variable target size. For energy change corrections, alternative cumulative scaling factor lookup tables were generated based on calculated central-axis and integral depth dose calculations for different energies. These various adaptive algorithms were performed on 7 lung cancer patients that were previously treated with proton therapy and who required at least one adaptive intervention. Single-field optimized SSPT plans were generated for these patients with clinical beam angles. Dose-volume histogram metrics were obtained for these patients for both the non-adaptive and the different adaptive plans applied to the last available weekly CT scan. Results: The doses to normal tissue were largely reduced for the spinal cord (Dmax), total lung (V20Gy), and contralateral lung (V20Gy) for all different methods of adaptive planning. With both corrections applied, the average changes for these metrics were −6.2Gy, −2.7%, and −4.9%, respectively. The same method generated unacceptably high target hot spots with average target V110% increase of 12.3%. Conclusion: Adaptive methods based on direct adjustments to proton range can reduce normal tissue doses under large anatomical changes but are insufficient in achieving clinically acceptable target doses and generate unacceptably sizeable hot spots. Adaptive planning methods for proton therapy will likely necessitate some aspect of reoptimization for acceptable clinical utility.

An analytical method to calculate equivalent fields to irregular symmetric and asymmetric photon fields

Equivalent field is frequently used for central axis depth-dose calculations of rectangular- and irregular-shaped photon beams. As most of the proposed models to calculate the equivalent square field are dosimetry based, a simple physical-based method to calculate the equivalent square field size was used as the basis of this study. The table of the sides of the equivalent square or rectangular fields was constructed and then compared with the well-known tables by BJR and Venselaar, et al. with the average relative error percentage of 2.5 ± 2.5% and 1.5 ± 1.5%, respectively. To evaluate the accuracy of this method, the percentage depth doses (PDDs) were measured for some special irregular symmetric and asymmetric treatment fields and their equivalent squares for Siemens Primus Plus linear accelerator for both energies, 6 and 18MV. The mean relative differences of PDDs measurement for these fields and their equivalent square was approximately 1% or less. As a result, this method can be employed to calculate equivalent field not only for rectangular fields but also for any irregular symmetric or asymmetric field.

Extension of PENELOPE to protons: Simulation of nuclear reactions and benchmark with Geant4

Describing the implementation of nuclear reactions in the extension of the Monte Carlo code (MC) PENELOPE to protons (PENH) and benchmarking with Geant4. PENH is based on mixed-simulation mechanics for both elastic and inelastic electromagnetic collisions (EM). The adopted differential cross sections for EM elastic collisions are calculated using the eikonal approximation with the Dirac-Hartree-Fock-Slater atomic potential. Cross sections for EM inelastic collisions are computed within the relativistic Born approximation, using the Sternheimer-Liljequist model of the generalized oscillator strength. Nuclear elastic and inelastic collisions were simulated using explicitly the scattering analysis interactive dialin database for (1)H and ICRU 63 data for (12)C, (14)N, (16)O, (31)P, and (40)Ca. Secondary protons, alphas, and deuterons were all simulated as protons, with the energy adapted to ensure consistent range. Prompt gamma emission can also be simulated upon user request. Simulations were performed in a water phantom with nuclear interactions switched off or on and integral depth-dose distributions were compared. Binary-cascade and precompound models were used for Geant4. Initial energies of 100 and 250 MeV were considered. For cases with no nuclear interactions simulated, additional simulations in a water phantom with tight resolution (1 mm in all directions) were performed with FLUKA. Finally, integral depth-dose distributions for a 250 MeV energy were computed with Geant4 and PENH in a homogeneous phantom with, first, ICRU striated muscle and, second, ICRU compact bone. For simulations with EM collisions only, integral depth-dose distributions were within 1%/1 mm for doses higher than 10% of the Bragg-peak dose. For central-axis depth-dose and lateral profiles in a phantom with tight resolution, there are significant deviations between Geant4 and PENH (up to 60%/1 cm for depth-dose distributions). The agreement is much better with FLUKA, with deviations within 3%/3 mm. When nuclear interactions were turned on, agreement (within 6% before the Bragg-peak) between PENH and Geant4 was consistent with uncertainties on nuclear models and cross sections, whatever the material simulated (water, muscle, or bone). A detailed and flexible description of nuclear reactions has been implemented in the PENH extension of PENELOPE to protons, which utilizes a mixed-simulation scheme for both elastic and inelastic EM collisions, analogous to the well-established algorithm for electrons/positrons. PENH is compatible with all current main programs that use PENELOPE as the MC engine. The nuclear model of PENH is realistic enough to give dose distributions in fair agreement with those computed by Geant4.

ROPES eye plaque dosimetry: commissioning and verification of an ophthalmic brachytherapy treatment planning system

In this study, the Plaque SimulatorTM eye plaque brachytherapy planning system was commissioned for ROPES eye plaques and Amersham Health model 6711 Iodine 125 seeds, using TG43-UI data. The brachytherapy module of the RADCALC® independent checking program was configured to allow verification of the accuracy of the dose calculated by Plaque SimulatorTM. Central axis depth dose distributions were compared and observed to agree to within 2% for all ROPES plaque models and depths of interest. Experimental measurements were performed with a customized PRESAGEm 3-D type dosimeter to validate the calculated depth dose distributions. Preliminary results have shown the effect of the stainless steel plaque backing decreases the measured fluorescence intensity by up to 25%, and 40% for the 15 mm and 10 mm diameter ROPES plaques respectively. This effect, once fully quantified should be accounted for in the Plaque SimulatorTM eye plaque brachytherapy planning system.

TU‐A‐108‐03: Validation and End‐To‐End Testing of a New Proton Treatment Planning System

Purpose: To perform validation of a novel Spread‐Out‐Bragg‐Peak (SOBP) modulation table method and to perform commissioning and end‐to‐end testing of the Pinnacle proton treatment planning system (TPS) for dose algorithm accuracy and clinical functionality. Methods: Beam model parameter values were determined using measurements in air and water. The effective‐SAD, virtual‐SAD, effective‐source‐size, and Bragg Peaks (BP) were calculated for each nozzle option for double‐scattering delivery in an IBA system. We then generated SOBPs for specific modulation values using a subset of BPs which produce a full plateau SOBP. Tables of modulation and BP cumulative weights were used to produce the SOBP functions for each option. Patient treatment plans for brain and prostate sites and corresponding apertures and range compensators were generated. The patient plans were copied onto a water phantom using built‐in TPS tools. Central axis depth dose profiles were measured using 1D scanning inside a water tank. Planar doses were obtained using a MatriXX 2D ion‐chamber array located at isocenter, and 2 cm upstream and downstream from isocenter. Corresponding planes and profiles were calculated and compared with measurements. Results: Comparisons between measured SOBPs for various sub‐options confirmed the novel beam model approach was clinically acceptable to within 1–3% error at the SOBP entrance region. The measured ranges and modulations were within 1 mm of calculated ones. The agreement between measured and calculated 2D planar dose data is 98% at the three different depths using 3 % and 3 mm gamma criteria. Conclusion: A novel modulation table method was validated through end‐to‐end testing of a commissioned Pinnacle proton TPS for an IBA delivery system. This approach covers all sub‐options for a given option. Analysis of agreement between calculated and measured profiles indicates that the Pinnacle proton dosimetric accuracy is comparable to our currently used commercial proton TPS. Philips Medical Systems

SU‐E‐T‐257: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study of Photon Beam with Energies 6X, 10X, 6FFF, 10FFF From a TrueBeam Linear Accelerator

Purpose: To compare the quality of Monte Carlo simulation results of photon beams with multiple energies with the corresponding measured beam commissioning data from a Varian TrueBeam accelerator. Methods: IAEA phase space files for photon beam energies 6X, 10X, 6FFF, 10FFF from TrueBeam linear accelerator provided by Varian were implemented as source files in the GEANT4 Monte Carlo code. The simulation geometry consisted of upper and lower tungsten alloy jaws and a cubic water phantom (50 × 50 × 50 cm3). Central axis depth dose curves (PDD) for multiple field sizes (1×1, 2×2, 4×4, 6×6, 10×10, 20×20, 30×30 cm2) and radial and transverse dose profiles for identical field sizes at 5 different depths (Dmax, 5, 10, 20, 30 cm) for all four energies were recorded in the phantom. Each simulation was performed with 2.0E9 incident particles. The results of PDD and profiles from simulations were then compared with the corresponding beam commissioning data collected with a Wellhoffer Blue Phantom using a 0.13cc ion‐chamber and a 0.8 × 0.8 mm2 diode. Results: The GEANT4 simulated PDD curve for photon beam compared favorably well, within ∼2%, against the corresponding measured ion‐chamber PDD for all energies and field sizes. The simulated in‐plane and cross‐plane profiles also compared well, within 2 mm, at the 50% level against the measured profiles for all energies, field sizes and depths. Conclusion: For the commissioning of a linear accelerator, the feasibility of utilizing Monte‐Carlo simulated beam data has been demonstrated in this study. The increase of computer speed and capabilities may Result in the adoption of Monte‐Carlo techniques for future machine commissioning and dose calculations.

SU-E-T-576: Dosimetric Evaluation of Collapsed Cone Convolution (CCC) Algorithm in Predicting Dose Beyond Air Gap

Purpose: To investigate the effect of air gaps on depth dose calculations computed by collapsed cone convolution (CCC) algorithm Methods: A computed tomography scan of inhomogenous phantom (30×30×30 cm3) containing rectangular solid‐water blocks and two 5 cm air gaps was used for central axis dose calculations computed by CCC in Pinnacle treatment planning system. Central axis depth dose measurements were taken by a cylindrical ionization chamber for identical beam parameters and monitor units as in the depth dose computations. The calculated and the measured percent depth dose (PDDs) were then compared. The data presented in this study included 6 mega‐voltage (MV) X‐ray and field sizes of 3×3, 5×5, 10×10, and 15×15 cm2. Results: The results of CCC were within ±1.5% in the first water medium. However, upon traversing the first air gap and re‐entering the water medium, in comparison to the measurements, the CCC under‐predicted the dose, with difference ranged from 1.6 to 3.3% for 3×3 cm2, 2.4 to 4.2% for 5×5 cm2, 2.4 to 6.7% for 10×10 cm2, and 1.6 to 6.3% for 15×15 cm2. After the second air gap, the CCC continued to under‐predict the dose, and the difference ranged from 3.2 to 3.9% for 3×3 cm2, 2.4 to 5.6% for 5×5 cm2, 2.3 to 6.0% for 10×10 cm2, and 1.5 to 5.6% for 15×15 cm2. Conclusion: The CCC had good agreement with the measurements in the first water medium before the air gap. However, the CCC under‐predicted the dose in water‐medium after the photon beam traversed the air gap. These effects should be considered in treatment planning of lung cancer where lesion is at the center of the lung. Furthermore, special attention must be given during the patient set up since large air gaps between the patient body and immobilization devices are often encountered.

Dosimetric evaluation of Acuros XB dose calculation algorithm with measurements in predicting doses beyond different air gap thickness for smaller and larger field sizes

In this study, dose prediction accuracy of Acuros XB (AXB) dose calculation algorithm beyond air gap thickness (range 2, 4, and 6 cm) in simple inhomogeneous phantoms was investigated. The evaluation of AXB was performed by comparing the doses calculated by AXB with the doses calculated by Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) and the measured data for different field sizes (3 × 3, 5 × 5, and 10 × 10 cm2) of a 6 MV photon beam. The dose computation was performed within Eclipse treatment planning system, and measurements were acquired with a cylindrical ionization chamber. Central axis depth dose comparisons were done in solid–water material region up to 5 cm distance from air/solid—water interface. The results of AXB had better agreement with measurements at all measured points than that of AAA. The discrepancies between AXB and measured data were seen from − 3.81% to + 0.9%, whereas the AAA differences with measurement from − 3.1% to − 10.9%. The combination of the smallest test field size and the largest air gap produced the highest range (1-5 cm distance from air/solid–water interface) in dose difference (AAA: −4.0% to − 10.6% and AXB: −3.8% to + 0.6%). The AAA computational time was about 8 times faster than that of AXB. In conclusion, AXB is more appropriate to use for dose predictions, especially when low-density heterogeneities are involved.

Evaluation of material heterogeneity dosimetric effects using radiochromic film for COMS eye plaques loaded with 125I seeds (model I25.S16)

(1) To measure absolute dose distributions in eye phantom for COMS eye plaques with (125)I seeds (model I25.S16) using radiochromic EBT film dosimetry. (2) To determine the dose correction function for calculations involving the TG-43 formalism to account for the presence of the COMS eye plaque using Monte Carlo (MC) method specific to this seed model. (3) To test the heterogeneous dose calculation accuracy of the new version of Plaque Simulator (v5.3.9) against the EBT film data for this seed model. Using EBT film, absolute doses were measured for (125)I seeds (model I25.S16) in COMS eye plaques (1) along the plaque's central axis for (a) uniformly loaded plaques (14-20 mm in diameter) and (b) a 20 mm plaque with single seed, and (2) in off-axis direction at depths of 5 and 12 mm for all four plaque sizes. The EBT film calibration was performed at (125)I photon energy. MC calculations using MCNP5 code for a single seed at the center of a 20 mm plaque in homogeneous water and polystyrene medium were performed. The heterogeneity dose correction function was determined from the MC calculations. These function values at various depths were entered into PS software (v5.3.9) to calculate the heterogeneous dose distributions for the uniformly loaded plaques (of all four sizes). The dose distributions with homogeneous water assumptions were also calculated using PS for comparison. The EBT film measured absolute dose rate values (film) were compared with those calculated using PS with homogeneous assumption (PS Homo) and heterogeneity correction (PS Hetero). The values of dose ratio (film∕PS Homo) and (film∕PS Hetero) were obtained. The central axis depth dose rate values for a single seed in 20 mm plaque measured using EBT film and calculated with MCNP5 code (both in ploystyrene phantom) were compared, and agreement within 9% was found. The dose ratio (film∕PS Homo) values were substantially lower than unity (mostly between 0.8 and 0.9) for all four plaque sizes, indicating dose reduction by COMS plaque compared with homogeneous assumption. The dose ratio (film∕PS Hetero) values were close to unity, indicating the PS Hetero calculations agree with those from the film study. Substantial heterogeneity effect on the (125)I dose distributions in an eye phantom for COMS plaques was verified using radiochromic EBT film dosimetry. The calculated doses for uniformly loaded plaques using PS with heterogeneity correction option enabled were corroborated by the EBT film measurement data. Radiochromic EBT film dosimetry is feasible in measuring absolute dose distributions in eye phantom for COMS eye plaques loaded with single or multiple (125)I seeds. Plaque Simulator is a viable tool for the calculation of dose distributions if one understands its limitations and uses the proper heterogeneity correction feature.

The dosimetry of eye shields for kilovoltage X-ray beams

The objective of this work was to evaluate the dosimetry of tungsten eye shields for use with kilovoltage X-ray beam treatments. The eye shields, originally designed for megavoltage electron beams, were made of 2 mm tungsten thickness and inside diameters of 11.6 and 15.0 mm with optional aluminium caps of 0.5 and 1 mm thickness. The relative dosimetry of the eye shields were examined by measurement of transmission doses with full scatter conditions, central axis depth doses and beam profiles underneath the eye shield. The X-ray beams used in this study ranged in energy from 50 to 280 kVp. Transmission measurements were performed using an Advanced Markus ionisation chamber located at the surface of an RMI457 Solid Water phantom with a 3 cm diameter applicator flush against the phantom surface. Depth doses and profiles measurements were performed in a PTW MP3 scanning water tank with a PTW diamond detector. Results for transmission doses for the medium size eye shield increased from 1 to 22 % for 50-280 kVp while for the smaller eye shield the percentage dose increased from 3.5 to 30 % for the same energy range. There were minimal differences between using the 0.5 and 1 mm aluminium caps. Central axis depth doses measured with and without the eye shields demonstrated the 125 and 180 kVp beams had higher peak doses behind the eye shields. These results show that these tungsten eye shields are suitable for use with kilovoltage X-ray beams. However, the clinical impact needs to be considered for the higher X-ray beam energies.

Polymer Scintillator Detector for Real-time Proton Beam Quality Assurance

Polymer Scintillator Detector for Real-time Proton Beam Quality Assurance