Slab Phantom Research Articles

SU-E-T-556: Verification and Evaluation of Acuros XB Dose Calculations for Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy of the Thoracic Spine

Purpose: To evaluate the Eclipse Acuros XB (AXB) dose calculation engine for Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SAbR) of the thoracic spine using step-and-shoot IMRT and RapidArc. Methods: The accuracy of the AXB dose calculation engine was first verified by comparing with film and ion chamber measurements for open beams with field sizes from 2×2cm2-10×10cm2, delivered to a heterogeneous phantom of a slab-geometry. Acquired images of an anthropomorphic thoracic phantom, composed of tissue equivalent lungs, vertebrae, and soft tissue, were then used to create step-and-shoot IMRT and RapidArc treatment plans. Point dose measurements in vertebral bone and spinal cord were compared to Acuros calculations. Finally, step-and-shoot IMRT and dual-arc RapidArc plans were created using the Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA) for five patients with thoracic spinal metastases following our institutional protocol. All treatment plans were then recalculated with AXB while keeping beam parameters the same. Clinically significant dosimetric parameters, such as GTV coverage and spinal cord dose were compared. Results: Excellent agreement was achieved between point dose and planar dose measurements and the AXB calculations in the heterogeneous slab and anthropomorphic phantoms. Patient IMRT and RapidArc plans had GTV D90 and mean dose values 0.2%–2.6% and 0.2%–2.1% lower, respectively, for AXB calculations compared with AAA. The maximum cord dose was also lower for AXB compared with AAA (−2.7%±2.4% for IMRT; −2.6%±1.2% for RapidArc). AXB dose calculations were 4−6 times faster than AAA for RapidArc plans, but 7−9 times slower for IMRT plans. Conclusion: AXB calculations were shown to be dosimetrically accurate for heterogeneous media. This work demonstrates that AXB calculates a reduced dose compared with AAA in both the target and spinal cord for thoracic spine SAbR. The dosimetric differences should be considered when using AAA for thoracic spine treatment planning.

SU-E-T-569: Comparison of AAA and Acuros Dose Calculations in a Hetergenous Phantom

Purpose: To compare the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) and Acuros algorithms for dose calculations in a heterogeneous phantom. Methods: Dose calculations were performed for the 6MV and 18MV beams of a Varian 21EX linac for open field sizes ranging from 8×8 cm2 to 15×15 cm2. All calculations were performed in the Varian Eclipse planning system on a solid water slab phantom with cavity simulated lung density cavity. Calculations were performed using a 1mm calculation grid for both AAA and Acuros. For the Acuros calculations, dose was reported to both water and medium. The calculated dose points were compared to ionization chamber measurements at points in solid water, in simulated lung, and in solid water at points beyond the simulated lung cavity. Results: AAA and Acuros calculations agreed to within 0.8% and 0.3%, respectively, to measured doses above the lung cavity, and to within 1.0% and 1.4% of doses measured in the simulated lung cavity. However, as previously reported in the literature, AAA overestimates dose at points beyond air heterogeneities. In this investigation, AAA over reported dose at points beyond the air cavity by 3.2 – 4.0%, relative to ionization chamber measurements. For points beyond the air cavity calculated with Acuros, calculations agreed within 1.1% of measured dose. Conclusion: Acuros has improved accuracy, relative to AAA, for dose calculations at points beyond an air cavity.

WE-E-108-06: Demonstration of a CBCT Based Monte Carlo Model for Small Animal Treatment Planning

Purpose: To demonstrate feasibility of planning small animal irradiation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data as input to a Monte Carlo (MC) based treatment planning system (TPS). Methods: The BEAMnrc/EGSnrc code was used to model 225 kVp photon beams produced by a small animal irradiator (XRAD 225Cx, Precision X-ray). Homogenous phantom plugs (Gammex RMI 467, Middleton, WI) of known material and physical density were scanned using the XRAD 225Cx CBCT system to associate unique CBCT units to the corresponding material density. Additionally, the known physical densities were then correlated to appropriate atomic compositions to create a material data set library. This enabled correlating phantom CBCT units to a material/density matrix used as input to DOSXYZnrc MC computations. A 4×4×4 cm3 multi slab phantom in homogeneous (all solid water) and heterogeneous (lung block between water slabs) configurations were CBCT scanned using 80 kVp and 0.3 mAs setting. MC dose calculation was performed for 10 mm diameter circular field. Ultimately, 10 mm circular fields in homogenous and heterogeneous phantom configuration were used to compare absolute dose computed by MCTPS and film measurement. The CBCT based MC model was finally demonstrated using an animal CBCT scan. Results: The gamma map of CBCT based MC calculation and film measurement at 1cm depth plane in solid water medium shows excellent agreement of 98.7%within selected region of interest using 3%/0.5 mm gamma criteria. The absolute dose comparison between measurement and simulation in homogenous and heterogeneous phantom is within 1%. In a small animal the CBCT based MC model qualitatively demonstrated higher dose to bone relative to dose deposited to soft tissues. Conclusion: The CBCT based MC model is a valuable tool for improved dose calculation accuracy for small animal treatment planning in orthovoltage energy range.

Impact of very long time output variation in the treatment of total marrow irradiation with helical tomotherapy

BackgroundBeam-on time in Total Marrow Irradiation (TMI) delivery with helical tomotherapy is more than 30 minutes. The purpose of this study was to investigate extended time output variation in tomotherapy machine without dose servo system and its impact on the dosimetry of TMI planning.Materials and methodsThe calibration procedures with 1800 seconds delivery were conducted. The slab and cylindrical phantoms were used for static and rotational output variation measurements, respectively. All measurements were performed in 0.1 second interval with an Exradin A1SL ionization chamber (Standard Imaging Inc., Madison, WI, USA) connected to the tomoelectrometer supplied by the manufacture. Simulated TMI treatment planning with a slab phantom was delivered and verified with ion chamber and EDR-2 films.ResultsThe static output variations during 30 min averaged −2.9% ± 0.2%, -3.4% ± 0.3%, and −3.4% ± 0.3% at 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min, respectively. The rotational output variations from start averaged −2.5% ± 0.7%, -3.1% ± 0.7%, and −3.5% ± 0.8% at 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min, respectively. The maximum output variation was up to 4.5%. In a TMI planning model, in which beam-on time was over 30 min, planned dose and dose measured with ion chambers in both cranial and caudal sides agreed within 3%. Film measurements in cranial and caudal sides also showed the pass rates of 97.7% and 92.2% with the criteria of 3 mm/3% in gamma analysis.ConclusionThese results suggest that long TMI delivery by helical tomotherapy, even without dose servo system, does not pose a risk for significant deviations from the original treatment plan regardless of the output variation. However, very long time output variation should be checked before the first treatment.

A generalized 2D pencil beam scaling algorithm for proton dose calculation in heterogeneous slab geometries.

Pencil beam algorithms are commonly used for proton therapy dose calculations. Szymanowski and Oelfke ["Two-dimensional pencil beam scaling: An improved proton dose algorithm for heterogeneous media," Phys. Med. Biol. 47, 3313-3330 (2002)] developed a two-dimensional (2D) scaling algorithm which accurately models the radial pencil beam width as a function of depth in heterogeneous slab geometries using a scaled expression for the radial kernel width in water as a function of depth and kinetic energy. However, an assumption made in the derivation of the technique limits its range of validity to cases where the input expression for the radial kernel width in water is derived from a local scattering power model. The goal of this work is to derive a generalized form of 2D pencil beam scaling that is independent of the scattering power model and appropriate for use with any expression for the radial kernel width in water as a function of depth. Using Fermi-Eyges transport theory, the authors derive an expression for the radial pencil beam width in heterogeneous slab geometries which is independent of the proton scattering power and related quantities. The authors then perform test calculations in homogeneous and heterogeneous slab phantoms using both the original 2D scaling model and the new model with expressions for the radial kernel width in water computed from both local and nonlocal scattering power models, as well as a nonlocal parameterization of Molière scattering theory. In addition to kernel width calculations, dose calculations are also performed for a narrow Gaussian proton beam. Pencil beam width calculations indicate that both 2D scaling formalisms perform well when the radial kernel width in water is derived from a local scattering power model. Computing the radial kernel width from a nonlocal scattering model results in the local 2D scaling formula under-predicting the pencil beam width by as much as 1.4 mm (21%) at the depth of the Bragg peak for a 220 MeV proton beam in homogeneous water. This translates into a 32% dose discrepancy for a 5 mm Gaussian proton beam. Similar trends were observed for calculations made in heterogeneous slab phantoms where it was also noted that errors tend to increase with greater beam penetration. The generalized 2D scaling model performs well in all situations, with a maximum dose error of 0.3% at the Bragg peak in a heterogeneous phantom containing 3 cm of hard bone. The authors have derived a generalized form of 2D pencil beam scaling which is independent of the proton scattering power model and robust to the functional form of the radial kernel width in water used for the calculations. Sample calculations made with this model show excellent agreement with expected values in both homogeneous water and heterogeneous phantoms.

Evaluation of inhomogeneity correction factors for 6 MV flattening filter‐free beams with brass compensators

The 6 MV flattening filter‐free (FFF) beam has been commissioned for use with compensators at our institution. This novel combination promises advantages in mitigating tumor motion due to the reduced treatment time made possible by the greatly increased dose rate of the FFF beam. Given the different energy spectrum of the FFF beam and the beam hardening effect of the compensator, the accuracy of the treatment planning system (TPS) model in the presence of low‐density heterogeneities cannot be assumed. Therefore, inhomogeneity correction factors (ICF) for an FFF beam attenuated by brass slabs were measured and compared to the TPS calculations in this work. The ICF is the ratio of the point dose in the presence of inhomogeneity to the dose in the same point in a homogeneous medium. The ICFs were measured with an ion chamber at a number of points in a flat water‐equivalent slab phantom containing a 7.5 cm deep heterogeneity (air or 0.27 g/cm3 wood). Comparisons for the FFF beam were carried out for the field sizes from 5×5 to 20×20 cm2 with the brass slabs ranging from 0 to 5 cm in thickness. For a low‐density wood heterogeneity in a slab phantom, with the exception of the point 1 cm beyond the proximal buildup interface, the TPS handles the inhomogeneity correction with the brass‐filtered 6 MV FFF beam at the requisite 2% error level. The combinations of field sizes and compensator thicknesses when the error exceeds 2% (2.6% maximum) are not likely to be experienced in clinical practice. In terms of heterogeneity corrections, the beam model is adequate for clinical use.PACS number: 87.56.ng

OC-0438: Experimental validation of monte carlo pencil beam scanning model in heterogeneous media for proton therapy

Purpose/Objective To validate experimentally a GATE/GEANT4-based(G4) Monte Carlo (MC) model in heterogeneous media for dedicated pencil beam scanning in proton therapy. Comparisons between measurements and MC simulations using G4 and PENELOPE-proton are presented. A comparison against analytical modeling from commercial TPS is also investigated. This work evaluates the impact of heterogeneities on range prediction, beam shape and depth dose changes. Materials and Methods The MC model for pencil beam based on G4 has been validated in water and PMMA phantoms (Grevillot et al Phys. Med. Biol.(2011)) reproducing pristine Bragg peaks for a series of individual energies (from 100 to 226.7 MeV) with 0.7 mm range and 0.2 mm spot size accuracy. The same optical model was implemented in PENELOPE-proton. In order to validate the beam model in heterogeneous media, phantoms made of stacked slabs with different densities and known compositions were used. Two experimental test cases including solid water (SW), lung (LN-300) and bone (SB3) tissue-equivalent material were investigated. Depth-dose distributions for a monoenergetic single spot and 10x10cm² composite fields were measured using Gafchromic EBT3 films and the ionization chamber (IC) PPC05 in all configurations. To measure accurately the Bragg peak position, a stack of films of 2x2cm² was inserted in the last centimeter of the proton range. Results Figure 1 shows results for one heterogeneous configuration. All doses-to-medium were converted to dose to water using stopping power ratios. Dose distributions were arbitrarily normalized in the middle of the second SW region. Bragg peak positions are reproduced by MC simulations within 1mm in both configurations (Table 1). IC measurements, G4 (binary-cascade) and PENELOPE-proton simulations are within 2%/2 mm. Point-to-point mean difference of 1.2% is observed between G4 (precompound) and measurement in the first 15 cm of the phantom and increased to 7.2% after bone insert until 286.5mm depth. In lung and bone slabs, EBT3 films and G4 binary-cascade are inagreement within 0.77% while a mean point-to-point difference up to 1.26% is observed with G4 precompound model. The uncertainty (1σ) on EBT3 films was evaluated to be at 2.75% which included readout process and dose calibration against IC (TRS-398). A statistical uncertainty of 0.1% was achieved for MC simulations. Conclusions The Bragg peak position is predicted with 1mm precision for all MC simulations, even though ionization potential values for phantom slabs were calculated using classical additive rules. G4/GATE beam model reproduce depth-dose behavior of proton transport regarding both IC and EBT3 measurement in heterogeneities.

Exposition der Augenlinse des Untersuchers und Effizienz der Strahlenschutzmittel bei fluoroskopischen Interventionen

Efficacy of radiation protection tools for the eye lens dose of the radiologist in fluoroscopic interventions. A patient phantom was exposed using a fluoroscopic system. Dose measurements were made at the eye location of the radiologist using an ionization chamber. The setting followed typical fluoroscopic interventions. The reduction of scattered radiation by the equipment-mounted shielding (undercouch drapes and overcouch top) was evaluated. The ceiling-suspended lead acrylic glass screen was tested in scattered radiation generated by a slab phantom. The protective properties of different lead glass goggles and lead acrylic visors were evaluated by thermoluminescence measurements on a head phantom in the primary beam. The exposition of the lens of about 110 to 550 μSv during radiologic interventions is only slightly reduced by the undercouch drapes. Applying the top in addition to the drapes reduces the lens dose by a factor of 2 for PA projections. In 25°LAO the dose is reduced by a factor between 1.2 and 5. The highest doses were measured for AP angulations furthermore the efficacy of the equipment-mounted shielding is minimal. The ceiling-suspended lead screen reduced scatter by a factor of about 30. The lead glass goggles and visors reduced the lens dose up to a factor of 8 to 10. Depending on the specific design, the tested models are less effective especially for radiation from lateral with cranial angulation of the beam. Occasionally the visors even caused an increase of dose. The exposition of the eye lens can be kept below the new occupational limit recommended by the ICRP if the radiation shielding equipment is used consistently.

Backscattering factor for some personal dosimeters and impact on Hp(10)

In the present paper, we estimated backscattering factors for the TLD and active personal dosimeters using 662 keV gamma-ray photons on a PMMA surface, which are, for the TLD, 1.12; Dosicard, 1.116; DRD, 0.99; and Saphydose, 1.073, and on a water slab phantom surface; for the TLD, 1.115; Dosicard, 1.112; DRD, 1; and Saphydose, 1.059. The backscattering factor contribution for the Saphydose is nearly half that of the TLD and Dosicard, whereas it is zero for the DRD. The DRD underestimates Hp(10) by 10.3–11.6%, whereas for the Saphydose it is 3.4–5% compared with the TLD or Dosicard. The response of the DRD to Hp(10) is nearly independent of the phantom, whereas the TLD, Dosicard and Saphydose require phantoms for calibration for personal monitoring. It is observed that the PMMA phantom contributes slightly higher backscattering compared with the water slab phantom. The backscattering factor of the selected dosimeters is comparable with ICRU tissue already reported.

Assessing internal contamination after the detonation of a radiological dispersion device using a 2x2-inch sodium iodide detector

The detonation of a radiological dispersion device may result in a situation where individuals inhale radioactive materials and require rapid assessment of internal contamination. The feasibility of using a 2×2-inch sodium-iodide detector to determine the committed effective dose to an individual following acute inhalation of gamma-emitting radionuclides was investigated. Experimental configurations of point sources with a polymethyl methacrylate slab phantom were used to validate Monte Carlo simulations. The validated detector model was used to simulate the responses for four detector positions on six different anthropomorphic phantoms. The nuclides examined included (241)Am, (60)Co, (137)Cs, (131)I and (192)Ir. Biokinetic modelling was employed to determine the distributed activity in the body as a function of post-inhalation time. The simulation and biokinetic data were used to determine time-dependent count-rate values at optimal detector locations on the body for each radionuclide corresponding to a target committed effective dose (E50) value of 250 mSv.

Consistency evaluation between EGSnrc and Geant4 charged particle transport in an equilibrium magnetic field

Following the proposal by several groups to integrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with radiation therapy, much attention has been afforded to examining the impact of strong (on the order of a Tesla) transverse magnetic fields on photon dose distributions. The effect of the magnetic field on dose distributions must be considered in order to take full advantage of the benefits of real-time intra-fraction imaging. In this investigation, we compared the handling of particle transport in magnetic fields between two Monte Carlo codes, EGSnrc and Geant4, to analyze various aspects of their electromagnetic transport algorithms; both codes are well-benchmarked for medical physics applications in the absence of magnetic fields. A water–air–water slab phantom and a water–lung–water slab phantom were used to highlight dose perturbations near high- and low-density interfaces. We have implemented a method of calculating the Lorentz force in EGSnrc based on theoretical models in literature, and show very good consistency between the two Monte Carlo codes. This investigation further demonstrates the importance of accurate dosimetry for MRI-guided radiation therapy (MRIgRT), and facilitates the integration of a ViewRay MRIgRT system in the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Radiation Oncology Department.

Application of the pencil-beam redefinition algorithm in heterogeneous media for proton beam therapy

In proton beam therapy, changes in the proton range due to lateral heterogeneity may cause serious errors in the dose distribution. In the present study, the pencil-beam redefinition algorithm (PBRA) was applied to proton beam therapy to address the problem of lateral density heterogeneity. In the calculation, the phase-space parameters were characterized for multiple range (i.e. proton energy) bins for given pencil beams. The particles that were included in each pencil beam were transported and redefined periodically until they had stopped. The redefined beams formed a detouring path that was different from that of the non-redefined pencil beams, and the path of each redefined beam was straight. The results calculated by the PBRA were compared with measured proton dose distributions in a heterogeneous slab phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom. Through the beam redefinition process, the PBRA was able to predict the measured proton-detouring effects. Therefore, the PBRA may allow improved calculation accuracy when dealing with lateral heterogeneities in proton therapy applications.

Acuros XB Algorithm vs. Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm: A Dosimetric Study Using Heterogeneous Phantom and Computed Tomography (CT) Data Sets of Esophageal Cancer Patients

Our purpose in this study was to assess the dosimetric impact of the Acuros XB algorithm (AXB), in comparison with Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) calculations, for esophageal cancer treatment plans created with RapidArc technique. First, we performed a phantom study by comparing the percent depth dose (PDD) calculated by AXB and AAA against the measured PDD in a slab phantom containing a 2 cmair gap thickness. Second, we performed a clinical study using a computed tomography (CT) data set from 10 esophageal cancer patients. The treatment plans calculated by AXB and AAA were evaluated for planning target volume (PTV) coverage, doses to the PTV and organs at risk (OARs). Dose calculations by the AXB and AAA were done for identical beam parameters. The AXB showed better agreement (within ±0.5%) with measurements than did the AAA (?4.9% to ?6.2%). In comparison to the AAA, the AXB predicted a higher maximum PTV dose (2.0%), but lower mean (1.1%) and minimum (2.5%) PTV doses as well as reduced PTV coverage (9.1%). The averaged mean doses to all OARs predicted by the AXB were lower (up to 3.6%), and the percentage of lungs volume receiving at least 20 and 5 Gy were lower by about 3.6% in the AXB plans compared to the AAA plans. The AXB is more accurate than the AAA for dose predictions when air medium is involved. The use of AXB is more likely to avoid dose overestimation or underestimation for the esophageal cancer treatment plans compared to AAA.

Verification and Dosimetric Impact of Acuros XB Algorithm for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and RapidArc Planning for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients

Purpose: The experimental verification of the Acuros XB (AXB) algorithm was conducted in a heterogeneous rectangular slab phantom, and compared to the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA). The dosimetric impact of the AXB for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and RapidArc planning for 16 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients was assessed due to the dose recalculation from the AAA to the AXB. Methods: The calculated central axis percentage depth doses (PDD) in a heterogeneous slab phantom for an open field size of 3 ×3 cm2 were compared against the PDD measured by an ionization chamber. For 16 NSCLC patients, the dose-volume parameters from the treatment plans calculated by the AXB and the AAA were compared using identical jaw settings, leaf positions, and monitor units (MUs). Results: The results from the heterogeneous slab phantom study showed that the AXB was more accurate than the AAA; however, the dose underestimation by the AXB (up to ?3.9%) and AAA (up to ?13.5%) was observed. For a planning target volume (PTV) in the NSCLC patients, in comparison to the AAA, the AXB predicted lower mean and minimum doses by average 0.3% and 4.3% respectively, but a higher maximum dose by average 2.3%. The averaged maximum doses to the heart and spinal cord predicted by the AXB were lower by 1.3% and 2.6% respectively; whereas the doses to the lungs predicted by the AXB were higher by up to 0.5% compared to the AAA. The percentage of ipsilateral lung volume receiving at least 20 and 5 Gy (V20 and V5 respectively) were higher in the AXB plans than in the AAA plans by average 1.1% and 2.8% respectively. The AXB plans produced higher target heterogeneity by average 4.5% and lower plan conformity by average 5.8% compared to the AAA plans. Using the AXB, the PTV coverage (95% of the PTV covered by the 100% of the prescribed dose) was reduced by average 8.2% than using the AAA. The AXB plans required about 2.3% increment in the number of MUs in order to achieve the same PTV coverage as in the AAA plans. Conclusion: The AXB is more accurate to use for the dose calculations in SBRT lung plans created with a RapidArc technique; however, one should also note the reduced PTV coverage due to the dose recalculation from the AAA to the AXB.

Optimization of three dimensional planning dosimetric in breast phantom for match region of supraclavicular and tangential fields

Complex geometry of breast tissue causes perturbation in dose distribution. This problem can beget overdose or under-dose points in match region of three fields. The aim of this study is to create dose homogeneity distribution in match region between tangential and supraclavicular fields (SCF) with Gafchromic external beam therapy (EBT) film. In this study, an anatomical slab phantom was designed with cork lung inhomogeneity and plexiy colored heart part. Conventional and three dimensional (3D) methods were utilized along with Gafchromic EBT film. In asymmetric fields (3D method) much better results in match region were observed (i.e., maximum amount overlap area of 0.43 cm(2), overlap depth of 3.55 cm and an average overlap width of 0.75 cm). This study revealed that EBT film is a proper tool for two dimensional (2D) relative-dose measurements. The study showed difficulties in achieving homogenous dose distribution in match region of tangential and supraclavicular.

On the operational quantity Hp(3) for eye lens dosimetry

In the past the operational quantity Hp(3) has been defined for calibration purposes in a slab phantom. Recently, an additional phantom in the form of a cylinder was suggested for eye lens dosimetry as a cylinder much better approximates the shape of a head than a slab. Therefore, this work investigates whether the quantity Hp(3), when defined in the respective calibration phantom, adequately estimates the eye lens dose (or is at least conservative) depending on the phantom: it turns out that in most cases both calibration phantoms are similarly well suited. Finally, the definition of the eye lens dose is discussed together with possible consequences on the definition of Hp(3): the consideration of only the radiation sensitive volume of the lens causes Hp(3) not to be conservative in beta radiation fields.

The use of exit detector sinograms to detect anatomical variations for patients extending beyond the TomoTherapy field of view: A feasibility study

This work describes an independent method to use the TomoTherapy Hi-ART megavoltage CT imaging system for daily monitoring of anatomical changes of cancer patients whose anatomy extends beyond the imaging field of view. The imaging detector response to changes in attenuating media was measured using water-equivalent plastic. Weight loss was simulated using an anthropomorphic phantom and determining the system's ability to detect the weight loss. Layers of tissue-equivalent bolus were added to an anthropomorphic pelvis phantom and CT simulations of the phantom were conducted, one in which the phantom and bolus were both within the TomoTherapy imaging field of view, and another in which the couch was raised so that the bolus was outside the field of view. Gynecological treatment plans were developed using the TomoTherapy treatment planning system, and successive fractions of the plan were then delivered to the phantom. Weight loss was simulated by removing a 0.5 cm layer of bolus following each fraction. The exit detector sinograms were obtained from each fraction, and ratios of sinograms were calculated relative to a reference sinogram for which all bolus was in place. Histograms of ratio sinograms were determined and used to correlate with simulated weight loss. Exit detector sinograms and ratio histograms were also retrospectively analyzed for five patients all of whose anatomies extended beyond the imaging field of view and all of whom experienced weight variations exceeding 10% during treatment. Exit detector signal is well correlated to changes in attenuator thickness as demonstrated in both slab and anthropomorphic phantom geometries. Measured and expected signal increases agreed to within less than 2% for simulated weight loss on the anthropomorphic phantom. Exit detector signals for pelvic patients with significant weight loss variations were consistent with phantom measurements. The analysis of the ratio sinograms for the phantom measurements and real patients indicated that exit detector sinograms can be used to detect relative changes in patient anatomy for each fraction as a means of in vivo quality assurance.

Personal dose equivalent angular response factors for photons with energies up to 1 GeV

When performing personal dosemeter calibrations, the dosemeters are typically irradiated while mounted on slab-type phantoms and oriented facing the source. Performance testing standards or intercomparison studies may also specify various rotational angles to test the response of the dosemeter and associated algorithm as this rotation introduces changes in the quantity of delivered dose. Correction factors for rotational effects are available, but many have not been updated in recent years and were typically calculated using the kerma approximation. The personal dose equivalent, Hp(d), is the quantity recommended by the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements to be used as an approximation of the protection quantity effective dose when performing personal dosemeter calibrations. The personal dose equivalent can be defined for any location and depth within the body, but typically the location of interest is the trunk where personal dosemeters are worn and in this instance a suitable approximation is a 30 cm × 30 cm × 15 cm slab-type phantom. In this work personal dose equivalent conversion coefficients for photons with energies up to 1 GeV have been calculated for depths of 0.007, 0.3 and 1.0 cm in the slab phantom for rotational angles ranging from 15° to 75°. Angular response factors have been determined by comparing the conversion coefficients for each angle and energy to those reported in an earlier work for a non-rotational (e.g. perpendicular to the phantom face) geometry. The angular response factors were determined for discrete angles, but fits of the factors are provided.

Transit dosimetry in IMRT with an a-Si EPID in direct detection configuration

In this study an amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device (a-Si EPID) converted to direct detection configuration was investigated as a transit dosimeter for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). After calibration to dose and correction for a background offset signal, the EPID-measured absolute IMRT transit doses for 29 fields were compared to a MatriXX two-dimensional array of ionization chambers (as reference) using Gamma evaluation (3%, 3 mm). The MatriXX was first evaluated as reference for transit dosimetry. The accuracy of EPID measurements was also investigated by comparison of point dose measurements by an ionization chamber on the central axis with slab and anthropomorphic phantoms in a range of simple to complex fields. The uncertainty in ionization chamber measurements in IMRT fields was also investigated by its displacement from the central axis and comparison with the central axis measurements. Comparison of the absolute doses measured by the EPID and MatriXX with slab phantoms in IMRT fields showed that on average 96.4% and 97.5% of points had a Gamma index<1 in head and neck and prostate fields, respectively. For absolute dose comparisons with anthropomorphic phantoms, the values changed to an average of 93.6%, 93.7% and 94.4% of points with Gamma index<1 in head and neck, brain and prostate fields, respectively. Point doses measured by the EPID and ionization chamber were within 3% difference for all conditions. The deviations introduced in the response of the ionization chamber in IMRT fields were<1%. The direct EPID performance for transit dosimetry showed that it has the potential to perform accurate, efficient and comprehensive in vivo dosimetry for IMRT.

Poster - Thur Eve - 08: A1SL ion chamber charged particle disequilibrium corrections for lung dose measurements using Monte Carlo.

An in house inhomogeneous insert for use with ArcCHECK ™ was developed for dose calculation verification of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) lung plans. The inhomogeneous insert has various ion chamber inserts for different geometrical configurations (lung, soft tissue, bone, air). However, the insertion of an ion chamber in a low density medium perturbs the dose to that region by creating Charged Particle Disequilibrium (CPD), limiting the accuracy of ion chamber measurements. By simulating the ion chamber and phantom using Monte Carlo, a correction factor could be calculated and measured to verify the dose difference caused by CPD. BEAMnrc was used to generate a phase space input file for DOSXYZnrc with beam characteristics that matched clinical commissioning data. A model of the A1SL ion chamber geometry (shell, collector, stem, guard) was simulated in a simple water-lung-water slab phantom. Dose to the active area of the ion chamber was measured in several locations throughout the phantom. The active area of the ion chamber was replaced by the surrounding medium; i.e., water or lung within the phantom, and the dose to the same voxels was calculated. The dose was measured on a Linac and the results agreed within 3% and confirmed that the presence of the ion chamber in low density lung perturbs the dose measured in the field by over 31%.