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Objective:To evaluate the accuracy of measurement of the output factor of high-energy photon small field (Scp) using commercial semi-diodes and ionization chambers in small fields in accordance with the IAEA-483 report, which has been proposed that all kinds of detectors should be revised for small field Scp measurement in clinical practice.Methods:EGSnrc of Monte Carlo (MC) software was utilized to simulate the treatment head of Varian Novalis Tx linear accelerator, and the profile curve and relative dose value were generated by simulation in DOSXYZnrc based on derived phase space file. Measurement of PDD and Profiles was used to adjust and validate the simulation mode. Detectors including ionization chambers A16, A14 sL, CC01, CC13, PFD and EFD and semi-diodes PFD, EFD and Razor under different radiation field settings (0.5 cm to 10.0 cm) were employed to measure the profile curves and Scp of FWHM equivalent rectangular fields, which were compared with data of Monte-Carlo simulation. The measurement of Scp was revised by data given in the IAEA-483 report. The data with or without correction were compared with the data of MC simulation.Results:A curve deviation o F<2.0% between MC simulation and PFD measurement was accepted. MC simulated Profiles were consistent with PFD, EFD and Razor measurements, when the field was<3.0 cm. Razor response in the out-field region was 2.3% higher than those of MC and PFD, and it increased with the increment of field and was 3.0% at 10.0 cm. The maximum 20.0%-80.0% penumbra width was detected as 3.0 mm for CC13 at 10.0 cm rectangular field. With the decrease of the radiation field, the deviation relative to MC simulation was increased as for Scp mean values of 7 detectors before correction. The standard deviation (SD) of the measured value was increased rapidly when it was close to 1.0 cm, ranging from 0.009-0.014 for the field of 5.0 cm-1.5 cm to 0.030-0.089 for the field of 1.0 cm-0.5 cm. The mean value of SD for the whole measurement before correction was 0.030. The mean SD of Scp measured by the six probes was 0.008, 0.013 at 0.8 cm and 0.021 at 0.6 cm after correction. When the equivalent field was ≥1.0 cm, the corrected Scp and MC simulation deviation was ranged from -3.6% to -0.5%. The error was between -6.9% and -1.3% when the radiation field was<1.0 cm. Conclusion:The SD of Scp measured by different detectors after correction in accordance to the IAEA-483 report is small, which is in good agreement with the data of MC simulation, suggesting that it could be applied in clinical dosimetry.
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Objective improve the accuracy of the measurement results by using the field output factor measurement method based on daisy-chaining.Methods The Varian Edge Accelerator 6 MV X-ray data were measured using the IBA CC13 ionization chamber, IBA CC01 ionization chamber, IBA Razor semiconductor detector , IBA EFD semiconductor detector and Gafchromic EBT 3 film , respectively. Results Compared with the daisy-chaining measurement method,the results obtained by the conventional measurement method using CC13 were smaller. The deviation value was 16. 71% in the 1 cm × 1 cm field. The measurement results in a larger field via CC01 were bigger with a deviation of 8. 39% in the 40 cm × 40 cm filed. The measurement results via Razor in a larger field were larger with a deviation of 9. 40% in the 40 cm × 40 cm field. The measurement results were similar between EFD and Razor with a deviation of 9. 14% in the 40 cm × 40 cm field. The results of the film measurement were equivalent to those obtained from the daisy-chaining method in a field of＞ 1 cm × 1 cm with a deviation within 1. 60%,whereas the deviation was increased to 3. 13% in the 1 cm× 1 cm field. The results were consistent with daisy-chaining measurement if the 3 cm × 3 cm or 4 cm × 4 cm fields were selected as the intermediate fields with the maximum deviation of 0. 29%. Conclusions For the detectors with changing response along with the field size,daisy-chaining measurement method can be utilized to extend the measurement range and improve the accuracy of the measurement results.
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Objective To explore the Monte Carlo calculation methods for the absolute dose calibration and output factor of 6 MV flattening-filter ( FF) and flattening-filter free ( FFF) photon beams based on TrueBeam accelerator .Methods The BEAMnrc code was used to model the LINAC head of FF and FFF modes.The BEAM_up covers the components from the target to the monitor chamber , and BEAM_down includes the structures beneath the chamber , the dose deposit to the monitor chamber contributed by the incidence electrons and scattered particles from the secondary collimators were calculated respectively .The incidence electron-induced dose at certain depths on the central axis were simulated by means of the DOSXYZnrc code .By means of dose calibration equation , the calibration factor for the standard field (10 cm ×10 cm) and the output factors for various fields (1 cm ×1 cm-40 cm ×40 cm) were computed respectively .Results For the 6 MV FF and FFF beams under the standard 10 cm ×10 cm field, 1 MU equals to 7.747 ×1013 ±3.099 ×1011 and 3.248 ×1013 ±1.624 ×1011 electrons to the target , respectively , which deposited 21.53 and 35.01 cGy to the monitor chamber of the virtual accelerator respectively .The difference between the simulated and calculated output factors were 0.72%±1.4%and 0.56%±0.78%for FF and FFF , respectively .Conclusions The model generated and measured output factors agree well , indicating the good accuracy of the dose calculation by the model , which would provides basis for further clinical dosimetric studies .
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Objective To evalutate the accuracy of CyberKnife system and measure its relative output factor.Methods The accuracy of target localization of the system was measured with E2E test,film dosimetry,6D-skull tracking mode and fiducial tracking mode.Six kinds of detectors were used to detect the collimators of the system.Results The positioning errors were (0.531 ±0.293) and (0.482±0.297) mm respectively by 6D-skull tracking mode and fiducial tracking mode.The detectors proved the relative output factors of 5-mm collimator were 0.133 ±0.006,0.320±0.010,0.635 ±0.010,0.656±0.009,0.777± 0.013 and 0.680±0.014,and those of 35-mm collimator were 0.983±0.002,0.990±0.002,0.987±0.001,0.992±0.002,0.990± 0.010 and 0.981 ±0.010.Conclusion The total error of CyberKnife system was less than 1 mm.Large collimater has high consistencies between the output factors of the detectors,while there are significant differences between the output factors in case of the collimater with the diameter less than 15 mm.
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Objective To compare five different detectors in output factor(OF)measurement for the CyberKnife(CK)system,and to select a suitable detector. Methods OFs for 12 different sizes of CK collimators were measured by EBT3films and 5 different commercially available detectors,consisting of diode detectors PTW 60017 and PTW 60018,ionizing chamber detectors PTW 31010 and PTW 30013,and diamond detector PTW 600019.OF was compared between different detectors and different measurement orientations. Results When the size of collimator was larger than 30 mm,the OF deviation among five detectors was less than 1%.When the size of collimator was smaller than 30 mm,however,the OF deviation among five detectors became large and obviously increased with the decrease in the size of collimator. With a OF deviation less than 2%,PTW 60019 achieved the best agreement with films. Compared with films,diode detectors gave slightly higher OFs,while ionizing chamber detectors gave much smaller OFs. The OF measurement was also affected by measurement orientation. PTW 60019 gave a smaller OF in the direction parallel to the central axis than in the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the radiation field,while PTW 31010 had an opposite result. Conclusions When the size of collimator is larger than 30 mm,PTW 31010,PTW 60017,PTW 60018,and PTW 60019 can be directly used for the OF measurement. When the size of collimator is smaller than 30 mm,correction is needed for the OF measurement using the above detectors. PTW 30013 is not suitable for the OF measurement in the small radiation field.
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Objective:Using Monte Carlo simulation method to study the important dosimetric parameter output factor of the LUNA stereotactic body radiotherapy device. Methods:Following the manufacturer’s technical documentation to establish the LUNA stereotactic body radiotherapy device’s Monte Carlo model and after model validation. After referring to the output factor measurement’s detector provided by manufacturer, set the relevant parameters in Monte Carlo model at last, compare and analyze the difference of output factor which provided between by manufacturer and calculated by Monte Carlo simulation. Results:In the range of 3%deviation, under the different collimator of condition, output factors which provided by manufacturers and calculated by Monte Carlo are in good agreement, and the reasons for the difference are also analyzed. Conclusion:LUNA stereotactic body radiotherapy device’s output factors of Monte Carlo simulated research work provides reference and basis for the clinical use and quality control.
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Objective To investigate the application of the Monte Carlo dose calculation of output factors for electron beams in radiotherapy.Methods The code EGS4/MCTP was used to simulate the head of a medical linear accelerator (Varian 23EX) to calculate the output factors for 6 MeV,9 MeV and 18 MeV electron beams.The source-to-surface distance used was 100 cm.The field sizes ranged from 2 cm × 2 cm to 25 cm × 25 cm.The calculated output factors agreed with the corresponding measured factors which were measured by the IBA Phantom system to within 2％.Then,the output factors of direct articles and indirect articles which were under different energy and various cone-insert combinations were calculated by the code EGS4/MCTP.Results The calculated output factors agreement with the measurements is found to be mostly under the 1％ level.The variation of output factors depends on the characteristics of the beams and the modifications that the various cone-insert combinations introduce to these characteristics.Conclusions Monte Carlo dose calculations for electron beams in homogeneous water phantoms have been demonstrated to be accurate under the 1％ level in comparison with measurements.The output factors were influenced by energy and cone-insert combinations in complex ways.
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This study is to keep the accuracy and stability of the output dose evaluations for linear accelerator photon beams by using the air ionization chambers (TM31010, 0.125 cc, PTW) through the Task Group 51 protocol. The absorbed dose to water calibration factor NdwCo-60 was delivered from the air kerma calibration factor Nk which was provided from manufacture through SSDL calibration for determination of output factor. The ionization chamber of TM31010 series was reviewed the calibration factor and other parameters for reduce the uncertainty within +/-2% discrepancy and we found the supplied NdwCo-60 which was derived from Nk has shown a -2.8% uncertainty compare to that of PSDL. The authors provided the program to perform the output dosimetry with TG-51 protocol as it is composed same screen of TG-51 worksheets. The evaluated dose by determination of output factor delivered to postal TLD block for comparison the output dose to that of MDACC (RPC) in postal monitoring program. The results have shown the 1.001+/-0.013 for 6 MV and 0.997+/-0.012 discrepancy for 15 MV X rays for 5 years followed. This study shows the evaluated outputs for linear accelerate photon beams are very close to that of international output monitor with small discrepancy of +/-1.3% with high reliability and showing the gradually stability after 2010.
Subject(s)
Air Ionization , Calibration , Organothiophosphorus Compounds , Particle Accelerators , Phenylpropionates , Uncertainty , WaterABSTRACT
nges in standard square field.
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Total scatter factor (Scp), head scatter factor (Sc) and phantom scatter factor (Sp) are very important for accurate radiation therapy at stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with irregular field shape using micro-MLC and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) including many small field sizes. In this study we measured and compared Scp with reference ion chamber, pinpoint chamber and diode detector and adapted the resuls form diode detector. Head scatter factors for small field sizes were also measured with diode detector covered 1.5 cm-thick solid water build-up cap. Some errors like as electron contamination of 1~3% were included in the values of Sc but trend of total results of Sc was coincided with basic theory. Phantom scatter factors for small field sizes were calculated form Scp and Sc. The results of Sp were compared and were well-agreed with those of other authors.
Subject(s)
Electrons , Head , Hepatocyte Growth Factor , Radiosurgery , WaterABSTRACT
Objective To develop a measurement method of dosimetric parameters for Hi-ART tomotherapy unit. Methods Percentage depth doses and beam profiles were measured using the dedicated mini water phantom, and compared to the results of 6 MV X-ray from Primus accelerator. Following the AAPM TG51 protocol, absolute dose calibration was carried out under SSD of 85 cm at depth of 1.5 cm for field of 5 cm ×40 cm. The output linearity and reproducibility were evaluated. The output variation with the gantry rotation was also investigated using 0.6 cm3 ion chamber in cylindrical perplex phantom and on-board MVCT detectors. Leaf fluence output factors were quantified for the leaf of interest and its adjacent leaves.Results The buildup depth was around 1.0 cm. The PDD values at 10 cm for Hi-ART and Primus were 59.7% and 64.7%, respectively. Varying with the field width, the lateral and longitudinal beam profiles were not so homogeneous as the Primus fields. The measured dose rate was 848.38 cGy/min. The fitted lint(sec) ,with a relative coefficient of 0. 999. The maximum deviation and standard deviation of output were 1.6% and less than 0.5% ; The maximum deviation and standard deviation of output changed by gantry angle were 1.1% and 0.5 % , respectively. Leaf fluence output factors did not increase significantly when leaves were opened beyond the two adjacent leaves. Conclusions Hi-ART Tomotherapy unit has a very high dose output and inhomogeneous beam profiles owing to its special design of the treatment head. This may be useful in dose calculation and treatment delivery.
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The purpose of study is to investigate whether glass rod detector (GRD) would be suitable for dosimeter of radiotherapy units. A GRD is used for the measurement of the output factors and x-axis beam profiles from Gamma Knife. The output factors measured with GRD from the 14, 8 and 4 mm collimators relative to the 18 mm collimator are 0.980+/-0.013, 0.949+/-0.013 and 0.872+/-0.012, respectively. The output factors obtained with a GRD are within 1.0% in good agreement with the values recommended by the manufacture. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of x-axis beam profiles measured with GRD are 5.9 mm at a 4 mm collimator.
Subject(s)
Glass , RadiotherapyABSTRACT
Objective Clinical application of electrons often involves some beam in which the field size varies with the applicators. The work was done to understand the electron beam characteristics in different field sizes. Methods Percent depth dose and the dose output factor were measured for square and rectangular fields at 100?cm source to surface distance ( SSD ) . Central axis percent depth dose (PDD) measurements were made using the RFA 300 three dimensional radiation field analyzer with a shielded p type diode detector . The dose output factors were measured with the RFA 300 three dimensional radiation field analyzer with a PTW 0.1?cm 3 chamber and a Farmer 2570/1 dosimeter with a 2571 ion chamber in a water phantom. Results The measurements showed that the depth dose curves and the output factors were sometimes dependent on how the field sizes were formed. The change in depth dose with field size was more pronounced in the high energy beams than the low energy ones. However, the output factor did not show any systematic energy dependence because each applicator had it's own X ray jaw setting at each energy. Conclusions When using small inserted apertures to treat small lesions, we should verify the conformation of depth dose and output factors. In this case, we should use applicator dependent output factors at each energy to calculate the monitor units for irradiation.
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Objective To compare the accuracy of output factor calculation for rectangular inserts of electron beams by using three kinds of algorisms: square root, one dimensional formula and area periphery ration. Methods The differences between the values of output factor calculated by these three algorithms mentioned above and the results measured by ionization chamber for seven rectangular inserts were compared. Results When beam energy was fixed, the difference between calculated and measured output factors was larger for area periphery ration algorithm than that of the square root or one dimensional formula algorithms. The electron cone size, beam energy and rectangular inserts size all had some effect on the value of output factor calculated by the three algorithms. Conclusions The area periphery ration algorithm is not recommended for clinical use because of its great deviation. One dimensional formula and square root algorisms possess a good accuracy. One dimensional formula is superior to square root algorithm, but square root algorithm is more practical for clinical use.
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In electron therapy, lead cutout or low-melting alloy block is used for shaping the field. Material for shaping electron field affects the output factor as well as the collimation system. The authors measured the output factors of electron beams for shaped fields from Clinac-18 using ionization chamber of Farmer type on polystyrene phantom. They analyzed the incident energy, collimation system and size of shaped field. For shaped field the variation of output factor for the field (A/P) has appearance of a smooth curve for all energy and all applicator collimator combination. The output factors for open field deviate from the curves for shaped fields. An output factor for a given field can be calculated by equivalent field method such as A/P method, if a combination of applicator and collimator is fixed.