New Method to Obtain the Midplane Dose Using Portal In Vivo Dosimetry

Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a method to derive the midplane dose [i.e., the two-dimensional (2D) dose distribution in the middle of a patient irradiated with high-energy photon beams] from transmission dose data measured with an electronic portal imaging device (EPID). A prerequisite for this method was that it could be used without additional patient information (i.e., independent of a treatment-planning system). Second, we compared the new method with several existing (conventional) methods that derive the midline dose from entrance and exit dose measurements.Methods and Materials: The proposed method first calculates the 2D contribution of the primary and scattered dose component at the exit side of the patient or phantom from the measured transmission dose. Then, a correction is applied for the difference in contribution for both dose components between exit side and midplane, yielding the midplane dose. To test the method, we performed EPID transmission dose measurements and entrance, midplane, and exit dose measurements using an ionization chamber in homogeneous and symmetrical inhomogeneous phantoms. The various methods to derive the midplane dose were also tested for asymmetrical inhomogeneous phantoms applying two opposing fields. A number of combinations of inhomogeneities (air, cork, and aluminum), phantom thicknesses, field sizes, and a few irregularly shaped fields were investigated, while each experiment was performed in 4-, 8-, and 18-MV open and wedged beams.Results: Our new method can be used to assess the midplane dose for most clinical situations within 2% relative to ionization chamber measurements. Similar results were found with other methods. In the presence of large asymmetrical inhomogeneities (e.g., lungs), discrepancies of about 8% have been found (for small field sizes) using our transmission dose method, owing to the absence of lateral electron equilibrium. Applying the other methods, differences between predicted and measured midplane doses were even larger, up to 10%. For large field sizes, the agreement between measured and predicted midplane dose was within 3% using our transmission dose method.Conclusions: Using our new method, midplane doses were estimated with a similar or higher accuracy compared with existing conventional methods for in vivo dosimetry. The advantage of our new method is that the midplane dose can be determined in the entire (2D) field. With our method, portal in vivo dosimetry is an accurate alternative for conventional in vivo dosimetry.     

Accurate in vivo dosimetry of a randomized trial of prostate cancer irradiation

Purpose: To guarantee an accurate dose delivery, within ± 2.5%, in a Phase III randomized trial of prostate cancer irradiation (68 vs. 78 Gy) by means of a comprehensive in vivo dosimetry program.Methods and Materials: Prostate patients are generally treated in our clinic with a 3-field isocentric technique: an 8-MV anteroposterior beam and 2 18-MV wedged laterals. All fields are shaped conformally to the PTV. Patients were randomized between two dose levels of 68 Gy and 78 Gy. During treatment, the entrance and exit dose were measured for each patient with diodes. Special 2.5-mm thick steel build-up caps were applied to make the diodes appropriate for measurements in 18-MV photon beams as well. Portal images were used to verify the correct position of the diodes and to detect and correct for gas filling in the rectum that may influence the exit dose reading. Entrance and exit dose measurements were converted to midplane dose, which was used in combination with a depth dose correction to obtain the dose at the specification point. An action level of 2.5% was applied.Results: The added build-up for the diodes in the 18-MV beams resulted in correction factors that were only slightly sensitive to changes in beam setup and comparable to the corrections used in the 8-MV beams for diodes without extra build-up. The calibration factor increased almost linearly with cumulative dose: 0.7%/kGy for the 8-MV and 1.2%/kGy for the 18-MV photon beams. The introduction of average correction factors made the analysis easier, while keeping the accuracy within acceptable limits. In a period of 3 years, 225 patients were analyzed, from which 8 patients needed to be corrected. The average ratio of measured and prescribed dose was 1.009 (standard deviation [SD] 0.012) for the total group treated on two linear accelerators. When the results were analyzed per accelerator, the ratios were 1.002 (SD, 0.001) for Accelerator A and 1.015 (SD, 0.001) for Accelerator B. This difference could be attributed to the cumulative effect of three small imperfections in the performance of Accelerator B that were well within the limits of our quality assurance program.Conclusion: Diodes can be used for accurate in vivo dosimetry during prostate irradiation in high-energy photon beams. The dose delivery in this randomized trial is guaranteed within the 2.5% limits on an individual patient basis. This could not be achieved without the in vivo dosimetry program, despite our high-standard quality assurance program of treatment delivery.     

Accurate in vivo dosimetry of a randomized trial of prostate cancer irradiation

Purpose: To guarantee an accurate dose delivery, within ± 2.5%, in a Phase III randomized trial of prostate cancer irradiation (68 vs. 78 Gy) by means of a comprehensive in vivo dosimetry program.

Methods and Materials: Prostate patients are generally treated in our clinic with a 3-field isocentric technique: an 8-MV anteroposterior beam and 2 18-MV wedged laterals. All fields are shaped conformally to the PTV. Patients were randomized between two dose levels of 68 Gy and 78 Gy. During treatment, the entrance and exit dose were measured for each patient with diodes. Special 2.5-mm thick steel build-up caps were applied to make the diodes appropriate for measurements in 18-MV photon beams as well. Portal images were used to verify the correct position of the diodes and to detect and correct for gas filling in the rectum that may influence the exit dose reading. Entrance and exit dose measurements were converted to midplane dose, which was used in combination with a depth dose correction to obtain the dose at the specification point. An action level of 2.5% was applied.

Results: The added build-up for the diodes in the 18-MV beams resulted in correction factors that were only slightly sensitive to changes in beam setup and comparable to the corrections used in the 8-MV beams for diodes without extra build-up. The calibration factor increased almost linearly with cumulative dose: 0.7%/kGy for the 8-MV and 1.2%/kGy for the 18-MV photon beams. The introduction of average correction factors made the analysis easier, while keeping the accuracy within acceptable limits. In a period of 3 years, 225 patients were analyzed, from which 8 patients needed to be corrected. The average ratio of measured and prescribed dose was 1.009 (standard deviation [SD] 0.012) for the total group treated on two linear accelerators. When the results were analyzed per accelerator, the ratios were 1.002 (SD, 0.001) for Accelerator A and 1.015 (SD, 0.001) for Accelerator B. This difference could be attributed to the cumulative effect of three small imperfections in the performance of Accelerator B that were well within the limits of our quality assurance program.

Conclusion: Diodes can be used for accurate in vivo dosimetry during prostate irradiation in high-energy photon beams. The dose delivery in this randomized trial is guaranteed within the 2.5% limits on an individual patient basis. This could not be achieved without the in vivo dosimetry program, despite our high-standard quality assurance program of treatment delivery.     

In vivo dosimetry with MOSFETs: dosimetric characterization and first clinical results in intraoperative radiotherapy

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of metal oxide silicon field effect transistors (MOSFETs) as in vivo dosimetry detectors during electron beams at high dose-per-pulse intraoperative radiotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The MOSFET system response in terms of reproducibility, energy, dose rate and temperature dependence, dose-linearity from 1 to 25 Gy, angular response, and dose perturbation was analyzed in the 6-9-MeV electron beam energy range produced by an intraoperative radiotherapy-dedicated mobile accelerator. We compared these with the 6- and 9-MeV electron beams produced by a conventional accelerator. MOSFETs were also used in clinical dosimetry. RESULTS: In experimental conditions, the overall uncertainty of the MOSFET response was within 3.5% (+/-SD). The investigated electron energies and the dose rate did not significantly influence the MOSFET calibration factors. The dose perturbation was negligible. In vivo dosimetry results were in accordance with the predicted values within +/-5%. A discordance occurred either for an incorrect position of the dosimeter on the patient or when a great difference existed between the clinical and calibration setup, particularly when performing exit dose measurements. CONCLUSION: Metal oxide silicon field effect transistors are suitable for in vivo dosimetry during intraoperative radiotherapy because their overall uncertainty is comparable to the accuracy required in target dose delivery.     

An analysis of an implantable dosimeter system for external beam therapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To review the data from an implantable radiation dosimetry system used in a clinical setting and to examine correlations between dosimeter readings and potential causative error sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) based encapsulated dosimeters were evaluated in a phantom (in vitro) and in a study with 18 patients. The dosimeters were placed in the gross tumor volume or in collateral normal tissue. Predicted dose values were established by imaging the dosimeters in the planning CTs. RESULTS: The in vitro study confirmed that bounding cumulative errors due to setup, planning, and machine output within a +/-5% level is achievable. In patients, it was found that deviations from the targeted dose often exceeded the 5% level. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an implantable dosimeter system could provide an effective empiric check on the dose delivered at depth. Such a tool may have value for institutional quality assurance, as well as for therapy delivered to individual patients.     

Modification of a standard cobalt-60 unit for total body irradiation at 150 cm SSD

A cobalt-60 teletherapy unit has been modified to permit total body irradiation (TBI) with a vertical beam in a conventional treatment room. This technique has been implemented at low cost using a few easily made accessories. Removal of the adjustable collimator assembly provides a field 2.3 meters in diameter at 150 cm SSD. A copper flattening filter has been constructed to improve beam uniformity and remove electron contamination. Machine set up time for TBI requires less than 15 minutes and does not affect the routine clinical use of the unit. A dose rate of 32 cGy per minute (midplane) is attainable in a 20 cm thick patient. The dosimetry and technical aspects are presented in this paper.     

全身照射及半导体实时剂量监测技术在造血干细胞移植中应用

目的 探讨全身照射及半导体实时剂量监测方法 在造血干细胞移植中应用的安全性和临床疗效.方法 采用6 MV X线对57例需造血干细胞移植的患者行半坐立姿或侧卧式两野或四野前后平行对穿野单次或分次照射,并在照射中使用6个半导体探头对患者不同部位进行实时剂量监测,根据监测结果 采用不同厚度的铅皮调整人体中平面受照剂量的均匀性.结果 接受分次照射的41例患者疗后均有轻度和中度恶心、呕吐、腮腺肿胀等症状,但均能耐受,经对症治疗后好转,顺利完成造血干细胞的移植,无一发生间质性肺炎.实时监测也表明,患者全身照射剂量均匀性符合临床治疗要求.结论 采用半导体探测器实时剂量监测与半坐立姿或侧卧式前后平行对穿照射技术是一种安全、有效的全身照射方法 .     

Methods of bolusing the tracheostomy stoma

PURPOSE: The tracheostomy stoma is a potential site of recurrence for patients who have subglottic cancer or subglottic spread of cancer. In these patients, it is important that the anterior supraclavicular field does not underdose the posterior wall of the tracheostomy stoma when using a 6-MV anterior photon field. Conventionally, this problem is surmounted with placement of a plastic tracheostomy tube, which is uncomfortable for the patient, potentially traumatic, and can interfere with vocalization via a tracheal esophageal puncture. Our study was designed to investigate the dosimetry of this region and see if alternate methods would be effective. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A phantom was constructed using a No. 6 tracheostomy tube as the model for the tracheostomy curvature and size. Using the water-equivalent phantom, film dosimetry, and films oriented parallel to the en face field, we investigated the dose at the depth of the surface of the posterior wall of the phantom's tracheostomy stoma. Dose was measured both in space and at the tissue interface by scanning points of interest both horizontally and vertically. We measured doses with a No. 6 and No. 8 plastic tracheostomy tube, either 0.5 cm and 1.0 cm of bolus (1-cm airhole) with no tracheostomy tube, as well as 0.3 cm and 0.6 cm tissue-equivalent Aquaplast (Med-Tec Co., Orange City, Iowa) over the tracheostomy. Dosimetry at the posterior interface was confirmed using thermoluminescent dosimeters. RESULTS: Three mm and 6 mm of Aquaplast produced a posterior tracheal dose of 93% and 100%. CONCLUSION: There is no need for these patients to wear a temporary plastic tracheostomy tube during their external radiation therapy. Aquaplast should allow better position reproducibility, reduce trauma, not interfere with patient respiratory efforts, and be compatible with vocalization via a tracheal esophageal puncture.     

Cobalt-60 total body irradiation dosimetry at 220 cm source-axis distance

Adults with acute leukemia are treated with cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation (TBI) followed by autologous marrow transplants. For TBI, patients seated in a stand angled 45° above the floor are treated for about 2 hours at 220 cm source-axis distance (SAD) with sequential right and left lateral 87 cm × 87 cm fields to a 900 rad mid-pelvic dose at about 8 rad/min using a 5000 Ci cobalt unit. Maximum (lateral) to minimum (mid-plane) dose ratios are: hips—1.15, shoulders—1.30, and head—1.05, which is shielded by a compensator filter. Organ doses are small intestine, liver and kidneys—1100 rad, lung—1100–1200 rad, and heart-1300 rad. Verification dosimetry reveals the prescribed dose is delivered to within ± 5%. Details of the dosimetry of this treatment are presented.     

Dosimetric challenges of small animal irradiation with a commercial X-ray unit

IntroductionA commercial X-ray unit was recently installed at the Medical University Vienna for partial and whole body irradiation of small experimental animals. For 200 kV X-rays the dose deviations with respect to the reference dose measured in the geometrical center of the potential available field size was investigated for various experimental setup plates used for mouse irradiations. Furthermore, the HVL was measured in mm Al and mm Cu at 200 kV for two types of filtration.Material and MethodsThree different setup constructions for small animal irradiation were dosimetrically characterized, covering field sizes from 9 × 20 mm² to 210 × 200 mm². Different types of detectors were investigated. Additionally LiF:MG,Ti TLD chips were used for mouse in-vivo dosimetry.ResultsThe use of an additional 0.5 mm Cu filter reduced the deviation of the dose between each irradiation position on the setup plates. Multiple animals were irradiated at the same time using an individual setup plate for each experimental purpose. The dose deviations of each irradiation position to the center was measured to be ±4% or better. The depth dose curve measured in a solid water phantom was more pronounced for smaller field sizes. The comparison between estimated dose and measured dose in a PMMA phantom regarding the dose decline yielded in a difference of 3.9% at 20 mm depth. In-vivo measurements in a mouse snouts irradiation model confirmed the reference dosimetry, accomplished in PMMA phantoms, in terms of administered dose and deviation within different points of measurement.Discussion and ConclusionThe outlined experiments dealt with a wide variety of dosimetric challenges during the installation of a new X-ray unit in the laboratory. The depth dose profiles measured for different field sizes were in good agreement with literature data. Different field sizes and spatial arrangement of the animals (depending on each purpose) provide additional challenges for the dosimetric measurements. Thorough dosimetric commissioning has to be performed before a new experimental setup is approved for biological experiments.     

Impact of beam energy and field margin on penumbra at lung tumor-lung parenchyma interfaces

Purpose: To determine the characteristics of the penumbra in the region of the lung tumor-lung parenchyma interfaces for various radiation beam energies and various field margins.Methods and Materials: A phantom simulating the thoracic cavity with a tumor arising within the lung parenchyma was irradiated with opposed 6-, 10-, and 18-MV photon beams. Beam profiles were obtained at the tumor’s surface and midplane using radiographic film. The field edge varied from 0.0 to 3.5 cm from the gross tumor volume. The effective penumbra (distance from 80 to 20% dose) and beam fringe (distance from 90 to 50% dose) were measured. Clinically acceptable beam profiles were defined as those in which no point of the planning target volume (gross tumor volume plus a 1-cm margin) received less than 95% of the central tumor dose.Results: Mean effective penumbra and beam fringe were found to differ in a statistically significant manner with respect to energy, but not with distance from field edge to gross tumor volume. With the field edge ≤1.5 cm from the gross tumor volume, no energy provided an acceptable dose distribution, as defined above. With the field edge 2 cm from the gross tumor volume, 6 and 10 MV provided acceptable dose distributions, but 18 MV did not. With the field edge ≥2.5 cm from the gross tumor volume, all energies provided acceptable dose distributions.Conclusion: For irradiation of lung carcinomas in which the planning target volume includes a margin of normal lung tissue, 6- and 10-MV opposed beams yield a superior dose distribution with respect to penumbra at the tumor’s surface and midplane, with the field edge placed 2 cm from the gross tumor volume. To achieve an equivalent distribution with 18-MV photons, a distance of 2.5 cm from field edge to the gross tumor volume is necessary, leading to an increase in normal lung tissue irradiated.     

Whole-body dose from tomotherapy delivery

Purpose: To measure whole-body dose in tomotherapy of the head and neck region resulting from internal patient scatter and linear accelerator leakage.Methods and Materials: Treatments are performed using a commercial computer-controlled intensity modulated radiation therapy planning and delivery system (Peacock, NOMOS Corp.) and a 6-MV linear accelerator (Clinac 6/100, Varian Corp.). The patient dose outside the treatment field is measured in a water-equivalent phantom using thermoluminescent dosimetry. The whole-body dose components from internal scatter and leakage are separately determined. The use of fixed-portal leakage and scattered radiation measurements to estimate the whole-body dose from tomotherapy is evaluated.Results: The internally scattered dose is significant near the target, but becomes negligible relative to the leakage dose beyond 15 cm from the target. Dose at 10 cm from the target volume, due to internal scatter and leakage, is approximately 2.5% of the total target dose, reducing to 0.5% at 30 cm. The measured dose is relatively uniform throughout the phantom.Conclusion: The whole-body dose equivalent from a tomotherapy treatment is greater than that from conventional radiation therapy. Further studies are required to assess the trade-off between improved dose distribution conformality and a possible slight increase in radiation-induced fatal malignancies. The accuracy of using fixed-portal leakage and scattered dose measurements to estimate the whole-body dose from tomotherapy treatments is adequate, if the appropriate fixed-portal field size equivalent is used.     

Total body irradiation, toward optimal individual delivery: dose evaluation with metal oxide field effect transistors, thermoluminescence detectors, and a treatment planning system

PURPOSE: To predict the three-dimensional dose distribution of our total body irradiation technique, using a commercial treatment planning system (TPS). In vivo dosimetry, using metal oxide field effect transistors (MOSFETs) and thermoluminescence detectors (TLDs), was used to verify the calculated dose distributions. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total body computed tomography scan was performed and loaded into our TPS, and a three-dimensional-dose distribution was generated. In vivo dosimetry was performed at five locations on the patient. Entrance and exit dose values were converted to midline doses using conversion factors, previously determined with phantom measurements. The TPS-predicted dose values were compared with the MOSFET and TLD in vivo dose values. RESULTS: The MOSFET and TLD dose values agreed within 3.0% and the MOSFET and TPS data within 0.5%. The convolution algorithm of the TPS, which is routinely applied in the clinic, overestimated the dose in the lung region. Using a superposition algorithm reduced the calculated lung dose by approximately 3%. The dose inhomogeneity, as predicted by the TPS, can be reduced using a simple intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a TPS to calculate the dose distributions in individual patients during total body irradiation is strongly recommended. Using a TPS gives good insight of the over- and underdosage in a patient and the influence of patient positioning on dose homogeneity. MOSFETs are suitable for in vivo dosimetry purposes during total body irradiation, when using appropriate conversion factors. The MOSFET, TLD, and TPS results agreed within acceptable margins.     

External radiation therapy boost to the vaginal vault: feasibility of intracavitary dosimetry using a commercial diode system

PURPOSE: An overall check of the whole dosimetry procedure by intracavitary in vivo dosimetry, using n-type silicon diode dosimeter, was performed during 6-MV x-ray irradiation of the vaginal vault. The dose delivered to the isocenter by all treatment fields was evaluated. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The diode dosimeter was calibrated against an ion chamber and tissue maximum ratio, field size factor, SSD factor, and temperature dependence studies were performed. Diode system accuracy, linearity, and reproducibility were also tested. Patients' dose data were collected and comparision was made with respect to treatment-planning dose calculations. Ten patients with cervical cancer and endometrial cancer were treated with surgery and irradiation. During the boost to the vaginal vault, a diode was inserted by an intravaginal device and the vaginal vault was the isocenter of the four fields. The field size generally was not larger than 10 x 10 cm2. RESULTS: Diode-measured "tissue maximum ratio" agreed to within 1% with those measured with an ion chamber in field from 7 x 7 to 10 x 10 cm2. The diode also exhibited a temperature dependence of 0.1% degrees C(-1). For 10 patients treated with a 6-MV beam, the agreement with treatment-planning dose calculations was shown to be better than +/-4%. CONCLUSION: The good accuracy and reproducibility of the diode system shows that determination of the dose at isocenter, for patients treated in the pelvic region, can be performed with n-type diodes accurately. On the other hand, in the vaginal vault boost, external-beam radiotherapy is delivered accurately and in vivo dosimetry is really not indicated.     

Out-of-field photon and neutron dose equivalents from step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy

PURPOSE: To measure the photon and neutron out-of-treatment-field dose equivalents to various organs from different treatment strategies (conventional vs. intensity-modulated radiation therapy [IMRT]) at different treatment energies and delivered by different accelerators. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Independent measurements were made of the photon and neutron out-of-field dose equivalents resulting from one conventional and six IMRT treatments for prostate cancer. The conventional treatment used an 18-MV beam from a Clinac 2100; the IMRT treatments used 6-MV, 10-MV, 15-MV, and 18-MV beams from a Varian Clinac 2100 accelerator and 6-MV and 15-MV beams from a Siemens Primus accelerator. Photon doses were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters in a Rando phantom, and neutron fluence was measured with gold foils. Dose equivalents to the colon, liver, stomach, lung, esophagus, thyroid, and active bone marrow were determined for each treatment approach. RESULTS: For each treatment approach, the relationship between dose equivalent per MU, distance from the treatment field, and depth in the patient was examined. Photon dose equivalents decreased approximately exponentially with distance from the treatment field. Neutron dose equivalents were independent of distance from the treatment field and decreased with increasing tissue depth. Neutrons were a significant contributor to the out-of field dose equivalent for beam energies > or =15 MV. CONCLUSIONS: Out-of-field photon and neutron dose equivalents can be estimated to any point in a patient undergoing a similar treatment approach from the distance of that point to the central axis and from the tissue depth. This information is useful in determining the dose to critical structures and in evaluating the risk of associated carcinogenesis.     

A simple technique for treating age-related macular degeneration with external beam radiotherapy

Purpose: To develop a simple external beam photon radiotherapy technique to treat age-related macular degeneration without the need for simulation, planning computed tomography (CT) or computer dosimetry.

Methods and Materials: The goal was to enable the treatment to be set up reliably on the treatment machine on Day 1 with the patient supine in a head cast without any prior planning. Using measurements of ocular globe topography from Karlsson et al. (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1996; 33: 705–712), we chose a point 1.5 cm behind the anterior surface of the upper eyelid (ASUE) as the isocentre of a half-beam, blocked, 5.0 × 3.0–cm, angled lateral field to treat the involved eye. This would position the isocentre about 0.5 cm behind the posterior surface of the lens, and a little over 1 cm in front of the macula, according to Karlsson et al. The setup requires initial adjustment of the gantry from horizontal (to account for any asymmetry of position of the eyes), then angling 15° posteriorly to avoid the contralateral eye. Finally, the couch is raised to position the isocentre 1.5 cm behind the ASUE.

Results: To verify the applicability of the technique, we performed CT and computer dosimetry on the first 11 eyes so treated. Our CT measurements were in good agreement with Karlsson et al. The lens dose was < 5% and the macula was within the 95% isodose curve in each case (6-MV linac). Treatment setup time is approximately 10 min each day. The 11 patients were treated with 5 × 2.00 Gy (2 patients) or 5 × 3.00 Gy (9 patients), and subjective response on follow-up over 1 to 12 months (median 4 months) was comparable to previously reported results, with no significant acute side effects.

Conclusion: Our technique is easy to set up and reliably treats the macula, with sparing of the lens and contralateral eye. It enables treatment to commence rapidly and cost-effectively without the need for simulation or CT computer planning.     

Design and implementation of an anthropomorphic quality assurance phantom for intensity-modulated radiation therapy for the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group

PURPOSE: To design, construct, and evaluate an anthropomorphic phantom for evaluation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) dose planning and delivery, for protocols developed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and other cooperative groups. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The phantom was constructed from a plastic head-shaped shell and water-equivalent plastics. Internal structures mimic planning target volumes and an organ at risk. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and radiochromic film were used to measure the absolute dose and the dose distribution, respectively. The reproducibility of the phantom's dosimeters was verified for IMRT treatments, and the phantom was then imaged, planned, and irradiated by 10 RTOG institutions. RESULTS: The TLD results from three identical irradiations showed a percent standard deviation of less than 1.6%, and the film-scanning system was reproducible to within 0.35 mm. Data collected from irradiations at 10 institutions showed that the TLD agreed with institutions' doses to within +/-5% standard deviation in the planning target volumes and +/-13% standard deviation in the organ at risk. Shifts as large as 8 mm between the treatment plan and delivery were detected with the film. CONCLUSIONS: An anthropomorphic phantom using TLD and radiochromic film can verify dose delivery and field placement for IMRT treatments.     

体内放射治疗肿瘤患者剂量学验证系统在准确性和效率方面的评估(英文)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate of the accuracy and efficiency of the in-vivo dosimetry systems for routine cancer patient dose verification. Methods: In vivo dosimetry, using diodes and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) is performed in many radiotherapy departments to verify the dose delivered during treatment. A total of 40 TLD divided into two batches (one of 20 and other of 20 TLD) were used. Different doses of Co 60 beam were delivered to the TLD chips at different depths. Diodes were irradiated at different depths in a (30 × 30 × 30) cm3 water slab phantom with various conditions of Field sizes, monitor units and SSDs. Results: The limitation of the in-vivo dosimetry technique is that dose can only be in system readout difficulty and type of readout (TLD system and diode) as the patient dose is directly measured. Several authors have investigated the measurements was 1.3%, with a standard deviation of 2.6%. Results were normally distributed around a mean as -0.39 and 0.34 respectively. After the evaluation of in vivo dosimetry brain case as an example, the mean doses for both eyes were 1.8%, with a standard deviation of 2.7%. These results are similar to studies conducted with diodes and TLD’s. Conclusion: The diode is superior to TLD, since the diode measurements can be obtained on line and allows an immediate check. Other advantages of diodes include high sensitivity, good spatial resolution, and small size, simplicity of used.     

Étude de la dosimétrie in vivo par semi-conducteurs EPD-20 dans les conditions de l’irradiation corporelle totale

PurposeThe objective of this work was the study of in vivo dosimetry performed in a series of 54 patients receiving total body irradiation (TBI) at the Salah-Azaiz Institute of Tunis since 2004. In vivo dosimetry measurements were compared to analytically calculated doses from monitor units delivered.Patients and methodThe irradiation was conducted by a linear accelerator (Clinac^® 1800, Varian, Palo Alto, USA) using nominal X-rays energies of 6 MV and 18 MV, depending on the thickness of the patient at the abdomen. The dose was measured by semi-conductors p-type EPD-20. These diodes were calibrated in advance with an ionization chamber “PTW Farmer” type of 0.6 cm³ and were placed on the surface of plexiglas phantom in the same TBI conditions. A study of dosimetric characteristics of semi-conductors EPD-20 was carried out as a function of beam direction and temperature. Afterwards, we conducted a comparative analysis of doses measured using these detectors during irradiation to those calculated retrospectively from monitor units delivered to each patient conditioned by TBI.ResultsExperience showed that semi-conductors are sensitive to the angle of beam radiation (0–90°) and the temperature (22–40 °C). The maximum variation is respectively 5 and 7%, but in our irradiation conditions these correction factors are less than 1%. The analysis of the results of the in vivo dosimetry had shown that the ratio of the average measured doses and analytically calculated doses at the abdomen, mediastina, right lung and head are 1.005, 1.007, 1.0135 and 1.008 with a standard deviation “type A” respectively of 3.04, 2.37, 7.09 et 4.15%.ConclusionIn vivo dosimetry by semi-conductors is in perfect agreement with dosimetry by calculation. However, in vivo dosimetry using semiconductors is the only technique that can reflect the dose actually received instantly by the patient during TBI given the many factors that calculation can not take into account: patient and organs motions and the heterogeneity of the targets.     

EBT剂量胶片测量电子线百分深度剂量的应用研究

目的 研究EBT剂量胶片在临床电子线百分深度剂量(PDD)中的测量方法.方法 采用14.7 cm×5.1 cm的矩形射野,在同一张EBT胶片上进行5阶梯度的剂量刻度.应用上述刻度方法,针对4、6、8、10、12和15 MeV电子线,在小水箱中采用竖直和倾斜5°两种方式测量PDD,并与半导体探头的三维水箱扫描结果以及平行板电离室在小水箱中测量结果进行比较和分析°结果当剂量胶片上端与水面平齐时,EBT测量的PDD曲线与两种探头测量的结果具有较好一致性,并且倾斜和竖直测量两种方式无明显差异.当剂量胶片上端伸出水面时,在竖自测量方式下剂量建成区内测量结果明显低于其他测量结果,而倾斜测量方式下则无明显影响.结论 新的剂量刻度方式快捷可靠,可显著减少剂量胶片用量.在测量电子线PDD时建议将胶片倾斜一定角度进行,以便减小胶片上端与水面不平齐所引起的测量误差.