Doses in mammography: From the phantom to the patient

While the use of a reference phantom is essential for dosimetry in acceptance testing and in regular quality control checks of a mammographic X-ray unit, it is also of importance to be able to estimate the patient dose in each individual investigation. Radiographic and physical data were analysed for a total of 212 women who between them were screened at three locations participating in a breast screening programme. The radiologists made estimates of the individual breast composition (% glandular/adipose ratio) at the film reporting sessions, and then the glandular doses were calculated by the auditor according to the NCRP 85 methodology. Arising from the data analysis of this dosimetry survey, a method is proposed to determine objectively patient breast composition from the photo-timed mAs for a given film optical density setting. This permits the NCRP calculations to be extended from breasts of ‘average’(50/50) composition to breasts of individually determined composition. The diversity of the results between the three locations emphasises the need for regular audits of a mammographic X-ray unit's performance by an experienced radiological physicist, at least annually or after any major interventional service on the unit.     

Phantom and in-vivo measurements of dose exposure by image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT): MV portal images vs. kV portal images vs. cone-beam CT.

PURPOSE: Positioning verification is usually performed with treatment beam (MV) portal images (PI) using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID). A new alternative is the use of a low energy photon source (kV) and an additional EPID mounted to the accelerator gantry. This system may be used for PI or--with rotating gantry--as cone-beam CT (CBCT). The dose delivered to the patient by different imaging processes was measured. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 15 in-vivo dose measurements were done in five patients receiving prostate IMRT. For anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral PI with MV and kV photons measurement points were inside the rectum and at the patient's skin. Dose for CBCT was measured in the rectum. Additional measurements for CBCT were done in a cylindrical CT-dose-index (CTDI) phantom to determine peripheral, central and weighted CTDI. RESULTS: The dose for AP MV PI was 57.8 mGy at the surface and 33.9 mGy in the rectum, for lateral MV PI 69.4 mGy and 31.7 mGy, respectively (5 MU/exposure). The dose for AP kV PI was 0.8 mGy at the surface and 0.2 mGy in the rectum, for lateral PI 1.1 mGy and 0. 1 mGy, respectively. For a CBCT the rectal dose was 17.2 mGy. The peripheral CTDI was 23.6 mGy and the center dose was 10.2 mGy, resulting in a weighted CTDI of 19.1 mGy in the phantom and an estimated surface dose of < or =28 mGy. CONCLUSIONS: Even taking into account an RBE (Relative Biological Effectiveness) of 2 for kV vs. MV radiation, for kV PI the delivered dose is lower and image quality is better than for MV PI. CBCT provides a 3D-image dataset and dose exposure for one scan is lower than for two MV PI, thus rendering frequent volume imaging during a fractionated course of radiotherapy possible.     

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography: Does mammography provide additional clinical benefits or can some radiation exposure be avoided?

The purpose of this study was to compare contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) with mammography (MG) and combined CESM + MG in terms of detection and size estimation of histologically proven breast cancers in order to assess the potential to reduce radiation exposure. A total of 118 patients underwent MG and CESM and had final histological results. CESM was performed as a bilateral examination starting 2 min after injection of iodinated contrast medium. Three independent blinded radiologists read the CESM, MG, and CESM + MG images with an interval of at least 4 weeks to avoid case memorization. Sensitivity and size measurement correlation and differences were calculated, average glandular dose (AGD) levels were compared, and breast densities were reported. Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon tests were performed. A total of 107 imaging pairs were available for analysis. Densities were ACR1: 2, ACR2: 45, ACR3: 42, and ACR4: 18. Mean AGD was 1.89 mGy for CESM alone, 1.78 mGy for MG, and 3.67 mGy for the combination. In very dense breasts, AGD of CESM was significantly lower than MG. Sensitivity across readers was 77.9 % for MG alone, 94.7 % for CESM, and 95 % for CESM + MG. Average tumor size measurement error compared to postsurgical pathology was ?0.6 mm for MG, +0.6 mm for CESM, and +4.5 mm for CESM + MG (p < 0.001 for CESM + MG vs. both modalities). CESM alone has the same sensitivity and better size assessment as CESM + MG and was significantly better than MG with only 6.2 % increase in AGD. The combination of CESM + MG led to systematic size overestimation. When a CESM examination is planned, additional MG can be avoided, with the possibility of saving up to 61 % of radiation dose, especially in patients with dense breasts.     

Initial patient imaging with an optimised radiotherapy beam for portal imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and the advantages of a portal-imaging mode on a medical accelerator, consisting of a thin low-Z bremsstrahlung target and a thin Gd2O2S/film detector, for patient imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The international code of practice for high-energy photon dosimetry was used to calibrate dosimetry instruments for the imaging beam produced by 4.75 MeV electrons hitting a 6mm thick aluminium target. Images of the head and neck of a humanoid phantom were taken with a mammography film system and the dose in the phantom was measured with TLDs calibrated for this beam. The first head and neck patient images are compared with conventional images (taken with the treatment beam on a film radiotherapy verification detector). Visibility of structures for six patients was evaluated. RESULTS: Images of the head and neck of a humanoid phantom, taken with both imaging systems showed that the contrast increased dramatically for the new system while the dose required to form an image was less than 10(-2)Gy. The patient images taken with the new and the conventional systems showed that air-tissue interfaces were better defined in the new system image. Anatomical structures, visible on both films, are clearer with the new system. Additionally, bony structures, such as vertebrae, were clearly visible only with the new system. The system under evaluation was significantly better for all features in lateral images and most features in anterior images. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study of the new portal imaging system showed the image quality is significantly improved.     

Variation of relative transit dose profiles with patient-detector distance.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In view of using portal images for exit dosimetry, an experimental study is performed of relative transit dose profiles at different distances behind patients (and phantoms) and of their relation to the exit dose profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Irregular, homogeneous polystyrene phantoms with a variable thickness to simulate head and neck (H&N) treatments (6-MV photon beam) are investigated by ionization chamber measurements performed close to the exit surface and at various distances behind the phantom (10, 20 and 30 cm). Similar measurements are performed for a rectangular phantom with large inhomogeneities (A1 and air). For one irregular homogeneous phantom and an irregular phantom containing an A1 inhomogeneity, ionization chamber measurements are performed at the exit surface, and a portal film image is taken at 30 cm behind the phantom. Portal films of a patient treated for a head and neck malignancy are evaluated for different air gaps behind the patient. RESULTS: For the irregular phantoms, deviations up to 15% and more are observed between the exit dose profile (along the shaped surface of the phantom) and the transit profile close to the phantom (perpendicular to the beam axis). There is, however, a good agreement--within 3%--between the exit profile and the transit profile at 30 cm. For the rectangular, inhomogeneous phantom, the deviation between the exit profile and the transit dose profile at 30 cm does not exceed 5%; transit dose profiles overestimate the exit dose for the air cavity and underestimate the dose for the A1 inhomogeneity. Measurements on portal films of a H&N patient for different air gaps confirm the order of magnitude of the difference observed between transit dose profiles close to the patient and transit dose profiles at some distance behind the patient. CONCLUSIONS: For 6-MV photon beam treatments with significant thickness variations (H&N), large variations (> 10%) are observed in transit dose profiles as a function of the air gap between the patient and the portal film. For this energy, a good agreement is found between the exit profile and the transit profile at about 30 cm behind the patient.     

Patient doses in gamma-intracoronary radiotherapy: the Radiation Burden Assessment Study

PURPOSE: To determine accurately the radiation burden of both patients and staff from intracoronary radiotherapy (IRT) with (192)Ir and to investigate the importance of IRT in the patient dose compared with interventional X-rays. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The Radiation Burden Assessment Study (RABAS) population consisted of 9 patients undergoing gamma-IRT after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and 14 patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty only as the control group. For each patient, the dose to the organs and tissues from the internal and external exposure was determined in detail by Monte Carlo N-particle simulations. Patient skin dose measurements with thermoluminescence dosimeters served as verification. Staff dosimetry was performed with electronic dosimeters, thermoluminescence dosimeters, and double film badge dosimetry. RESULTS: With respect to the patient dose from IRT, the critical organs are the thymus (58 mGy), lungs (31 mGy), and esophagus (27 mGy). The mean effective dose from IRT was 8 mSv. The effective dose values from interventional X-rays showed a broad range (2-28 mSv), with mean values of 8 mSv for the IRT patients and 13 mSv for the control group. The mean dose received by the radiotherapist from IRT was 4 microSv/treatment. The doses to the other staff members were completely negligible. CONCLUSION: Our results have shown that the patient and personnel doses in gamma-IRT remain at an acceptable level. The patient dose from IRT was within the variations in dose from the accompanying interventional X-rays.     

Contrôle qualité d’un système d’imagerie cone beam mégavoltage

PurposeThis paper presents the development of a protocol for quality control of a megavoltage cone beam CT imaging system (MVCB) mounted on a Siemens Oncor 6 MV linear accelerator.Materials and methodsSeveral parameters were controlled on the MVCB system: (1) the initial geometric calibration of the system; (2) the quality of the images (geometric distortion, uniformity, spatial resolution, low contrast resolution) for various protocols; (3) the correspondence between the intensity of voxels and electronic densities; (4) the dose delivered when achieving a MVCB. These tests were done mainly with two cylindrical phantoms specific to the quality control (QC) of a MVCB system, supplied by Siemens, and with the Catphan 600 phantom (The Phantom Laboratory) and Quasar™ Multipurpose Body phantom (Modus Medical Devices Inc).ResultsThe results of the quality control of the images were within the tolerances. The use of the Catphan 600 phantom was inadequate for the QC of MVCB images. These tests also highlighted the need to correct the MVCB images for the “cupping artefact” for dose calculation purpose.ConclusionThe initial characteristics of the MVCB imaging system were established. Such testing also provided the assessment of the influence of various parameters on the image quality as well as the associated dose delivered during their acquisition, and emphasized the corrections needed to use MVCB images for dose calculation.     

Are port films reliable for in vivo exit dose measurements?

The possibility of using conventional port films as an in vivo method for obtaining relative exit dose distribution in patients is evaluated. Kodak "Verification" films in "Localization" cassettes are positioned in the usual clinical conditions behind an homogeneous polystyrene phantom as well as behind a phantom containing air, wood and aluminium inhomogeneities. Taking beam divergency into account the densitometric profiles are projected back to the exit side of the phantom. They are compared to the profiles obtained with an ionization chamber used under full backscatter conditions. The agreement between the off-axis ratios determined with either method are mostly better than 2% and never exceed 5%. These phantom measurements are completed by a comparison between off-axis ratios determined on a port film for a head and neck patient and those obtained by diode dosimetry applied on the patient at the exit side of the beam. A similar agreement as between film and ion chamber on the phantoms is obtained. These encouraging results illustrate the possibilities of using conventional port films for in vivo dosimetry.     

冲洗时间因素对胶片剂量的影响

目的监测冲洗药水更换周期内HS-126E X线胶片自动冲洗机的性能稳定性，研究冲洗时间因素对胶片剂量测量的影响。方法相同条件下曝光来自同一批的15张Kodak X—Omat—V胶片，随机分成5个组，每组3张。在冲洗药水更换周期的5个工作日内，每天冲洗1组。用RIT113胶片剂量测量系统软件测量每张胶片照射野中心的平均吸光度（A）值，进行组间比较。另取10张胶片，分成5个组，均以垂直法曝光，曝光后每天冲洗1组，用于建立校正文件并绘制感光度曲线。建立校正文件后，对整个冲洗药水更换周期内感光度曲线进行质量控制，并观察胶片敏感性的变化。再取来自同一批的胶片15张，分成5个组，均以平行法曝光，曝光后每天冲洗1组，用当天绘制的感光度曲线测量中心轴上1．5cm深度的点剂量，与相同条件下的电离室测量值比较，并进行组间比较。结果在冲洗药水更换周期内，各组胶片A值的均数有随时间延长降低的趋势，方差分析显示，各组A值的均数间差异均有统计学意义。感光度曲线的质量控制显示出随时间延长向下倾斜趋向，体现了胶片敏感性受冲洗因素影响而降低。各组胶片点剂量的差异〈2％，与电离室实测剂量的差别〈3％。冲洗周期内点剂量随时间的变化较小。结论HS-126E X线胶片自动冲洗机在冲洗药水更换周期的早期是稳定的。用于辐射剂量测量的胶片应当在冲洗药水更换周期内尽早冲洗，这对A值的测量尤其重要。尽管冲洗因素对感光度曲线影响显著，且胶片敏感性在冲洗药水更换周期内明显降低，但点剂量在冲洗药水更换周期内的变化较小。建议同时冲洗用于剂量测量的胶片和用于校正的胶片。     

螺旋断层放疗系统调强放疗验证

目的 通过螺旋断层放疗系统一系列调强放疗验证方法的研究,探讨其调强放疗的质量保证验证方法是否可行.方法 采用断层放疗计划系统进行调强放疗计划设计.为实现其剂量验证,笔者采用圆柱形固体水模体、0.056cm3 AISL电离室及EDR2胶片来实现对计划进行绝对剂量及相对剂量验证.将剂最胶片和电离室分别置于模体中,调用患者治疗计划束流数据对模体进行模拟照射;由此得出轴向截面上的等剂量分布和点绝对剂量,与计划模体的等剂量曲线及计算剂量结果进行比对.束流照射前,利用调强放疗兆伏特CT对摆位模体实行图像引导,与计划系统中模体千伏特CT图像进行配准比较,实现验证模体摆位准确性.结果 轴向测得注量分布与断层放疗计划系统计算结果相一致,测量点绝对剂量测量的结果与计划系统的计算误差均在±3%以内.测量模体的摆位误差基本可保持在1mm以内,但由于床从摆位虚拟中心到束流中心之间存在垂直下降2mm的系统误差,需要在模体或患者摆位中予以考虑.结论 3个月临床实践证明断层放疗的调强放疗所采用上述质量保证措施是切实可行的,建立了其质最保证体系.     

Computed and conventional chest radiography: A comparison of image quality and radiation dose

The aim of this study was to compare the image quality and entrance skin dose (ESD) for film‐screen and computed chest radiography. Analysis of the image quality and dose on chest radiography was carried out on a conventional X‐ray unit using film‐screen, storage phosphor plates and selenium drum direct chest radiography. For each receptor, ESD was measured in 60 patients using thermoluminescent dosemeters. Images were printed on 35 × 43 cm films. Image quality was assessed subjectively by evaluation of anatomic features and estimation of the image quality, following the guidelines established by the protocols of the Commission of the European Communities. There was no statistically significant difference noted between the computed and conventional images (Wilcoxon rank sum test, P > 0.05). Imaging of the mediastinum and peripheral lung structures were better visualized with the storage phosphor and selenium drum technique than with the film‐screen combination. The patients’ mean ESD for chest radiography using the storage phosphor, film‐screen combination and selenium drum was 0.20, 0.20 and 0.25 mGy, respectively, with no statistically significant difference with P > 0.05 (χ² tests).     

Film dosimetric verification of the Voxel Monte Carlo (VMC) algorithm with electron beam dose distributions

Monte Carlo (MC) methods have the potential to predict radiation-therapy doses more accurately than any conventional technique, but normal MC simulations are very time consuming. Therefore, a fast MC code (Voxel Monte Carlo; VMC) was developed especially for radiation therapy purposes and experiments with the comparable precision were performed to demonstrate its accuracy. In the present study the dose distributions measured with film dosimetry in a cylindrical phantom were compared with calculations derived by VMC. The phantom consisted of 18 circular shaped PMMA slabs with a diameter of 20 cm and a thickness of approx. 1 cm. The films were placed between the slabs, and the whole phantom was irradiated with electron beams of different energies (6 MeV, 10 MeV, 18 MeV). The measured optical density distributions were then converted into dose distributions using characteristic curves of the film. Taking into account experimental uncertainties and statistical calculation fluctuations, agreement was found between measurements and VMC simulations with a maximal deviation of 3 mm on isodose curves for 18 MeV.     

Optimisation and evaluation of the foetal dose during a radiotherapy of the right parotid.]

Purpose was to optimize and to estimate the dose delivered to the foetus during a postoperative irradiation of a 5-month twin pregnant woman presenting with adenocarcinoma of the right parotid. The treatment protocol aimed to deliver 66Gy conformal radiation therapy on the tumour bed associated to a prophylactic irradiation of 50Gy on the upper cervical nodes. A series of measurements allowed to estimate the delivered dose in the abdomen by the means of an ion chamber inserted in a water phantom placed side by side of an anthropomorphic Alderson Rando phantom simulating the body of the patient from the head to the pelvis. An appropriate optimisation of the number and orientation of beams were performed in order to minimize the peripheral dose, which is mostly dependent of the total number of monitor unit per fraction: cervical nodes and tumour site included in the same fields, limitation of the irradiated volume, 6MV X-ray beams rather than Cobalt beams. The measured doses at the upper, in the middle and at the lower part of the abdomen were 17.0, 11.0 and 11.9mGy, respectively, for the entire treatment, representing 0.025, 0.016 and 0.017%, respectively of the prescribed dose. The actions conducted to optimise the treatment allowed to lower doses delivered to the foetus under the limits proposed by international recommendations (100mGy). Thus, the treatment of the pregnant patient had been performed with a minimized risk for the foetus.     

Quality assurance control in the EORTC cooperative group of radiotherapy. 3. Intercomparison in an anatomical phantom

Two papers concerning the quality control study organised by the EORTC (European Organisation for Research on Treatment of Cancer) Cooperative Group on Radiotherapy have been published. The medical profile (part 1) and the dosimetric intercomparison (part 2) of the participating institutions were presented. This part (paper 3) presents an integrated clinical and dosimetric investigation in an anatomical phantom. A tonsillar tumour and a homolateral subdigastric node were marked in an anatomical phantom. The institutions were asked to treat the phantom once like an ordinary patient. The phantom was loaded with dosimeters and irradiated. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that we did not find any major dosimetric problem related to absorbed dose calibration or calculation in the phantom. However, several major problems were related to non-optimal planning, treatment technique and dose distribution. The investigation shows the importance of a quality assurance programme for cooperative groups.     

Quality control in interstitial brachytherapy of the breast using pulsed dose rate: treatment planning and dose delivery with an Ir-192 afterloading system.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the Radiotherapy Department of Leuven, about 20% of all breast cancer patients treated with breast conserving surgery and external radiotherapy receive an additional boost with pulsed dose rate (PDR) Ir-192 brachytherapy. An investigation was performed to assess the accuracy of the delivered PDR brachytherapy treatment. Secondly, the feasibility of in vivo measurements during PDR dose delivery was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two phantoms are manufactured to mimic a breast, one for thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) measurements, and one for dosimetry using radiochromic films. The TLD phantom allows measurements at 34 dose points in three planes including the basal dose points. The film phantom is designed in such a way that films can be positioned in a plane parallel and orthogonal to the needles. RESULTS: The dose distributions calculated with the TPS are in good agreement with both TLD and radiochromic film measurements (average deviations of point doses <+/-5%). However, close to the interface tissue-air the dose is overestimated by the TPS since it neglects the finite size of a breast and the associated lack of backscatter (average deviations of point doses -14%). CONCLUSION: Most deviations between measured and calculated doses, are in the order of magnitude of the uncertainty associated with the source strength specification, except for the point doses measured close to the skin. In vivo dosimetry during PDR brachytherapy treatment was found to be a valuable procedure to detect large errors, e.g. errors caused by an incorrect data transfer.     

Évaluation et choix des protocoles d’imagerie sur le système de tomographie conique de basse énergie XVI® d’Elekta

PurposeThis work proposes an evaluation of the Elekta XVI^® kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography imaging system. The average dose delivered for each acquisition protocol proposed by default by the manufacturer was measured with several detectors and compared to theoretical dose values given by Elekta. At the same time, an evaluation of image quality for pelvic protocols correlated to dose measurements in homogeneous and heterogeneous mediums allowed to optimize the use of the XVI^® system.Materials and methodsThe dose was measured for each acquisition protocol (varying filters, FOV and collimations) with four detectors (CT pencil ion chamber, 0.3 and 0.125 cm³ cylindrical ion chambers, radiothermoluminescent dosimeters) in a CTDI phantom. The dose evaluation in a heterogeneous medium was performed in an experimental anthropomorphic phantom simulating a male pelvis. Image quality was assessed with a Catphan^® 600 phantom.ResultsThe average dose measured in a homogeneous medium was about 17 mGy and 25 mGy per acquisition for Pelvis and Prostate protocols and about 17 mGy and 1 mGy for Lung and Head protocols. The study performed with different detectors showed that doses obtained were of the same order of magnitude (± 10%) and agreed with those supplied by the manufacturer. The evaluation of image quality correlated to the average dose measured allowed to optimize the use of XVI^® acquisition protocols. Measurement results in a heterogeneous medium showed a dose decrease by a factor 1.5 for bone and by a factor 2 for titanium.ConclusionThe study showed that theoretical values proposed by the manufacturer could be used to estimate the average dose delivered to the patient by the kV-CBCT imaging system. The analysis of all the results led to the implementation of a procedure allowing to optimize and account for the dose delivered to the patient by the CBCT imaging system and to report it in the patient folder.     

加速器日志文件结合胶片验证分析非均匀介质中AAA与AXB算法剂量计算的差异

目的 提取胸部模体执行模拟计划产生的加速器日志文件,解析多叶准直器(MLC)、Gap运动误差数据反馈回治疗计划系统分别进行AAA和AXB算法的剂量重建,结合胶片实测值分析2种算法的计算精度。方法 在胸部模体上模拟勾画纵隔、肺癌2种靶区和危及器官,设计调强放疗计划,分别以AAA和AXB算法进行剂量计算。利用加速器模拟治疗,同时将胶片置于模体中进行测量。通过Varian Argus软件提取日志文件,将MLC、Gap运动偏差信息导入计划系统,再次以2种算法进行剂量重建,比较模拟靶区(分析指标包括D2、D98、Dmax、V处方)和危及器官(分析指标包括双肺V5、V10、V20、Dmean;心脏V30、Dmean;脊髓Dmax)的剂量学差异。将胶片实测剂量与2种算法等中心层面剂量进行比较,采用3 mm/3%标准,以不同大小的矩阵分析高剂量区域(靶区内)和低剂量区域(靶区外上、下、左、右四个方向)的γ通过率。结果 纵隔、肺癌2种模拟靶区在AAA算法与AXB算法中存在剂量学差异,2种靶区不同算法的剂量学最大差异分别为D98(2.47%)、V处方(4.21%)。左肺受量分析最大差异指标分别为Dmean(3.58%)、V10(-2.76%),右肺受量分析最大差异指标分别为V5(-1.96%)、Dmean(0.18%),心脏受量分析最大差异指标分别为Dmean(-1.15%)、Dmean(0.18%),脊髓受量分析指标差异分别为(-3.34%、1.79%)。与胶片实测剂量相比,纵隔、肺癌模拟靶区高剂量区域2种算法不同大小分析矩阵的平均γ通过率分别为94.07%±1.32%(AAA)、93.81%±1.43%(AXB);93.73%±1.31%(AAA)、94.39%±1.32%(AXB)。对于2种靶区的低剂量区域不同方向及不同大小分析矩阵的γ通过率,AXB算法均高于AAA算法。结论 AAA和AXB算法在胸部模拟纵隔和肺部2种靶区剂量计算时存在差异。AXB算法与胶片实测值的平均γ通过率优于AAA算法,在空腔更接近于胶片实测值。     

Electronic and film portal images: a comparison of landmark visibility and review accuracy

PURPOSE: To quantitatively compare a scanning liquid ion chamber electronic portal imaging device (SLIC-EPID) and an amorphous silicon flat panel (aSi) EPID with portal film in clinical applications using measures of landmark visibility and treatment review accuracy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Six radiation oncologists viewed 39 electronic portal images (EPIs) from the SLIC-EPID, 36 EPIs from the aSi-EPID, and portal films of each of these treatment fields. The physicians rated the clarity of anatomic landmarks in the portal images, and the scores were compared between EPID and film. Nine hundred portal image reviews were performed. EPID and film portal images were acquired with known setup errors in either phantom or cadaver treatments. Physicians identified the errors visually in portal films and with computerized analysis for EPID. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences between film and SLIC-EPID in ratings of landmark clarity. Eleven of 12 landmarks were more visible in aSi-EPID than in film. Translational setup errors were identified with an average accuracy of 2.5 mm in film, compared to 1.5 mm with SLIC-EPID and 1.3 mm with aSi-EPID. CONCLUSIONS: Both EPIDs are clinically viable replacements for film, but aSi-EPID represents a significant advancement in image quality over film.     

Dose délivrée au patient lors de l’acquisition d’images par tomographie conique de haute énergie

PurposeTo study the dose delivered by a megavoltage cone beam computed tomography imaging system (MVCBCT) installed on a Oncor Impression^® linac (Siemens?).Materials and methodsThe acquisition of MVCBCT images was modelled in a treatment planning system by 67 photon beams (6 MV). A study was conducted to: compare the calculated and measured dose at the centre of a cylindrical phantom; compare the calculated and measured dose distributions in the Alderson-Rando phantom (pelvis); study the influence of MVCBCT image acquisition for the repositioning of a prostate cancer patient treated by 3D conformal radiotherapy (prescribed dose of 74 Gy), on the dose–volume histograms (DVH) for the treatment plus seven MVCBCT (protocol D1–3 and weekly), treatment plus 37 MVCBCT (one for each day of treatment).ResultsThe difference between calculated and measured doses at the centre of the cylindrical phantom was less than 3%. A deviation of 7% maximum was found between the dose distribution calculated in the Rando phantom and the measured doses normalized at the beam isocentre. The dose delivered at the isocentre was equal to 3,7 cGy for a “5 MU” protocol, with a maximum dose of 6 cGy. In the case of the patient considered, the acquisition of 37 MVCBCT corresponded to an additional mean dose to the PTV of 1.2 Gy for a protocol “5 MU” with a significant influence on the DVH.ConclusionIn view of this study, it appears that the doses delivered in frequent use of MVCBCT must be taken into account by the radiation oncologist in assessing the therapeutic dose delivered to the target volume and organs at risk.     

An inter-centre quality assurance network for IMRT verification: results of the ESTRO QUASIMODO project.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: IMRT necessitates extension of existing inter-centre quality assurance programs due to its increased complexity. We assessed the feasibility of an inter-centre verification method for different IMRT techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight European radiotherapy institutions of the QUASIMODO network, have designed an IMRT plan for a horseshoe-shaped PTV surrounding a cylindrical OAR in a simplified pelvic phantom. All centres applied common plan objectives but used their own equipment for planning and delivery. They verified the delivery of this plan according to a common protocol with radiographic film and ionisation chamber measurements. The irradiated films, the results of the ionisation chamber measurements and the computed dose distributions were sent to one analysis centre that compared the measured and computed dose distributions with the gamma method and composite dose-area histograms. RESULTS: 4% (relative to the prescribed dose) and 3mm (distance-to-agreement) were decided feasible gamma criteria. The composite dose-area histograms showed a maximum local deviation of 3.5% in the mean dose of the PTV and 5% in the OAR. Systematic differences could be identified, and in some cases explained. CONCLUSIONS: This multi-centre dosimetric verification study demonstrated both the feasibility of a multi-centre quality assurance network to evaluate any IMRT planning and delivery system combination, as well as the validity of the methodology involved.