Experimental evaluation of actual delivered dose using mega-voltage cone-beam CT and direct point dose measurement

Radiation therapy in patients is planned by using computed tomography (CT) images acquired before start of the treatment course. Here, tumor shrinkage or weight loss or both, which are common during the treatment course for patients with head-and-neck (H&N) cancer, causes unexpected differences from the plan, as well as dose uncertainty with the daily positional error of patients. For accurate clinical evaluation, it is essential to identify these anatomical changes and daily positional errors, as well as consequent dosimetric changes. To evaluate the actual delivered dose, the authors proposed direct dose measurement and dose calculation with mega-voltage cone-beam CT (MVCBCT). The purpose of the present study was to experimentally evaluate dose calculation by MVCBCT. Furthermore, actual delivered dose was evaluated directly with accurate phantom setup. Because MVCBCT has CT-number variation, even when the analyzed object has a uniform density, a specific and simple CT-number correction method was developed and applied for the H&N site of a RANDO phantom. Dose distributions were calculated with the corrected MVCBCT images of a cylindrical polymethyl methacrylate phantom. Treatment processes from planning to beam delivery were performed for the H&N site of the RANDO phantom. The image-guided radiation therapy procedure was utilized for the phantom setup to improve measurement reliability. The calculated dose in the RANDO phantom was compared to the measured dose obtained by metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor detectors. In the polymethyl methacrylate phantom, the calculated and measured doses agreed within about +3%. In the RANDO phantom, the dose difference was less than +5%. The calculated dose based on simulation-CT agreed with the measured dose within±3%, even in the region with a high dose gradient. The actual delivered dose was successfully determined by dose calculation with MVCBCT, and the point dose measurement with the image-guided radiation therapy procedure.     

4D in vivo dose verification for real‐time tumor tracking treatments using EPID dosimetry

The use of sophisticated techniques such as gating and tracking treatments requires additional quality assurance to mitigate increased patient risks. To address this need, we have developed and validated an in vivo method of dose delivery verification for real-time aperture tracking techniques, using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID)-based, on-treatment patient dose reconstruction and a dynamic anthropomorphic phantom. Using 4DCT scan of the phantom, ten individual treatment plans were created, 1 for each of the 10 separate phases of the respiratory cycle. The 10 MLC apertures were combined into a single dynamic intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plan that tracked the tumor motion. The tumor motion and linac delivery were synchronized using an RPM system (Varian Medical Systems) in gating mode with a custom breathing trace. On-treatment EPID frames were captured using a data-acquisition computer with a dedicated frame-grabber. Our in-house EPID-based in vivo dose reconstruction model was modified to reconstruct the 4D accumulated dose distribution for a dynamic MLC (DMLC) tracking plan using the 10-phase 4DCT dataset. Dose estimation accuracy was assessed for the DMLC tracking plan and a single-phase (50% phase) static tumor plan, represented a static field test to verify baseline accuracy. The 3%/3 mm chi-comparison between the EPID-based dose reconstruction for the static tumor delivery and the TPS dose calculation for the static plan resulted in 100% pass rate for planning target volume (PTV) voxels while the mean percentage dose difference was 0.6%. Comparing the EPID-based dose reconstruction for the DMLC tracking to the TPS calculation for the static plan gave a 3%/3 mm chi pass rate of 99.3% for PTV voxels and a mean percentage dose difference of 1.1%. While further work is required to assess the accuracy of this approach in more clinically relevant situations, we have established clinical feasibility and baseline accuracy of using the transmission EPID-based, in vivo patient dose verification for MLC-tracking treatments.     

基于12和16 bit CT图像的金属伪影校正对放疗剂量分布的影响

目的 利用金属伪影去除技术去除基于12 bit和16 bit CT图像中金属植入物伪影,分析其对图像CT值分布和放疗剂量分布的影响。方法 将金属棒插入模体中,CT扫描得到12和16 bit原始CT图像,运用归一化伪影去除法（NMAR）分别对所得到的原始CT图像进行去伪影处理,得到NMAR修正后图像。临床中选取人工股骨头患者CT图像,对其进行同样处理。比较分析各图像伪影去除前后CT值分布。在放疗计划系统中,基于各图像设计放射治疗计划,计算剂量分布,比较分析各图像的剂量分布差异。结果 12 bit图像中金属CT值为3 071 HU,远小于金属实际CT值11 080 HU;16 bit图像中金属CT值为11 098 HU,与实际值很接近。原始CT图像在金属周围含有大量伪影,CT值与参考图像CT值偏差很大;NMAR校正后图像伪影显著减少,CT值与参考图像较接近。NMAR修正后16 bit图像的剂量分布与参考图像最接近,中心轴上最大剂量偏差为1.8%;12 bit图像与参考图像在金属后方剂量差异很大,最大剂量偏差为81.6%。射线穿过原始图像伪影区域后导致剂量分布与参考图像有明显差异,引起最大剂量偏差达21.6%。结论 含有金属植入物时,基于16 bit图像进行NMAR伪影校正可以得到准确的CT值分布,从而得到准确的剂量分布。     

The effect of titanium stabilization rods on spinal cord radiation dose.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dosimetric effect of a titanium-rod spinal stabilization system on surrounding tissue, especially the spinal cord. Ion chamber dosimetry was performed for 6- and 18-MV photon beams in a water phantom containing a titanium-rod spinal stabilization system. Isodose curves were obtained in the phantom with and without rods. To assess the ability of a treatment planning system to reproduce the effects of the stabilization system on the radiation dose delivered to surrounding tissue, dose distributions were calculated after appropriate modifications were made in the computed tomography number-to-density conversion table to account for the increased density of the titanium rods. The resultant heterogeneity-corrected plans were compared with uncorrected plans. At a 7-cm depth in the water phantom, corresponding to the depth of the spinal cord, the beam was attenuated by 4% under the rods alone and by 13% rods under the rods with screws for the 6-MV photon beam as compared with curves generated in the absence of rods. The beam was attenuated by 3% and 11%, respectively, for the 18-MV beam. Using anteroposterior (18-MV) and posteroanterior (6-MV) photon beams, with and without heterogeneity correction for the rods, the corrected isodose plan showed an approximately 2% beam attenuation 4 cm anterior to the rods as compared with the uncorrected plan. No significant difference in the spinal cord dose was observed between the 2 plans, however. The titanium-rod spinal stabilization system tested in this study caused a decrease in the dose delivered distal to the rods but did not significantly affect the dose delivered to the spinal cord.     

Dose Calculation on KV Cone Beam CT Images: An Investigation of the Hu-Density Conversion Stability and Dose Accuracy Using the Site-Specific Calibration

Precise calibration of Hounsfield units (HU) to electron density (HU-density) is essential to dose calculation. On-board kV cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is used predominantly for patients' positioning, but will potentially be used for dose calculation. The impacts of varying 3 imaging parameters (mAs, source-imager distance [SID], and cone angle) and phantom size on the HU number accuracy and HU-density calibrations for CBCT imaging were studied. We proposed a site-specific calibration method to achieve higher accuracy in CBCT image-based dose calculation. Three configurations of the Computerized Imaging Reference Systems (CIRS) water equivalent electron density phantom were used to simulate sites including head, lungs, and lower body (abdomen/pelvis). The planning computed tomography (CT) scan was used as the baseline for comparisons. CBCT scans of these phantom configurations were performed using Varian Trilogy? system in a precalibrated mode with fixed tube voltage (125 kVp), but varied mAs, SID, and cone angle. An HU-density curve was generated and evaluated for each set of scan parameters. Three HU-density tables generated using different phantom configurations with the same imaging parameter settings were selected for dose calculation on CBCT images for an accuracy comparison. Changing mAs or SID had small impact on HU numbers. For adipose tissue, the HU discrepancy from the baseline was 20 HU in a small phantom, but 5 times lager in a large phantom. Yet, reducing the cone angle significantly decreases the HU discrepancy. The HU-density table was also affected accordingly. By performing dose comparison between CT and CBCT image-based plans, results showed that using the site-specific HU-density tables to calibrate CBCT images of different sites improves the dose accuracy to ～2%. Our phantom study showed that CBCT imaging can be a feasible option for dose computation in adaptive radiotherapy approach if the site-specific calibration is applied.     

单纯CT伪影对放疗剂量计算的影响

目的 通过人为制造CT伪影,来研究实际临床操作中单纯伪影对放疗剂量计算的影响。方法 对替换钛合金组件前后的模体进行CT扫描,统计替换前后不同位置的CT值;将钛合金区域的CT值修正为水模体的CT值,并采用Varian的各向异性分析算法（AAA）、Acuros XB （AXB）算法和Pinnacle系统的筒串卷积算法（CCC）3种算法,对替换钛合金组件前后的模体进行剂量计算,统计替换前后不同位置的绝对剂量值,并进行分析。结果 Varian和Pinnacle系统对评价CT值大小比较一致。对于均匀模体,CT值偏差30 HU以下时,3种不同的算法在距离体表0.5 cm时,剂量偏差最大达到12.0%,最小为6.0%;1.5 cm以上偏差的绝对值均<1.0%。对于肺部模体来说,Varian的AAA算法和AXB算法在CT值相差15 HU的情况下,剂量值相差在1.0%左右;但Pinnacle系统的CCC算法在同样情况下剂量值相差较大,相差5.0%左右。结论 CT伪影对放疗剂量计算存在明显影响,导致组织剂量分布发生变化,可能造成浅部肿瘤照射剂量不足,深部肿瘤过量照射。     

Measuring pacemaker dose: A clinical perspective

Recently in our clinic, we have seen an increased number of patients presenting with pacemakers and defibrillators. Precautions are taken to develop a treatment plan that minimizes the dose to the pacemaker because of the adverse effects of radiation on the electronics. Here we analyze different dosimeters to determine which is the most accurate in measuring pacemaker or defibrillator dose while at the same time not requiring a significant investment in time to maintain an efficient workflow in the clinic. The dosimeters analyzed here were ion chambers, diodes, metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFETs), and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters. A simple phantom was used to quantify the angular and energy dependence of each dosimeter. Next, 8 patients plans were delivered to a Rando phantom with all the dosimeters located where the pacemaker would be, and the measurements were compared with the predicted dose. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image was obtained to determine the dosimeter response in the kilovoltage energy range. In terms of the angular and energy dependence of the dosimeters, the ion chamber and diode were the most stable. For the clinical cases, all the dosimeters match relatively well with the predicted dose, although the ideal dosimeter to use is case dependent. The dosimeters, especially the MOSFETS, tend to be less accurate for the plans, with many lateral beams. Because of their efficiency, we recommend using a MOSFET or a diode to measure the dose. If a discrepancy is observed between the measured and expected dose (especially when the pacemaker to field edge is <10 cm), we recommend analyzing the treatment plan to see whether there are many lateral beams. Follow-up with another dosimeter rather than repeating multiple times with the same type of dosimeter. All dosimeters should be placed after the CBCT has been acquired.     

Radiation dose and image quality in pediatric CT: effect of technical factors and phantom size and shape

PURPOSE: To evaluate effects of varying tube current and voltage on radiation dose, image noise, and image contrast with different phantom sizes and shapes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four round lucite phantoms with 8-32-cm diameters were scanned with multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) and 80-120 kVp. Radiation dose was based on CT dose index, image noise, and iodine contrast and measured with constant and variable tube currents that were age appropriate for each tube voltage. Radiation dose and image noise and contrast were compared in round and oval 24-cm phantoms. For various combinations of technical factors and phantom sizes and shapes, percentage differences were calculated for radiation dose and image noise and contrast. Associations between tube voltage and radiation dose, image noise, and image contrast in round and oval phantoms were determined by fitting second-degree polynomials to data. Differences in radiation dose and image noise and contrast, which were attributable to differences in tube voltage, were tested with paired t tests. RESULTS: With 165-mAs tube current, radiation doses with 140- and 80-kVp tube voltages were 103% ([41.9 mGy - 20.6 mGy]/20.6 mGy) and 58% ([10.2 mGy - 4.2 mGy]/10.1 mGy) higher in the 8-cm phantom than in the 32-cm phantom. When tube current was adapted for phantom size, radiation dose at 80 kVp in the 8-cm phantom was reduced by 82% ([10.1 mGy - 1.8 mGy]/10.1 mGy). In the 8-cm phantom, tube voltage was decreased from 120 to 80 kVp and tube current remained at 165 mAs, resulting in a 68% noise increase ([3.1 HU - 1.8 HU]/1.8 HU). With variable tube current, 80-kVp tube voltage in the 8-cm phantom led to a 138% noise increase ([7.3 HU - 3.1 HU]/3.1 HU). With reduced tube voltage, image contrast increased. In the 8-cm phantom, with a constant 165-mAs tube current and a decrease in tube voltage from 120 to 80 kVp, there was a 35% ([333 HU - 217 HU]/333 HU) increase in contrast. No difference was noted in radiation dose or noise between round and oval phantoms (P = .604 and P = .06, respectively), but a small statistically significant difference (1%) in contrast attenuation was demonstrated (P = .025). CONCLUSION: Reduced tube voltage for pediatric contrast material-enhanced CT reduces radiation dose and maintains image contrast. Image noise increases, but the effect is minimal in smaller phantoms. An additional reduction in tube current further reduces radiation dose.     

基于盆腔迭代锥形束CT图像的剂量学可行性分析

目的 研究利用盆腔迭代锥形束CT（CBCT）图像用于治疗计划剂量计算的可行性分析，为自适应放疗提供图像保障。方法 使用Varian Halcyon 2.0环形加速器对CIRS 062 M模体（CIRS，Norfolk，VA，USA）进行扫描，测量其不同散射条件下的CT值并计算其平均值，建立锥形束CT-电子密度转换曲线（iterative Cone-beam CT to electron density，ICBCT-ED）。采集CIRS 002PRA盆腔调强专用模体的CT和不同位置的ICBCT图像，设计基于CT图像的VMAT计划，移植至ICBCT图像上，重新进行剂量计算，比较靶区、危及器官及三维体积剂量γ通过率的差异。以患者实际治疗计划为基准，回顾性分析10例盆腔患者全流程三维剂量γ通过率的差异。结果 无散射体的孤立模式与全散射中心位置的CT值偏差较大，最大偏差144 HU。其他全散射位置与中心位置CT值相近，最大偏差<50 HU。基于盆腔模体不同位置处的ICBCT图像的计算结果，无论靶区还是危及器官的剂量偏差均<1 Gy。与基于CT图像的计划相比，基于ICBCT图像的三维剂量γ通过率1%/1 mm和2%/2 mm的平均值分别为（88.86±1.18）%和（98.38±0.89）%。10例盆腔肿瘤患者2%/2 mm和3%/3 mm的平均值范围分别为90.03%~95.43%和93.58%~97.78%。最差结果为膀胱过充盈引起的外轮廓变化造成的剂量差异，2%/2 mm和3%/3 mm的三维剂量通过率仅为85.90%和92.90%。结论 在足够的散射条件下，重建ICBCT-ED转换曲线，利用Halcyon直线加速器的ICBCT图像进行治疗计划设计，其精度是可以满足临床应用的标准的，为将来的自适应放疗提供了保障。     

Physical and Technical Quality Assurance in the CHARTWEL-Bronchus Trial

BACKGROUND: On-site physical quality assurance (QA) was performed in the participating centers of the CHARTWEL-Bronchus trial to ensure that physical and technical treatment parameters correspond with the requirements of this trial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to the clinics to obtain information on the equipment and in-house QA policies. In addition, two phantoms with drillings for an ionization chamber were shipped with detailed instructions for CT-based treatment planning of a fixed field (RW3 phantom) and a standardized isocentric 3-field technique (Rando humanoid phantom). Using their routine treatment planning system, the participating centers performed point dose calculations for the isocenters in both phantoms and for defined points in the lungs and the spinal cord of the Rando phantom. During the on-site visit, the doses in these points and the deviation of the actual monitor calibration from the internal reference value of the department were determined. In addition, relevant geometric parameters of the accelerator were checked. RESULTS: In the RW3 phantom, the maximum dose deviations from the prescribed value were 3.5% without correction for the actual monitor calibration and 2.1% after correction. The maximum dose deviation in the isocenter of the Rando phantom was 4.0%. To separate the influence of the treatment planning system on this deviation from other sources, all measurements in the Rando phantom were corrected for the deviations determined in the RW3 phantom. After this correction, the maximum deviation was 3.0% in the isocenter. For the other measurement points, the largest dose deviation of 7% was found in the left lung. Deviations of geometric parameters were negligible in all audited departments. CONCLUSION: The CHARTWEL-Bronchus physical QA program revealed a high conformity of geometric and dosimetric parameters and valid dose calculations by the CT-based treatment planning systems in all audited departments.     

肝动脉化疗栓塞后碘油沉积对碳离子放疗剂量的影响

目的 研究肝动脉化疗栓塞治疗后肝脏肿瘤内碘油沉积对碳离子放疗剂量的影响。方法 对比纯碘油、纯凝胶和碘油凝胶混合物实际相对水阻止本领（RLSP）和其CT图像转化获得的RLSP。在7例典型有碘油沉积病例的CT图像上制定碳离子放疗计划,然后基于前述分析结果,将碘油沉积区域RLSP修正为正常肝组织,将先前制定碳离子放疗计划在修正后CT图像上重新计算,比较在不同CT图像上等效水深度和剂量分布的差异。结果 依据CT图像HU值,碘油和碘油凝胶混合物转化的RLSP比实际测量值增加4.6%~139.0%。7例临床病例中,原始图像上碘油沉积可致射野路径上的等效水深度平均增加（0.89±0.41）cm,可使靶区远端1 cm区域内平均剂量升高（3.83±1.71）Gy （相对生物剂量）。结论 在肝动脉化疗栓塞治疗后有碘油沉积的CT图像上制定碳离子治疗计划时需将碘油沉积部位的HU值或RLSP修正为正常肝组织。     

中国人仿真胸部体模检测多层螺旋CT扫描组织器官剂量的研究

目的 利用中国人仿真胸部模型来测量不同噪声指数下胸部各组织器官的吸收剂量,计算有效剂量(ED)并对MSCT胸部扫描进行剂量评估.方法 对CDP-1C型中国人仿真胸部体模在CT体层解剖和X线衰减两方面进行等效性论证;通过在体模内布放热释光剂量计(TLD)来测量不同噪声水平下各组织器官的吸收剂量,并记录相应的剂量长度乘积(DLP);将两者分别换算为ED后选择单因素t检验方法进行对比研究,分析自动管电流调制(ATCM)技术时不同噪声指数胸部CT扫描的剂量水平.结果 中国人仿真胸部体模与成人CT胸部图像的结构相似.体模主要器官平均CT值为肺-788.04 HU、心脏45.64 HU、肝脏65.84 HU、脊柱254.32 HU,与成人偏差程度分别为肺0.10%、心脏3.04%、肝脏4.49%、脊柱4.36%.肝脏的平均CT值差异有统计学意义(t=-8.705,P＜0.05);肺、心脏和脊柱平均CT值与人体差异无统计学意义(t值分别为-0.752、-1.219、-1.138,P＞0.05).当噪声指数从8.5逐渐增至22.5时,DLP从393.57 mGy·cm递减至78.75 mGy·cm,各器官吸收剂量呈下降趋势(以肺为例,平均吸收剂量从22.38 mGy递减至3.66 mGy).应用DLP所计算的ED较器官吸收剂量计算的ED偏低(以噪声指数为8.5为例,两种方法的ED分别为6.69和8.77 mSv).结论 应用中国人仿真体模来进行CT剂量评估更为准确;基于ATCM技术的胸部CT扫描噪声指数设定至少应大于8.5.

Abstract：

Objective Using the Chinese anthropomorphic chest phantom to measure the absorbed dose of various tissues and organs under different noise index, and to assess the radiation dose of MSCT chest scanning with the effective dose(ED). Methods The equivalence of the Chinese anthropomorphic chest phantom(CDP-1C) and the adult chest on CT sectional anatomy and X-ray attenuation was demonstrated. The absorbed doses of various tissues and organs under different noise index were measured by laying thermoluminescent dosimeters(TLD) inside the phantom, and the corresponding dose-length products(DLP) were recorded. Both of them were later converted into ED and comparison was conducted to analyze the dose levels of chest CT scanning with automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) under different noise index. Student t-test was applied using SPSS 12.0 statistical software. Results The Phantom was similar to the human body on CT sectional anatomy. The average CT value of phantom are -788.04 HU in lung,45.64 HU in heart,65.84 HU in liver,254.32 HU in spine and the deviations are 0.10%,3.04%, 4.49% and 4.36% respectively compared to humans. The difference of average CT value of liver was statistically significant(t=-8.705,P＜0.05),while the differences of average CT values of lung, heart and spine were not significant(t value were -0.752,-1.219,-1.138,respectively and P＞0.05).As the noise index increased from 8.5 to 22.5, the DLP decreased from 393.57 mGy·cm to 78.75 mGy·cm and the organs dose declined. For example, the average absorbed dose decreased from 22.38 mGy to 3.66 mGy in lung. Compared to ED calculating by absorbed dose, the ED calculating by DLP was lower. The ED values of the two methods were 6.69 mSv and 8.77 mSv when the noise index was set at 8.5. Conclusions Application of the Chinese anthropomorphic chest phantom to carry out CT dose assessment is more accurate. The noise index should be set more than 8.5 during the chest CT scanning based on ATCM technique.     

IMRT planning parameter optimization for spine stereotactic radiosurgery

Spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS) is a noninvasive treatment for metastatic spine lesions. MD Anderson Cancer Center reports a quality assurance (QA) failure rate approaching 15% for SSRS cases, which we hypothesized is due to difficulties in accurately calculating dose resulting from a large number of small-area segments. Clinical plans typically use 9 beams with an average of 10 segments per beam and minimum segment area of 2-3 cm². The purpose of this study was to identify a set of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning parameters that attempts to optimize the balance among QA passing rate, plan quality, dose calculation accuracy, and delivery time for SSRS plans. Using Pinnacle version 9.10, we evaluated the effects of 2 IMRT parameters: maximum number of segments and minimum segment area. Initial evaluation of the data revealed that 5 segments per beam along with minimum segment area of 4 cm² and 4 monitor units (MU) per segment (5-4-4 plans) was the most promising. IMRT QA was performed using a PTW OCTAVIUS 4D phantom with a 2D detector array. Our data showed no significant plan quality change with decreased number of segments and increased minimum segment area. The average coverage of GTV and CTV was 82.5 ± 13% (clinical) vs 82.5 ± 13% (5-4-4) and 92.3 ± 8% (clinical) vs 91.5 ± 8% (5-4-4). Maximum point dose to cord was 11.4 ± 3.5 Gy (clinical) vs 11.0 ± 4.0 Gy (5-4-4). Total plan delivery time was decreased by an average of 11.3% for the 5-4-4 plans. For IMRT QA, the gamma index passing rate (distance to agreement: 2.5 mm, local dose difference: 4%) for the original plans vs the 5-4-4 plans averaged 90.3% and 91.9%, respectively. In conclusion, IMRT parameters of 5 segments per beam and 4 cm² minimum segment areas provided a better balance of plan quality, delivery efficiency, and plan dose calculation accuracy for SSRS.     

不同CT值赋值法对脑转移瘤放疗剂量计算影响的研究

目的研究不同CT值赋值法对脑转移瘤放疗计划剂量计算的影响,为基于磁共振(MR)图像进行放疗计划设计提供基础。方法选取35例接受放疗的脑转移瘤患者,每位患者在放疗前同一天分别进行CT和MR模拟定位,基于CT图像制定三维适形放射治疗(3D-CRT)或调强放射治疗(IMRT)计划为原计划Plan1。将CT图像和MR图像刚性配准,在CT和MR图像上勾画主要的组织和器官,计算各组织器官的群体化CT值。基于CT图像,采用3种CT值赋值法生成3组伪CT,分别为:全组织赋予140 HU;空腔、骨骼和软组织分别赋予-700、700和20 HU;不同组织器官分别赋予群体化的CT值。Plan1在3组伪CT上重新计算剂量分布,分别获得Plan2、Plan3、Plan4,然后比较这3组计划和Plan1的剂量学差异。结果骨骼、空腔平均CT值分别为(735.3±68.0)、(-723.9±27.0)HU,软组织的平均CT值基本分布在-70~70 HU。Plan2、Plan3、Plan4相比Plan1的剂量差异依次减小,在剂量指标比较中,眼晶状体最大剂量差异最大,分别可达5.0%以上、1.5%~2.0%、1.0%~1.5%,其余剂量指标差异的95%置信区间上限基本不超过2.0%、1.2%、0.8%。在像素点剂量比较中,局部靶区病例中差异>1%的区域主要分布在靠近射野的皮肤处,而全脑靶区病例中主要分布在骨骼与空腔、软组织交界处,以及靠近射野的皮肤处。此外,CT值赋值法在3D-CRT的剂量学差异大于IMRT,在全脑靶区病例大于局部靶区病例。结论不同CT值赋值法对脑转移瘤放疗计划剂量计算的影响显著,对骨骼、空腔和软组织赋予合适CT值,剂量计算偏差可基本控制于1.2%以内,而对各组织器官赋予群体化的CT值,可进一步将偏差控制于0.8%以内,满足临床要求。     

Evaluation of the RayStation electron Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm

The aim of this work was to evaluate the accuracy of the RayStation treatment planning system electron Monte Carlo algorithm against measured data for a range of clinically relevant scenarios. This was done by comparing measured percentage depth dose data (PDD) in water, profiles at oblique incidence and with heterogeneities in the beam path, and output factor data and that generated using the RayStation treatment planning system Monte Carlo VMC++ based calculation algorithm. While electron treatments are widely employed in the radiotherapy setting accurate modelling is challenging (TPS) in the presence of patient being both heterogeneous and nonrectangular. Watertank-based measurements were made on a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator covering electron beam energies 6 to 18 MeV. These included both normal and oblique incidence, heterogeneous geometries, and irregular shaped cut-outs. The measured geometries were replicated in RayStation and the Monte Carlo dose calculation engine used to generate dosimetric data for comparison against measurement in what were considered clinically relevant settings. Water-based PDDs and profile comparisons showed excellent agreement for all electron beam energies. Profiles measured with oblique beam incidence demonstrated acceptable agreement to the treatment planning system calculations although the correspondence worsened as the angle increased with the planning system overestimating the dose in the shoulder region. Profile measurements under inhomogeneities were generally good. The planning system had a tendency to overestimate dose under the heterogeneity and also demonstrated a broader penumbra than measurement. Of the 170 different output factors calculated in RayStation over the range of electron energies commissioned, 141 were within ± 3% of measured values and 164 within ± 5%. Four of the 6 comparisons beyond 5% were at 18 MeV and all had a cut-out edge within 3 cm of the beam central axis/measurement point. The RayStation implementation of a VMC++ electron Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm shows good agreement with measured data for a range of scenarios studied and represented sufficient accuracy for clinical use.     

剂量验证在宫颈癌全盆调强放疗中的应用

目的 探讨电离室法和胶片法评价宫颈癌全盆调强放射治疗的剂量准确性.方法 采用Pinnacle 7.0逆向调强计划系统对宫颈癌患者设计全盆调强计划,并将该治疗计划移植至模体,采用指形电离室测量预先设定的空间点的绝对剂量,然后将各照射野机架角置于0°,用胶片分别测量各射野在模体表面下2cm实际的注量图,将实测的剂量和注量图与治疗计划系统给出的结果 相比对.结果 各有效测量点绝对剂量与实测剂量的偏差均低于5%,而实际照射注量图与计划输出注量图的比对结果 基本一致.结论 采用电离室法和胶片法验证宫颈癌全盆调强切实可行,测量结果 符合临床要求.     

A patient-specific quality assurance study on absolute dose verification using ionization chambers of different volumes in RapidArc treatments

The recalculation of 1 fraction from a patient treatment plan on a phantom and subsequent measurements have become the norms for measurement-based verification, which combines the quality assurance recommendations that deal with the treatment planning system and the beam delivery system. This type of evaluation has prompted attention to measurement equipment and techniques. Ionization chambers are considered the gold standard because of their precision, availability, and relative ease of use. This study evaluates and compares 5 different ionization chambers: phantom combinations for verification in routine patient-specific quality assurance of RapidArc treatments. Fifteen different RapidArc plans conforming to the clinical standards were selected for the study. Verification plans were then created for each treatment plan with different chamber-phantom combinations scanned by computed tomography. This includes Medtec intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) phantom with micro-ionization chamber (0.007 cm³) and pinpoint chamber (0.015 cm³), PTW-Octavius phantom with semiflex chamber (0.125 cm³) and 2D array (0.125 cm³), and indigenously made Circular wax phantom with 0.6 cm³ chamber. The measured isocenter absolute dose was compared with the treatment planning system (TPS) plan. The micro-ionization chamber shows more deviations when compared with semiflex and 0.6 cm³ with a maximum variation of ?4.76%, ?1.49%, and 2.23% for micro-ionization, semiflex, and farmer chambers, respectively. The positive variations indicate that the chamber with larger volume overestimates. Farmer chamber shows higher deviation when compared with 0.125 cm³. In general the deviation was found to be <1% with the semiflex and farmer chambers. A maximum variation of 2% was observed for the 0.007 cm³ ionization chamber, except in a few cases. Pinpoint chamber underestimates the calculated isocenter dose by a maximum of 4.8%. Absolute dose measurements using the semiflex ionization chamber with intermediate volume (0.125 cm³) shows good agreement with the TPS calculated among the detectors used in this study. Positioning is very important when using smaller volume chambers because they are more sensitive to geometrical errors within the treatment fields. It is also suggested to average the dose over the sensitive volume for larger-volume chambers. The ionization chamber-phantom combinations used in this study can be used interchangeably for routine RapidArc patient-specific quality assurance with a satisfactory accuracy for clinical practice.     

Comparison between Acuros XB and Brainlab Monte Carlo algorithms for photon dose calculation

Purpose

The Acuros? XB dose calculation algorithm by Varian and the Monte Carlo algorithm XVMC by Brainlab were compared with each other and with the well-established AAA algorithm, which is also from Varian.

Methods

First, square fields to two different artificial phantoms were applied: (1) a “slab phantom” with a 3?cm water layer, followed by a 2?cm bone layer, a 7?cm lung layer, and another 18?cm water layer and (2) a “lung phantom” with water surrounding an eccentric lung block. For the slab phantom, depth–dose curves along central beam axis were compared. The lung phantom was used to compare profiles at depths of 6 and 14?cm. As clinical cases, the CTs of three different patients were used. The original AAA plans with all three algorithms using open fields were recalculated.

Results

There were only minor differences between Acuros and XVMC in all artificial phantom depth doses and profiles; however, this was different for AAA, which had deviations of up to 13% in depth dose and a few percent for profiles in the lung phantom. These deviations did not translate into the clinical cases, where the dose–volume histograms of all algorithms were close to each other for open fields.

Conclusion

Only within artificial phantoms with clearly separated layers of simulated tissue does AAA show differences at layer boundaries compared to XVMC or Acuros. In real patient CTs, these differences in the dose–volume histogram of the planning target volume were not observed.     

In vivo dosimetry. Assessment of exit dose correction factors]

INTRODUCTION: In vivo dosimetry allows to verify dose delivering accuracy in radiotherapy treatments. Exit dose measurements add more information about delivered dose than entrance dose evaluations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Commercial semiconductor diodes are used for exit dose measurements. The diodes are calibrated by comparison with an ionization chamber at a reference condition. Diode reading was compared with the dose measured by the ionization chamber at the exit point. The exit point is defined as the point on the central axis of the beam, at a distance equal to the maximum dose from the exit surface of a homogeneous water-like phantom. As clinical irradiation conditions are always different from reference conditions, exit dose correction factors have been investigated as a function of phantom thickness, field size at the isocenter, source-surface distance, wedge and tray. Measurements have been performed by irradiating a set of p-type semiconductor detectors with 6 MV photon beam (four diodes--mod. EDP10--Scanditronix) and 18 MV photon beam (three diodes--mod. EDP20--Scanditronix) from a Clinac 1800 linear accelerator (Varian, Palo Alto, CA, USA). RESULTS: The most relevant exit dose correction factors are related to field size and phantom thickness for 6 MV photons. The variation of these factors as a function of field size may be greater than 1% with a standard deviation of the same order. On the contrary, the correction factors for field, thickness and tray photons are negligible for 18 MV. CONCLUSIONS: Applying exit dose correction factors may require a great effort, particularly when many silicon diodes must be used. The actual effectiveness of each calibration factor is evaluated through the statistical analysis of experimental data. In this way, the usefulness of correction factor calculation, as depending from both experimental conditions and diode responses, can be derived from its effects on the exit dose value.