Radiotherapy and hyperthermia for breast cancer patients at high risk of recurrence.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of combined radiotherapy (RT) and hyperthermia (HT) in a large mono-institutional cohort of breast cancer (BC) patients affected by recurrent, newly diagnosed non-resectable or high risk resected tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of BC patients treated with RT + HT between 1995 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. RT doses of 50-70 Gy concurrent to a twice per week superficial HT were applied. For HT, a temperature between 41 and 42 °C was applied for approximately 1 h. Primary endpoint was local control (LC), secondary endpoints comprised toxicity, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: A total of 191 patients and 196 RT + HT treatments were analyzed. In 154 cases (78.6%) RT + HT was performed for patients with recurrent BC. Among these, 93 (47.4% of the entire cohort) had received RT prior to RT + HT. Median follow up was 12.7 years. LC at 2, 5, and 10 years was 76.4, 72.8, and 69.5%, respectively. OS at 2, 5, and 10 years was 73.5, 52.3, and 35.5%, respectively. PFS at 2, 5, and 10 years was 55.6, 41, and 33.6%, respectively. Predictive factors for LC were tumor stage, distant metastases, estrogen/progesterone receptor expression, resection status and number of HT fractions. At multivariate analysis tumor stage and receptor expression were significant. No acute or late toxicities higher than grade 3 were observed. CONCLUSION: Combined RT + HT offers long-term high LC rates with acceptable toxicity for patients with recurrent, newly diagnosed non-resectable or resected BC at high risk of relapse.

Target miss using PTV-based IMRT compared to robust optimization via coverage probability concept in prostate cancer.

Purpose: Cure- and toxicity rates of prostate IGRT can both be affected by ill-chosen planning target volume (PTV) margins. For dose-escalated prostate radiotherapy, we studied the potential for organ at risk (OAR) sparing and compensation of prostate motion with robust plan optimization using the coverage probability (CovP) concept compared to conventional PTV-based IMRT.Material and methods: We evaluated plan quality of CovP-plans for 27 intermediate risk prostate cancer patients treated in a prospective study (78 Gy/39 fractions). Clinical target volume (CTV) and OARs were contoured on three separate CTs to capture movement and deformation. To define the internal target volume (ITV), the union of CTV1-3 was encompassed by an isotropic margin of 7 mm for the planning process. CovP-dose distribution is optimized considering weight factors for IMRT constraints derived from probabilities of systematic organ displacement in the three CTs. CovP-dose volume histograms (DVHs) were compared with additionally calculated conventional PTV-based IMRT plans. PTV-based IMRT was planned on one-single CT with an isotropically expanded CTV to generate the PTV (i.e., CTV1 + 7mm) and was evaluated on the two other CTs.Results: The CovP-concept showed higher robustness in target volume coverage. Target miss was frequently observed with PTV-based IMRT, resulting in cold spots until 70 Gy with the CovP-concept. The target dose at 74 Gy was comparable, while further the dose-escalation (75-78 Gy) was improved with PTV-based IMRT. However, dose-escalation with PTV-based IMRT was associated with increased OAR-doses, especially in high-dose areas.Conclusions: Probabilistic dose-escalated IMRT was feasible in this prospective study. Comparison of the CovP-concept with PTV-based IMRT revealed superiority with regard to target-coverage and sparing of OARs. The CovP-concept implements a robust plan optimization strategy for organ deformation and motions and could, therefore, serve as a less demanding compromise on the way to adaptive IGRT avoiding daily time-consuming re-planning. SUMMARYWe evaluated the robustness of coverage probability (CovP)-based IMRT plans within a prospective study for prostate cancer radiotherapy. The treatment plans were compared with newly calculated conventional PTV-based IMRT plans. We were able to show that CovP led to a clearly more robust target coverage by avoiding hot spots at OARs compared to conventional PTV-based IMRT. In addition, negative consequences of an inflated PTV can be ameliorated by a more relaxed CovP-based dose prescription.

Automatic replanning of VMAT plans for different treatment machines: A template-based approach using constrained optimization.

PURPOSE: To investigate a new automatic template-based replanning approach combined with constrained optimization, which may be highly useful for a rapid plan transfer for planned or unplanned machine breakdowns. This approach was tested for prostate cancer (PC) and head-and-neck cancer (HNC) cases. METHODS: The constraints of a previously optimized volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan were used as a template for automatic plan reoptimization for different accelerator head models. All plans were generated using the treatment planning system (TPS) Hyperion. Automatic replanning was performed for 16 PC cases, initially planned for MLC1 (4 mm MLC) and reoptimized for MLC2 (5 mm) and MLC3 (10 mm) and for 19 HNC cases, replanned from MLC2 to MLC3. EUD, Dmean, D2%, and D98% were evaluated for targets; for OARs EUD and D2% were analyzed. Replanning was considered successful if both plans fulfilled equal constraints. RESULTS: All prostate cases were successfully replanned. The mean relative target EUD deviation was -0.15% and -0.57% for replanning to MLC2 and MLC3, respectively. OAR sparing was successful in all cases. Replanning of HNC cases from MLC2 to MLC3 was successful in 16/19 patients with a mean decrease of -0.64% in PTV60 EUD. In three cases target doses were substantially decreased by up to -2.58% (PTV60) and -3.44% (PTV54), respectively. Nevertheless, OAR sparing was always achieved as planned. CONCLUSIONS: Automatic replanning of VMAT plans for a different treatment machine by using pre-existing constraints as a template for a reoptimization is feasible and successful in terms of equal constraints.

Automatic 3D Monte-Carlo-based secondary dose calculation for online verification of 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging guided radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hybrid magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MR-Linac) systems represent a novel technology for online adaptive radiotherapy. 3D secondary dose calculation (SDC) of online adapted plans is required to assure patient safety. Currently, no 3D-SDC solution is available for 1.5T MR-Linac systems. Therefore, the aim of this project was to develop and validate a method for online automatic 3D-SDC for adaptive MR-Linac treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An accelerator head model was designed for an 1.5T MR-Linac system, neglecting the magnetic field. The use of this model for online 3D-SDC of MR-Linac plans was validated in a three-step process: (1) comparison to measured beam data, (2) investigation of performance and limitations in a planning phantom and (3) clinical validation using n = 100 patient plans from different tumor entities, comparing the developed 3D-SDC with experimental plan QA. RESULTS: The developed model showed median gamma passing rates compared to MR-Linac base data of 84.7%, 100% and 99.1% for crossplane, inplane and depth-dose-profiles, respectively. Comparison of 3D-SDC and full dose calculation in a planning phantom revealed that with ⩾ 5 beams gamma passing rates > 95% can be achieved for central target locations. With a median calculation time of 1:23 min, 3D-SDC of online adapted clinical MR-Linac plans demonstrated a median gamma passing rate of 98.9% compared to full dose calculation, whereas experimental plan QA reached 99.5%. CONCLUSION: Here, we describe the first technical 3D-SDC solution for online adaptive MR-guided radiotherapy. For clinical situations with peripheral targets and a small number of beams additional verification appears necessary. Further improvement may include 3D-SDC with consideration of the magnetic field.

Quality assurance of IMRT treatment plans for a 1.5 T MR-linac using a 2D ionization chamber array and a static solid phantom.

MR-guided radiotherapy requires novel quality assurance (QA) methods for intensity-modulated radiotherapy treatment plans (TPs). Here, an optimized method for TPs for a 1.5 T MR-linac was developed and implemented clinically. A static solid phantom and an MR-compatible 2D ionization chamber array were used. The array's response with respect to the incident beam gantry angles was characterized for four different orientations of the array relative to the beam. A lookup table was created identifying the optimum orientation for each gantry angle. For the QA of clinical MR-linac TPs, beams were grouped according to their gantry angles and measured with up to four setups. The method was applied to n = 106 clinical TPs of 54 patients for different tumour entities. Reference plans and plans created in the online adaptive workflow were analysed, using a local 3%/3 mm gamma criterion for dose values larger than 30% of the maximum. Pass rates were averaged over all beam groups. The array's response strongly depends on the beam incidence angle. Optimum angles typically range from -10° to 80° around the phantom setup angle. Consequently, plan verification required up to four setups. For clinical MR-linac TPs, the overall median pass rate was 98.5% (range 88.6%-100%). Pass rates depended on the tumour entity. Median pass rates were for liver metastases stereotactic body radiotherapy 99.2%, prostate cancer 99%, pancreatic cancer 98.9%, lymph node metastases 98.7%, partial breast irradiation (PBI) 98%, head-and-neck cancer 97.7%, rectal cancer 94% and others 96.6%. 85% of plans were accepted straightaway, with pass rates above 95%. A single plan with a pass rate below 90% was subsequently verified with a modified method. Off-axis target volumes, e.g. PBI, were verified successfully using a lateral shift of the phantom. The method is suitable to verify reference and online adapted TPs for a 1.5 T MR-linac, including plans for off-axis target volumes.

Prospective evaluation of probabilistic dose-escalated IMRT in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cure- and toxicity rates after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) of prostate cancer are dose-and volume dependent. We prospectively studied the potential for organ at risk (OAR) sparing and compensation of tumor movement with the coverage probability (CovP) concept. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight prostate cancer patients (median age 70) with localized disease (cT1c-2c, N0, M0) and intermediate risk features (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] < 20, Gleason score ≤ 7b) were treated in a prospective study with the CovP concept. Planning-CTs were performed on three subsequent days to capture form changes and movement of prostate and OARs. The clinical target volume (CTV) prostate and the OARs (bladder and rectum) were contoured in each CT. The union of CTV1-3 was encompassed by an isotropic margin of 7 mm to define the internal target volume (ITV). Dose prescription/escalation depended on coverage of all CTVs within the ITV. IMRT was given in 39 fractions to 78 Gy using the Monte-Carlo algorithm. Short-term androgen deprivation was recommended and given in 78.6% of patients. RESULTS: Long-term toxicity was evaluated in 26/28 patients after a median follow-up of 7.1 years. At last follow-up, late bladder toxicity (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, RTOG) G1 was observed in 14.3% of patients and late rectal toxicities (RTOG) of G1 (7.1%) and of G2 (3.6%) were observed. No higher graded toxicity occurred. After 7.1 years, biochemical control (biochemically no evidence of disease, bNED) was 95.5%, prostate cancer-specific survival and the distant metastasis-free survival after 7.1 years were 100% each. CONCLUSIONS: CovP-based IMRT was feasible in a clinical study. Dose escalation with the CovP concept was associated by a low rate of toxicity and a high efficacy regarding local and distant control.

Automatic VMAT planning for post-operative prostate cancer cases using particle swarm optimization: A proof of concept study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for fully automatic VMAT radiotherapy (RT) treatment planning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In PSO a solution space of planning constraints is searched for the best possible RT plan in an iterative, statistical method, optimizing a population of candidate solutions. To identify the best candidate solution and for final evaluation a plan quality score (PQS), based on dose volume histogram (DVH) parameters, was introduced. Automatic PSO-based RT planning was used for N = 10 postoperative prostate cancer cases, retrospectively taken from our clinical database, with a prescribed dose of EUD = 66 Gy in addition to two constraints for rectum and one for bladder. Resulting PSO-based plans were compared dosimetrically to manually generated VMAT plans. RESULTS: PSO successfully proposed treatment plans comparable to manually optimized ones in 9/10 cases. The median (range) PTV EUD was 65.4 Gy (64.7-66.0) for manual and 65.3 Gy (62.5-65.5) for PSO plans, respectively. However PSO plans achieved significantly lower doses in rectum D2% 67.0 Gy (66.5-67.5) vs. 66.1 Gy (64.7-66.5, p = 0.016). All other evaluated parameters (PTV D98% and D2%, rectum V40Gy and V60Gy, bladder D2% and V60Gy) were comparable in both plans. Manual plans had lower PQS compared to PSO plans with -0.82 (-16.43-1.08) vs. 0.91 (-5.98-6.25). CONCLUSION: PSO allows for fully automatic generation of VMAT plans with plan quality comparable to manually optimized plans. However, before clinical implementation further research is needed concerning further adaptation of PSO-specific parameters and the refinement of the PQS.

Partial breast irradiation with the 1.5 T MR-Linac: First patient treatment and analysis of electron return and stream effects.

INTRODUCTION: External beam partial breast irradiation (PBI) provides equal oncological outcomes compared to whole breast irradiation when applied to patients with low risk tumours. Recently, linacs with an integrated magnetic resonance image-guidance system have become clinically available. Here we report the first-in-human PBI performed at the 1.5 T MR-Linac, with a focus on clinical feasibility and investigation of the air electron stream effect (ESE) and the electron return effect (ERE) in the presence of the 1.5 T magnetic field, which might influence the dose on the chin (out-of-field dose, due to the ESE), the skin and the lung/chest wall interface (in-field dose, ERE). METHODS: A 59 years old patient affected by a 15 mm unifocal grade 1 carcinoma not special type of the right breast staged pT1c pN0 cM0 was planned and treated at Unity 1.5 T MR-Linac. To investigate the ERE and the ESE, an MR-Linac treatment plan was simulated without considering the 1.5 T B field using a research version of Monaco (V. 5.19.03). In vivo dosimetry was performed using Gafchromic® EBT3 films placed on top and underneath a 1 cm bolus which was placed on the patient's chin. The plans with and without 1.5 T magnetic field were compared in terms of dose to the chin, to the skin and to the interface lung/chest wall. Finally, the dose on the chin measured with the in vivo dosimetry was compared with the dose calculated by Monaco. RESULTS: PBI using the 1.5 T MR-Linac was successfully performed with a 7 MV photon 7-beams IMRT step-and-shoot plan. The treatment was well tolerated, the patient developed a slight acute toxicity, i.e. breast skin erythema and breast oedema CTC V.4 grade 1. The plan with 1.5 T magnetic field documented a fractional dose of 0.17 Gy in the chin area (2.6 Gy in 15 fractions), which was reduced to 0.05 Gy (0.75 in 15 fractions) by the presence of 1 cm bolus. The simulated plan without magnetic field showed a dose reduced by 2.3 Gy in the chin area. With the in vivo dosimetry a fractional dose of, respectively, 0.12 Gy and 0.034 Gy on top and underneath the bolus were measured (1.8 and 0.51 Gy in 15 fractions). The plan with 1.5 T magnetic field showed a skin D2 of 40 Gy and a skin V35 of 40.2%, which were reduced to, respectively, 39.7 Gy and 24.9% in the simulation without magnetic field. At the interface lung/chest there were no differences in DVH statistics. CONCLUSION: PBI with the 1.5 T MR-Linac was performed for the first time. ESE is accurately calculated by the treatment planning system, can be effectively reduced with a 1 cm bolus and is comparable to dose of cone beam-CT based position verification. The additional dose caused by ERE is not associated with an increased risk of acute toxicity.

A finite element method for the determination of the relative response of ionization chambers in MR-linacs: simulation and experimental validation up to 1.5 T.

In magnetic resonance (MR) guided radiotherapy, the magnetic field-dependent change in the dose response of ionization chambers is typically included by means of a correction factor [Formula: see text]. This factor can be determined experimentally or calculated by means of Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. To date, a small number of experimental values for [Formula: see text] at magnetic flux densities above 1.2 T have been available to benchmark these simulations. Furthermore, MC simulations of the dose response of ionization chambers in magnetic fields (where such simulations are based on manufacturer blueprints) have been shown to converge with results that deviate considerably from experimental values for orientations where the magnetic field is perpendicular to the axis of the ionization chamber and the influence of the magnetic field is largest. In this work, [Formula: see text] was simulated for a PTW 30013 Farmer ionization chamber using an approach based on finite element simulations. First, the electrical field inside the ionization chamber was simulated using finite element methods. The collecting volume of the ionization was not defined in terms of the physical dimensions of the detector but in terms of the simulated electrical field lines inside the chamber. Then, an MC simulation of the dose response of a Farmer type chamber (PTW 30013) was performed using EGSnrc with a dedicated package to consider the effect of the magnetic field. In the second part, [Formula: see text] was determined experimentally for two different PTW 30013 ionization chambers for a range of magnetic flux densities between B = 0 and 1.5 T, covering the range of commercially available MR-linacs. In the perpendicular orientation, the maximum difference between the simulated values for [Formula: see text] and the experimental values for [Formula: see text] was 0.31(30)% and the minimum difference was 0.02(24)%. For the PTW 30013 ionization chambers, the experimental values for [Formula: see text] were 0.9679(1) and 0.9681(1) for a magnetic flux density of 1.5 T. The value resulting from the simulation was 0.967(3). The comparison of the correction factors simulated using this new approach with the experimental values determined in this study shows excellent agreement for all magnetic flux densities up to 1.5 T. Integrating the explicit simulation of the collection volume inside the ionization chambers into the MC simulation model significantly improves simulations of the chamber response in magnetic fields. The results presented suggest that intra-type variations for [Formula: see text] may be neglectable for ionization chambers of the PTW 30013 type.

[Does the measured dose change when applying the new DIN 6800-2 (2008) versus the edition from 1997?]. / Andert sich die gemessene Dosis bei Anwendung der neuen DIN 6800-2 (2008) gegenüber der Ausgabe aus dem Jahr 1997?

New edition of DIN 6800-2 (1997) has been published in March 2008. The concept of absorbed dose to water has been retained unchanged. In many points modern data and approaches were adopted to international dosimetry protocols. For the first time values for the pertubation correction factors of plane parallel chambers are given in a dosimetry protocol. This enables the customer based on a Co-60 calibration factor to measure absorbed dose to water without any cross-calibration. In this paper new edition will be presented and compared with the old one. But main focus is set on the question, is there any deviation in the determination of dose when applying both protocols to same measured values. For photon beams and for in Germany common used types of ionization chambers the deviations are not larger than about 0.3% and for other types not larger than 0.5%. However, in electron beams partly larger deviations up to 0.5% and for some types of ionization chambers even more than 1% may occur.

Ionization chamber correction factors for MR-linacs.

Previously, readings of air-filled ionization chambers have been described as being influenced by magnetic fields. To use these chambers for dosimetry in magnetic resonance guided radiotherapy (MRgRT), this effect must be taken into account by introducing a correction factor k B. The purpose of this study is to systematically investigate k B for a typical reference setup for commercially available ionization chambers with different magnetic field strengths. The Monte Carlo simulation tool EGSnrc was used to simulate eight commercially available ionization chambers in magnetic fields whose magnetic flux density was in the range of 0-2.5 T. To validate the simulation, the influence of the magnetic field was experimentally determined for a PTW30013 Farmer-type chamber for magnetic flux densities between 0 and 1.425 T. Changes in the detector response of up to 8% depending on the magnetic flux density, on the chamber geometry and on the chamber orientation were obtained. In the experimental setup, a maximum deviation of less than 2% was observed when comparing measured values with simulated values. Dedicated values for two MR-linac systems (ViewRay MRIdian, ViewRay Inc, Cleveland, United States, 0.35 T/ 6 MV and Elekta Unity, Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden, 1.5 T/7 MV) were determined for future use in reference dosimetry. Simulated values for thimble-type chambers are in good agreement with experiments as well as with the results of previous publications. After further experimental validation, the results can be considered for definition of standard protocols for purposes of reference dosimetry in MRgRT.

[Monitor tables for electron beams in radiotherapy]. / Monitortabellen für Elektronenstrahlung in der Strahlentherapie.

The application of electron beams in radiotherapy is still based on tables of monitor units, although 3-D treatment planning systems for electron beams are available. This have several reasons: The need for 3-D treatment planning is not recognized; there is no confidence in the calculation algorithm; Monte-Carlo algorithms are too time-consuming; and the effort necessary to measure basic beam data for 3-D planning is considered disproportionate. However, the increasing clinical need for higher dosimetric precision and for more conformal electron beams leads to the requirement for more sophisticated tables of monitor units. The present paper summarizes and discusses the main aspects concerning the preparation of tables of monitor units for electron beams. The measurement equipment and procedures for measuring basic beam data needed for tables of monitor units for electron beams are described for a standard radiation therapy linac. The design of tables of monitor units for standard electron applicators is presented; this design can be extended for individual electron inserts, to variable applicator surface distances, to oblique beam incidence, and the use of bolus material. Typical data of an Elekta linac are presented in various tables.

Hippocampal sparing radiotherapy for glioblastoma patients: a planning study using volumetric modulated arc therapy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential to reduce exposure of the contralateral hippocampus in radiotherapy for glioblastoma using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). METHODS: Datasets of 27 patients who had received 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for glioblastoma with a prescribed dose of 60Gy in fractions of 2Gy were included in this planning study. VMAT plans were optimized with the aim to reduce the dose to the contralateral hippocampus as much as possible without compromising other parameters. Hippocampal dose and treatment parameters were compared to the 3D-CRT plans using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The influence of tumour location and PTV size on the hippocampal dose was investigated with the Mann-Whitney-U-test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The median reduction of the contralateral hippocampus generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) with VMAT was 36 % compared to the original 3D-CRT plans (p < 0.05). Other dose parameters were maintained or improved. The median V30Gy brain could be reduced by 17.9 % (p < 0.05). For VMAT, a parietal and a non-temporal tumour localisation as well as a larger PTV size were predictors for a higher hippocampal dose (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using VMAT, a substantial reduction of the radiotherapy dose to the contralateral hippocampus for patients with glioblastoma is feasible without compromising other treatment parameters. For larger PTV sizes, less sparing can be achieved. Whether this approach is able to preserve the neurocognitive status without compromising the oncological outcome needs to be investigated in the setting of prospective clinical trials.

Off-axis chamber response in the depth of photon dose maximum.

Measurements as well as Monte Carlo simulations are presented to investigate the deviation between the dose to water and the value measured by an ionization chamber. These deviations are evaluated at different depths (1.5 and 10 cm) and at an off-axis position of 15 cm. It is shown that an ionization chamber can produce a measuring signal, which is up to 2.5% too low, compared to the dose, when measurements are performed at shallow depths and far off-axis. The reason for this underresponse is found in the variation of the wall correction factor. As a result of the variation of the radiation spectra with depth and position the dose to the air volume, which originates from the wall, varies and therefore changes the wall correction factor.

A virtual photon energy fluence model for Monte Carlo dose calculation.

The presented virtual energy fluence (VEF) model of the patient-independent part of the medical linear accelerator heads, consists of two Gaussian-shaped photon sources and one uniform electron source. The planar photon sources are located close to the bremsstrahlung target (primary source) and to the flattening filter (secondary source), respectively. The electron contamination source is located in the plane defining the lower end of the filter. The standard deviations or widths and the relative weights of each source are free parameters. Five other parameters correct for fluence variations, i.e., the horn or central depression effect. If these parameters and the field widths in the X and Y directions are given, the corresponding energy fluence distribution can be calculated analytically and compared to measured dose distributions in air. This provides a method of fitting the free parameters using the measurements for various square and rectangular fields and a fixed number of monitor units. The next step in generating the whole set of base data is to calculate monoenergetic central axis depth dose distributions in water which are used to derive the energy spectrum by deconvolving the measured depth dose curves. This spectrum is also corrected to take the off-axis softening into account. The VEF model is implemented together with geometry modules for the patient specific part of the treatment head (jaws, multileaf collimator) into the XVMC dose calculation engine. The implementation into other Monte Carlo codes is possible based on the information in this paper. Experiments are performed to verify the model by comparing measured and calculated dose distributions and output factors in water. It is demonstrated that open photon beams of linear accelerators from two different vendors are accurately simulated using the VEF model. The commissioning procedure of the VEF model is clinically feasible because it is based on standard measurements in air and water. It is also useful for IMRT applications because a full Monte Carlo simulation of the treatment head would be too time-consuming for many small fields.

[Practical electron dosimetry. A comparison of different types of ionization chambers]. / Praktische Elektronendosimetrie: Ein Vergleich verschiedener Bauarten von Ionisationskammern.

Since Markus chambers are no longer recommended in the 1997 DIN 6800-2 version there are uncertainties as to the use of alternative chamber types for electron dosimetry. Therefore, we performed a comparison between different types of ionization chambers. In particular, the widespread Farmer and Roos chambers were compared with the Markus chamber for polarity effect, chamber-to-chamber variation, and deviations of the measured absorbed dose relative to the value obtained with the Roos chamber (which is regarded as an ideal Bragg-Gray-chamber). The perturbation correction factor at 60Co radiation was determined experimentally as 1,029 +/- 0.5% (Roos chamber) and 1,018 +/- 0.5% (Markus chamber) for the investigated plane-parallel chambers. In addition, we could show that the Roos chambers do not have a larger chamber-to-chamber variation than the Farmer chambers. Likewise, our results suggest that Farmer chambers could be used for electron energies above 6 MeV.

Monte Carlo simulation of small electron fields collimated by the integrated photon MLC.

In this study, a Monte Carlo (MC)-based beam model for an ELEKTA linear accelerator was established. The beam model is based on the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code, whereby electron beams with nominal energies of 10, 12 and 15 MeV were considered. For collimation of the electron beam, only the integrated photon multi-leaf-collimators (MLCs) were used. No additional secondary or tertiary add-ons like applicators, cutouts or dedicated electron MLCs were included. The source parameters of the initial electron beam were derived semi-automatically from measurements of depth-dose curves and lateral profiles in a water phantom. A routine to determine the initial electron energy spectra was developed which fits a Gaussian spectrum to the most prominent features of depth-dose curves. The comparisons of calculated and measured depth-dose curves demonstrated agreement within 1%/1 mm. The source divergence angle of initial electrons was fitted to lateral dose profiles beyond the range of electrons, where the imparted dose is mainly due to bremsstrahlung produced in the scattering foils. For accurate modelling of narrow beam segments, the influence of air density on dose calculation was studied. The air density for simulations was adjusted to local values (433 m above sea level) and compared with the standard air supplied by the ICRU data set. The results indicate that the air density is an influential parameter for dose calculations. Furthermore, the default value of the BEAMnrc parameter 'skin depth' for the boundary crossing algorithm was found to be inadequate for the modelling of small electron fields. A higher value for this parameter eliminated discrepancies in too broad dose profiles and an increased dose along the central axis. The beam model was validated with measurements, whereby an agreement mostly within 3%/3 mm was found.

Craniospinal radiotherapy in an advanced technique.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Whole craniospinal irradiation cannot be achieved in one field at a normal treatment distance for adults. The aim of this newly developed technique is to minimize problems of matching fields and to maximize precision of craniospinal radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients (3-59 years) had craniospinal irradiation in supine position. The head was treated with lateral opposed isocentric fields with collimator rotation and isocentric table rotation. Using an extended source-skin distance of 160 cm only one dorsal field is necessary to cover the whole spinal axis. To avoid systematic under- or overdosage, junction field edges were moved twice by 1.5 cm. Treatment planning was performed based on CT scans. For visual verification of field matching an additional line laser was first adjusted to the caudal edge of one lateral light field and then checked against the light field of the spinal field under the table. RESULTS: Control films show good homogeneity in the junction between lateral and vertical fields. Reproducibility of table movements is acceptable. Total time needed for one fraction is about 15-20 min. CONCLUSION: The described technique is now well established, feasible and leads to less risk of dose uncertainties.