1
|
Seo J, Lee H, Hwan Ahn S, Yoon M. Feasibility study of a scintillation sheet-based detector for fluence monitoring during external photon beam radiotherapy. Phys Med 2023; 112:102628. [PMID: 37354806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.102628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated the properties of a scintillation sheet-based dosimetry system for beam monitoring with high spatial resolution, including the effects of this system on the treatment beam. The dosimetric characteristics and feasibility of this system for clinical use were also evaluated. METHODS The effects of the dosimetry system on the beam were evaluated by measuring the percentage depth doses, dose profiles, and transmission factors. Fifteen treatment plans were created, and the influence of the dosimetry system on these clinical treatment plans was evaluated. The performance of the system was assessed by determining signal linearity, dose rate dependence, and reproducibility. The feasibility of the system for clinical use was evaluated by comparing intensity distributions with reference intensity distributions verified by quality assurance. RESULTS The spatial resolution of the dosimetry system was found to be 0.43 mm/pixel when projected to the isocenter plane. The dosimetry system attenuated the intensity of 6 MV beams by about 1.1%, without affecting the percentage depth doses and dose profiles. The response of the dosimetry system was linear, independent of the dose rate used in the clinic, and reproducible. Comparison of intensity distributions of evaluation treatment fields with reference intensity distributions showed that the 1%/1 mm average gamma passing rate was 99.6%. CONCLUSIONS The dosimetry system did not significantly alter the beam characteristics, indicating that the system could be implemented by using only a transmission factor. The dosimetry system is clinically suitable for monitoring treatment beam delivery with higher spatial resolution than other transmission detectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyeon Seo
- Department of Bio-Convergence Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Environmental Radioactivity Assessment Team, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunho Lee
- Department of Bio-Convergence Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Ahn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Myonggeun Yoon
- Department of Bio-Convergence Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; FieldCure Ltd, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lonski P, Kron T. Impact through versatility: Patterns of in vivo dosimetry utilization with TLD across a large multi-site radiotherapy department. Front Oncol 2022; 12:918178. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.918178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of modern radiotherapy treatment pathways necessitate input from different professions to ensure treatment is delivered safely and as planned. In vivo dosimetry is one method of treatment verification providing the opportunity for both in-field verification or out-of-field measurements. It was the aim of this work to review the impact of an in vivo dosimetry programme with t.he view to justify resources and assist in developing a plan for equipment acquisition. Results of 310 (approximately 2 per 1000 treatment fractions) in vivo measurements were reviewed over a two-year time span. The in vivo dosimetry programme using thermoluminescence (TLD) chips was able to detect three significant treatment errors, amongst some 13 000 patients treated. These errors would likely to have been undetected through other quality assurance measures. Increasing demands in workload were found to be associated with commissioning of new equipment and techniques. A skilled operator with knowledge of TLD physics, treatment planning system (TPS) dose calculation algorithms and radiation transport proved to be essential for appropriate interpretation of TLD results particularly in complex radiation delivery scenarios. TLD continues to play a large role in patient safety and quality assurance at our institution.
Collapse
|
3
|
Out-of-field dose in stereotactic radiotherapy for paediatric patients. PHYSICS & IMAGING IN RADIATION ONCOLOGY 2021; 19:1-5. [PMID: 34307913 PMCID: PMC8295843 DOI: 10.1016/j.phro.2021.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Stereotactic radiotherapy combines image guidance and high precision delivery with small fields to deliver high doses per fraction in short treatment courses. In preparation for extension of these treatment techniques to paediatric patients we characterised and compared doses out-of-field in a paediatric anthropomorphic phantom for small flattened and flattening filter free (FFF) photon beams. Method and materials Dose measurements were taken in several organs and structures outside the primary field in an anthropomorphic phantom of a 5 year old child (CIRS) using thermoluminescence dosimetry (LiF:Mg,Cu,P). Out-of-field doses from a medical linear accelerator were assessed for 6 MV flattened and FFF beams of field sizes between 2 × 2 and 10 × 10 cm2. Results FFF beams resulted in reduced out-of-field doses for all field sizes when compared to flattened beams. Doses for FFF and flattened beams converged for all field sizes at larger distances (>40 cm) from the central axis as leakage becomes the primary source of out-of-field dose. Rotating the collimator to place the MLC bank in the longitudinal axis of the patient was shown to reduce the peripheral doses measured by up to 50% in Varian linear accelerators. Conclusion Minimising out-of-field doses by using FFF beams and aligning the couch and collimator to provide tertiary shielding demonstrated advantages of small field, FFF treatments in a paediatric setting.
Collapse
|
4
|
Esposito M, Villaggi E, Bresciani S, Cilla S, Falco MD, Garibaldi C, Russo S, Talamonti C, Stasi M, Mancosu P. Estimating dose delivery accuracy in stereotactic body radiation therapy: A review of in-vivo measurement methods. Radiother Oncol 2020; 149:158-167. [PMID: 32416282 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been recognized as a standard treatment option for many anatomical sites. Sophisticated radiation therapy techniques have been developed for carrying out these treatments and new quality assurance (QA) programs are therefore required to guarantee high geometrical and dosimetric accuracy. This paper focuses on recent advances on in-vivo measurements methods (IVM) for SBRT treatment. More specifically, all of the online QA methods for estimating the effective dose delivered to patients were compared. Determining the optimal IVM for performing SBRT treatments would reduce the risk of errors that could jeopardize treatment outcome. A total of 89 papers were included. The papers were subdivided into the following topics: point dosimeters (PD), transmission detectors (TD), log file analysis (LFA), electronic portal imaging device dosimetry (EPID), dose accumulation methods (DAM). The detectability capability of the main IVM detectors/devices were evaluated. All of the systems have some limitations: PD has no spatial data, EPID has limited sensitivity towards set-up errors and intra-fraction motion in some anatomical sites, TD is insensitive towards patient related errors, LFA is not an independent measure, DAMs are not always based on measures. In order to minimize errors in SBRT dose delivery, we recommend using synergic combinations of two or more of the systems described in our review: on-line tumor position and patient information should be combined with MLC position and linac output detection accuracy. In this way the effects of SBRT dose delivery errors will be reduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Esposito
- S.C. Fisica Sanitaria Firenze-Empoli, Azienda Sanitaria USL Toscana Centro, Italy.
| | | | - Sara Bresciani
- Medical Physics, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Savino Cilla
- Medical Physics Unit, Gemelli Molise Hospital, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Maria Daniela Falco
- Department of Radiation Oncology "G. D'Annunzio", University of Chieti, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristina Garibaldi
- Radiation Research Unit, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Serenella Russo
- S.C. Fisica Sanitaria Firenze-Empoli, Azienda Sanitaria USL Toscana Centro, Italy
| | - Cinzia Talamonti
- University of Florence, Dept Biomedical Experimental and Clinical Science, "Mario Serio", Medical Physics Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Stasi
- Medical Physics, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Mancosu
- Medical Physics Unit of Radiotherapy Dept., Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kim JI, Cho JD, Son J, Choi CH, Wu HG, Park JM. Contact lens-type ocular in vivo dosimeter for radiotherapy. Med Phys 2019; 47:722-735. [PMID: 31743441 DOI: 10.1002/mp.13932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to (a) develop a contact lens-type ocular in vivo dosimeter (CLOD) that can be worn directly on the eye and (b) assess its dosimetric characteristics and biological stability for radiation therapy. METHODS The molder of a soft contact lens was directly used to create the dosimeter, which included a radiation-sensitive component - an active layer similar to a radiochromic film - to measure the delivered dose. A flatbed scanner with a reflection mode was used to measure the change in optical density due to irradiation. The sensitivity, energy, dose rate, and angular dependence were tested, and the uncertainty in determining the dose was calculated using error propagation analysis. Sequential biological stability tests, specifically, cytotoxicity and ocular irritation tests, were conducted to ensure the safe application of the CLOD to patients. RESULTS The dosimeter demonstrated high sensitivity in the low dose region, and the sensitivity linearly decreased with the dose. The responses obtained for the 10 and 15 MV photon beams were 1.7% and 1.9% higher compared to the 6 MV photon beam. A strong dose rate dependence was not obtained for the CLOD. Angular dependence was observed from 90° to 180° with a difference in response from 1% to 2%. The total uncertainty in error propagation analysis decreased as a function of the dose in the red channel. For a dose range of 0 to 50 cGy, the total uncertainties for 5, 10, and 50 cGy were 14.2%, 8.9%, and 5%, respectively. Quantitative evaluation using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method presented no cytotoxicity. Further, no corneal opacity, iris reaction, or conjunctival inflammation was observed. CONCLUSIONS The CLOD is the first dosimeter that can be worn close to the eye. The results of cytotoxicity and irritation tests indicate that it is a stable medical device. The evaluation of dose characteristics in open field conditions shows that the CLOD can be applied to an in vivo dosimeter in radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung-In Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Dong Cho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeman Son
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Heon Choi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Gyun Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Min Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Robotics Research Laboratory for Extreme Environments, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Suwon, 16229, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kron T, Donahoo G, Lonski P, Wheeler G. A technique for total skin electron therapy (TSET) of an anesthetized pediatric patient. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2018; 19:109-116. [PMID: 30267453 PMCID: PMC6236825 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.12457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Total skin electron therapy (TSET) is a technique to treat cutaneous lymphomas. While TSET is rarely required in pediatric patients, it poses particular problems for the delivery. It was the aim of the present work to develop a method to deliver TSET to young children requiring anesthetics during treatment. Methods A customized cradle with a thin window base and Poly(methyl‐methacrylate) (PMMA) frame was built and the patient was treated in supine position. Two times six fields of 6 MeV electrons spaced by 60° gantry angles were used without electron applicator and a field size of 36 × 36 cm2. The two sets of six fields were matched at approximately 65% surface dose by rotating the patient around an axis 30 cm distance from beam central axis, effectively displacing the two sets of fields in sup/inf direction by 60 cm. Electron energy was degraded using a 12 mm PMMA block on the gantry. Focus to skin distance was maximized by displacing the patient in opposite direction of the beam resulting in a different couch position for each field. Results A 2‐yr‐old patient was treated in 12 fractions of 1.5 Gy over 2.4 weeks. Dose to skin was verified daily using thermoluminescence dosimetry and/or radiochromic film. The treatment parameters were adjusted slightly based on in vivo dosimetry resulting in a dose distribution for most of the treatment volume within ±20% of the prescribed dose. Six areas were boosted using conventional electron therapy. Conclusion TSET can be delivered to pediatric patients using a customized couch top on a conventional linear accelerator.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Kron
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; Melbourne Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Department; Melbourne University; Melbourne Australia
| | | | - Peta Lonski
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; Melbourne Australia
| | - Greg Wheeler
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; Melbourne Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Evaluation of functionally weighted dose-volume parameters for thoracic stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) using CT ventilation. Phys Med 2018; 49:47-51. [PMID: 29866342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
For the purpose of reducing radiation pneumontisis (RP), four-dimensional CT (4DCT)-based ventilation can be used to reduce functionally weighted lung dose. This study aimed to evaluate the functionally weighted dose-volume parameters and to investigate an optimal weighting method to realize effective planning optimization in thoracic stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). Forty patients treated with SABR were analyzed. Ventilation images were obtained from 4DCT using deformable registration and Hounsfield unit-based calculation. Functionally-weighted mean lung dose (fMLD) and functional lung fraction receiving at least x Gy (fVx) were calculated by two weighting methods: thresholding and linear weighting. Various ventilation thresholds (5th-95th, every 5th percentile) were tested. The predictive accuracy for CTCAE grade ≧ 2 pneumonitis was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic analysis. AUC values varied from 0.459 to 0.570 in accordance with threshold and dose-volume metrics. A combination of 25th percentile threshold and fV30 showed the best result (AUC: 0.570). AUC values with fMLD, fV10, fV20, and fV40 were 0.541, 0.487, 0.548 and 0.563 using a 25th percentile threshold. Although conventional MLD, V10, V20, V30 and V40 showed lower AUC values (0.516, 0.477, 0.534, 0.552 and 0.527), the differences were not statistically significant. fV30 with 25th percentile threshold was the best predictor of RP. Our results suggested that the appropriate weighting should be used for better treatment outcomes in thoracic SABR.
Collapse
|