Film Based Verification of Calculation Algorithms Used for Brachytherapy Planning-getting Ready for Upcoming Challenges of MBDCA

Overview

Journal J Contemp Brachytherapy

Date 2016 Sep 21

PMID 27648087

Citations 3

Authors

Grzegorz Zwierzchowski

Grzegorz Bieleda

Janusz Skowronek

Magdalena Mazur

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Well-known defect of TG-43 based algorithms used in brachytherapy is a lack of information about interaction cross-sections, which are determined not only by electron density but also by atomic number. TG-186 recommendations with using of MBDCA (model-based dose calculation algorithm), accurate tissues segmentation, and the structure's elemental composition continue to create difficulties in brachytherapy dosimetry. For the clinical use of new algorithms, it is necessary to introduce reliable and repeatable methods of treatment planning systems (TPS) verification. The aim of this study is the verification of calculation algorithm used in TPS for shielded vaginal applicators as well as developing verification procedures for current and further use, based on the film dosimetry method.

Material And Methods: Calibration data was collected by separately irradiating 14 sheets of Gafchromic(®) EBT films with the doses from 0.25 Gy to 8.0 Gy using HDR (192)Ir source. Standard vaginal cylinders of three diameters were used in the water phantom. Measurements were performed without any shields and with three shields combination. Gamma analyses were performed using the VeriSoft(®) package.

Results: Calibration curve was determined as third-degree polynomial type. For all used diameters of unshielded cylinder and for all shields combinations, Gamma analysis were performed and showed that over 90% of analyzed points meets Gamma criteria (3%, 3 mm).

Conclusions: Gamma analysis showed good agreement between dose distributions calculated using TPS and measured by Gafchromic films, thus showing the viability of using film dosimetry in brachytherapy.

Citing Articles

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Ni J, Gan G, Xu X J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2023; 24(9):e14118.

PMID: 37593834 PMC: 10476986. DOI: 10.1002/acm2.14118.

Advanced dose calculation algorithm in superficial brachytherapy - the impact of tissue inhomogeneity on treatment plan dosimetry.

Szlag M, Kellas-Sleczka S, Wojcieszek P, Stankiewicz M, Cholewka A, Pruefer A J Contemp Brachytherapy. 2021; 13(4):441-446.

PMID: 34484359 PMC: 8407266. DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2021.106541.

Quality Assurance Procedures based on Dosimetric, Gamma Analysis as a Fast Reliable Tool for Commissioning Brachytherapy Treatment Planning Systems.

Zwierzchowski G, Bieleda G, Skowronek J Radiol Oncol. 2018; 51(4):469-474.

PMID: 29333127 PMC: 5765325. DOI: 10.1515/raon-2017-0050.

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