Experimental determination of the "collimator monitoring fill factor" and its relation to the error detection capabilities of various 2D-arrays

[Impact of multi-leaf collimator positioning accuracy on quality control of volumetric modulation arc therapy plan for cervical cancer treated with Elekta linear accelerator]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of positioning accuracy of the multi-leaf collimators (MLC) on the passing rate of the plan dose verification for volumetric modulation arc therapy (VMAT) of cervical cancer using an Elekta linear accelerator.

METHODS

The dose distributions were measured using Sun Nuclear's Mapcheck and Arccheck semiconductors matrix before and after MLC calibration in30 cervical cancer patients undergoing VMAT. Dosimetric comparisons were performed with 2D and 3D gamma passing rates of 3%, 3 mm and 2%, and 2 mm. The 3D gamma distribution was reconstructed with respect to the patient's anatomy using 3DVH software to evaluate the possible influence of MLC positioning accuracy.

RESULTS

Before and after MLC calibration, the gamma passing rates of Mapcheck were (88.80±1.81)% and (99.25 ± 0.53)% under 3% and 3 mm standard, respectively, with an average increase of 10.45%. The corresponding gamma passing rates of Arccheck were (87.61±1.98)% and (98.13±0.99)%, respectively, with an average increase of 10.52%. The gamma passing rates of 3DVH were (89.87±2.28)% and (98.3±1.15)%, respectively, with an average increase of 8.43%.

CONCLUSION

The MLC positioning accuracy is one of the main factors influencing dosimetric accuracy of VMAT for cervical cancer. The application of Autocal software facilitates MLC calibration and improves the accuracy and safety of VMAT delivery for cervical cancer.

Dosimetric Evaluation of the QFix kVueTM Calypso Couch Top

PURPOSE

To evaluate the dosimetric accuracy of the default couch model of the QFix kVueTM Calypso couch top in the treatment planning system.

METHODS

With the gantry 180°, field size 20 × 20 cm, 6 MV, we measured the depth dose, off-axis dose, and dose plane of different depths in the phantom with the couch rails in and out, respectively. Isocenter doses at different angles were also obtained. The results were compared to the doses calculated using the default couch top model and the real scanned couch top model. Then we revised the default model according to the measured results.

RESULTS

With "Rails In," the depth dose, off-axis dose, and dose plane of the default couch top model had a big difference with the dose of the real scanned couch top model and the measured result. The dose of the real scanned couch top model was much closer to the measured result, but in the region of the rail edge, the difference was still significant. With "Rails Out," there was a minor difference between the measured result, the dose of the default couch top model and the real scanned couch top model. The difference between the measurement and the default couch top model became very small after being revised.

CONCLUSIONS

It is better to avoid the beam angle passing through the couch rails in treatment plans, or you should revise the parameter of the QFix kVueTM Calypso couch top model based on the measured results, and verify the treatment plan before clinical practice.