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Kierkels RGJ, Hernandez V, Saez J, Angerud A, Hilgers GC, Surmann K, Schuring D, Minken AWH. Multileaf collimator characterization and modeling for a 1.5 T MR-linac using static synchronous and asynchronous sweeping gaps. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:075004. [PMID: 38412538 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad2d7d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Objective.The Elekta unity MR-linac delivers step-and-shoot intensity modulated radiotherapy plans using a multileaf collimator (MLC) based on the Agility MLC used on conventional Elekta linacs. Currently, details of the physical Unity MLC and the computational model within its treatment planning system (TPS)Monacoare lacking in published literature. Recently, a novel approach to characterize the physical properties of MLCs was introduced using dynamic synchronous and asynchronous sweeping gap (aSG) tests. Our objective was to develop a step-and-shoot version of the dynamic aSG test to characterize the Unity MLC and the computational MLC models in theMonacoandRayStationTPSs.Approach.Dynamic aSG were discretized into a step-and-shoot aSG by investigating the number of segments/sweep and the minimal number of monitor units (MU) per segment. The step-and-shoot aSG tests were compared to the dynamic aSG tests on a conventional linac at a source-to-detector distance of 143.5 cm, mimicking the Unity configuration. the step-and-shoot aSG tests were used to characterize the Unity MLC through measurements and dose calculations in both TPSs.Main results.The step-and-shoot aSGs tests with 100 segments and 5 MU/segment gave results very similar to the dynamic aSG experiments. The effective tongue-and-groove width of the Unity gradually increased up to 1.4 cm from the leaf tip end. The MLC models inRayStationandMonacoagreed with experimental data within 2.0% and 10%, respectively. The largest discrepancies inMonacowere found for aSG tests with >10 mm leaf interdigitation, which are non-typical for clinical plans.Significance.The step-and-shoot aSG tests accurately characterize the MLC in step-and-shoot delivery mode. The MLC model inRayStation2023B accurately describes the tongue-and-groove and leaf tip effects whereasMonacooverestimates the tongue-and-groove shadowing further away from the leaf tip end.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victor Hernandez
- Hospital Sant Joan de Reus, Department of Medical Physics, Reus, Spain
| | - Jordi Saez
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Department of Radiation Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
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Guo J, Zhu M, Zeng W, Wang H, Qin S, Li Z, Tang Y, Ying B, Sang J, Ji M, Meng K, Hui Z, Wang J, Zhou J, Zhou Y, Huan J. Multileaf Collimator Modeling and Commissioning for Complex Radiation Treatment Plans Using 2-Dimensional (2D) Diode Array MapCHECK2. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338231225864. [PMID: 38311933 PMCID: PMC10846010 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231225864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to develop a data-collecting package ExpressMLC and investigate the applicability of MapCHECK2 for multileaf collimator (MLC) modeling and commissioning for complex radiation treatment plans. Materials and methods: The MLC model incorporates realistic parameters to account for sophisticated MLC features. A set of 8 single-beam plans, denoted by ExpressMLC, is created for the determination of parameters. For the commissioning of the MLC model, 4 intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans specified by the AAPM TG 119 report were transferred to a computed tomography study of MapCHECK2, recalculated, and compared to measurements on a Varian accelerator. Both per-beam and composite-beam dose verification were conducted. Results: Through sufficient characterization of the MLC model, under 3%/2 mm and 2%/2 mm criteria, MapCHECK2 can be used to accurately verify per beam dose with gamma passing rate better than 90.9% and 89.3%, respectively, while the Gafchromic EBT3 films can achieve gamma passing rate better than 89.3% and 85.7%, respectively. Under the same criteria, MapCHECK2 can achieve composite beam dose verification with a gamma passing rate better than 95.9% and 90.3%, while the Gafchromic EBT3 films can achieve a gamma passing rate better than 96.1% and 91.8%; the p-value from the Mann Whitney test between gamma passing rates of the per beam dose verification using full MapCHECK2 package calibrated MLC model and film calibrated MLC model is .44 and .47, respectively; the p-value between those of the true composite beam dose verification is .62 and .36, respectively. Conclusion: It is confirmed that the 2-dimensional (2D) diode array MapCHECK2 can be used for data collection for MLC modeling with the combination of the ExpressMLC package of plans, whose doses are sufficient for the determination of MLC parameters. It could be a fitting alternative to films to boost the efficiency of MLC modeling and commissioning without sacrificing accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meng Zhu
- Qiusuo Health Technologies Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Weijin Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yihui Foundation Hospital, Shanwei, China
| | - He Wang
- Qiusuo Health Technologies Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Songbing Qin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhibin Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Tang
- Qiusuo Health Technologies Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Binbin Ying
- Department of Stomatology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiugao Sang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rudong County Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Ming Ji
- Qiusuo Health Technologies Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Kuo Meng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhouguang Hui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Juying Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yin Zhou
- Homology Medical Technologies Inc., Ningbo, China
| | - Jian Huan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou, China
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Hussein M, Angerud A, Saez J, Bogaert E, Lemire M, Barry M, Silvestre Patallo I, Shipley D, Clark CH, Hernandez V. Improving the modelling of a multi-leaf collimator with tilted leaf sides used in radiotherapy. Phys Imaging Radiat Oncol 2024; 29:100543. [PMID: 38390588 PMCID: PMC10881418 DOI: 10.1016/j.phro.2024.100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Multi-leaf collimators (MLCs) with tilted leaf sides have a complex transmission behaviour that is not easily matched by radiotherapy treatment planning systems (TPSs). We sought to develop an MLC model that can accurately match test fields and clinically relevant plans at different centres. Materials and methods Two new MLC models were developed and evaluated within a research version of a commercial TPS. Prototype I used adjusted-constant transmissions and Prototype II used variable transmissions at the tongue-and-groove and leaf-tip regions. Three different centres evaluated these prototypes for a tilted MLC and compared them with their initial MLC model using test fields and patient-specific quality-assurance measurements of clinically relevant plans. For the latter, gamma passing rates (GPR) at 2 %/2mm were recorded. Results For the prototypes the same set of MLC parameters could be used at all centres, with only a slight adjustment of the offset parameter. For centres A and C, average GPR were >95 % and within 0.5 % GPR difference between the standard, and prototype models. In center B, prototypes I and II improved the agreement in clinically relevant plans, with an increase in GPR of 2.3 % ± 0.8 % and 3.0 ± 0.8 %, respectively. Conclusions The prototype MLC models were either similar or superior to the initial MLC model, and simpler to configure because fewer trade-offs were required. Prototype I performed comparably to the more sophisticated Prototype II and its configuration can be easily standardized, which can be useful to reduce variability and improve safety in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hussein
- Metrology for Medical Physics Centre, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
| | | | - Jordi Saez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Evelien Bogaert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| | | | - Miriam Barry
- Metrology for Medical Physics Centre, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
| | | | - David Shipley
- Metrology for Medical Physics Centre, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
| | - Catharine H Clark
- Metrology for Medical Physics Centre, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
- Medical Physics, University College London Hospital, London, UK
- Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Victor Hernandez
- Department of Medical Physics, Hospital Sant Joan de Reus, IISPV, Tarragona, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
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Thewes L, Eckl M, Schneider F. Transmission probability filter optimization for Agility MLC in Monaco treatment planning system. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2023; 24:e14105. [PMID: 37494135 PMCID: PMC10476981 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.14105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the Monte Carlo-based treatment planning system (TPS) Monaco, transmission probability filters (TPF) are utilized to describe the transmission through the multi leaf collimator (MLC). By having knowledge of the TPF parameters for various photon beam energies, adjusting the MLC transmission parameters becomes easier, enhancing the accuracy of the Monte Carlo algorithm in achieving a dose distribution that closely aligns with the irradiated dose at the Versa HD linear accelerator (linac). The objective of this study was to determine the TPF parameters for 6MV, 10MV, 6MV flattening filter free (FFF) and 10MV FFF for a Versa HD linac equipped with Agility MLC. The TPF parameters were adjusted using point dose measurements and vendor-provided fields specifically designed to fine-tune the MLC. After adjusting the TPF parameters, a gamma passing rate (GPR) analysis was conducted on 25 treatment plans to ensure that the Monte Carlo model, with the updated TPF parameters, accurately matched the actual linac delivery. The TPF values ranged from 0.0018 to 0.0032 for leaf transmission and 1.15 to 1.25 for Leaf Tip leakage across the different energies. The average GPR ranged from 97.8% for 10MV FFF to 98.5% for 6MV photon energies. Additionally, the TPF parameters for 6MV obtained in this study were consistent with previously published TPF values for 6MV photon energy. Hence, it was concluded that optimizing the TPF does not need to be performed for every individual Versa HD linac with Agility MLC. Instead, the published parameters can be applied to other Versa HD linacs to enhance clinical accuracy. In conclusion, this study determined the TPF parameters for 6MV and previously unpublished photon energies 10MV, 6MV FFF and 10MV FFF. These parameters can be easily transferred to other facilities, resulting in improved agreement between the dose distribution from the TPS and the linac.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Thewes
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity Medical Centre MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | - Miriam Eckl
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity Medical Centre MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | - Frank Schneider
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity Medical Centre MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
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Saez J, Bar-Deroma R, Bogaert E, Cayez R, Chow T, Clark CH, Esposito M, Feygelman V, Monti AF, Garcia-Miguel J, Gershkevitsh E, Goossens J, Herrero C, Hussein M, Khamphan C, Kierkels RGJ, Lechner W, Lemire M, Nevelsky A, Nguyen D, Paganini L, Pasler M, Fernando Pérez Azorín J, Ramos Garcia LI, Russo S, Shakeshaft J, Vieillevigne L, Hernandez V. Universal evaluation of MLC models in treatment planning systems based on a common set of dynamic tests. Radiother Oncol 2023; 186:109775. [PMID: 37385376 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To demonstrate the feasibility of characterising MLCs and MLC models implemented in TPSs using a common set of dynamic beams. MATERIALS AND METHODS A set of tests containing synchronous (SG) and asynchronous sweeping gaps (aSG) was distributed among twenty-five participating centres. Doses were measured with a Farmer-type ion chamber and computed in TPSs, which provided a dosimetric characterisation of the leaf tip, tongue-and-groove, and MLC transmission of each MLC, as well as an assessment of the MLC model in each TPS. Five MLC types and four TPSs were evaluated, covering the most frequent combinations used in radiotherapy departments. RESULTS Measured differences within each MLC type were minimal, while large differences were found between MLC models implemented in clinical TPSs. This resulted in some concerning discrepancies, especially for the HD120 and Agility MLCs, for which differences between measured and calculated doses for some MLC-TPS combinations exceeded 10%. These large differences were particularly evident for small gap sizes (5 and 10 mm), as well as for larger gaps in the presence of tongue-and-groove effects. A much better agreement was found for the Millennium120 and Halcyon MLCs, differences being within ± 5% and ± 2.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The feasibility of using a common set of tests to assess MLC models in TPSs was demonstrated. Measurements within MLC types were very similar, but TPS dose calculations showed large variations. Standardisation of the MLC configuration in TPSs is necessary. The proposed procedure can be readily applied in radiotherapy departments and can be a valuable tool in IMRT and credentialing audits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Saez
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Department of Radiation Oncology, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Raquel Bar-Deroma
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Department of Radiotherapy, Division of Oncology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Evelien Bogaert
- Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Romain Cayez
- Oscar Lambret Center, Department of Medical Physics, Lille, France
| | - Tom Chow
- Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre at Hamilton Health Sciences, Department of Medical Physics, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catharine H Clark
- National Physical Laboratory, Metrology for Medical Physics Centre, London TW11 0PX, UK; Radiotherapy Physics, University College London Hospital, 250 Euston Rd, London NW1 2PG, UK; Dept Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, Malet Place, London WC1 6BT, UK
| | - Marco Esposito
- AUSL Toscana Centro, Medical Physics Unit, Florence, Italy; The Abdus Salam International Center for Theoretical, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Angelo F Monti
- ASST GOM Niguarda, Department of Medical Physics, Milano, Italy
| | - Julia Garcia-Miguel
- Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Department of Radiation Oncology, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Eduard Gershkevitsh
- North Estonia Medical Centre, Department of Medical Physics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jo Goossens
- Iridium Netwerk, Department of Medical Physics, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carmen Herrero
- Centro Médico de Asturias-IMOMA, Department of Medical Physics, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mohammad Hussein
- National Physical Laboratory, Metrology for Medical Physics Centre, London TW11 0PX, UK
| | - Catherine Khamphan
- Institut du Cancer - Avignon Provence, Department of Medical Physics, Avignon, France
| | - Roel G J Kierkels
- Radiotherapiegroep, Department of Medical Physics, Arnhem/Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Lechner
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiation Oncology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthieu Lemire
- CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Service de Radio-Physique, Montréal, Canada
| | - Alexander Nevelsky
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Department of Radiotherapy, Division of Oncology, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Lucia Paganini
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery Department, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Marlies Pasler
- Lake Constance Radiation Oncology Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Singen, Friedrichshafen, Germany; Radiotherapy Hirslanden, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - José Fernando Pérez Azorín
- Medical Physics and Radiation Protection Department, Gurutzeta-Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain; Biocruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | | | - John Shakeshaft
- Gold Coast University Hospital, ICON Cancer Centre, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Laure Vieillevigne
- Institut Claudius Regaud-Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse, Department of Medical Physics, Toulouse, France
| | - Victor Hernandez
- Hospital Sant Joan de Reus, Department of Medical Physics, Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
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Hernandez V, Angerud A, Bogaert E, Hussein M, Lemire M, García-Miguel J, Saez J. Challenges in modeling the Agility multileaf collimator in treatment planning systems and current needs for improvement. Med Phys 2022; 49:7404-7416. [PMID: 36217283 PMCID: PMC10092639 DOI: 10.1002/mp.16016] [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] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Agility multileaf collimator (MLC) mounted in Elekta linear accelerators features some unique design characteristics, such as large leaf thickness, eccentric curvature at the leaf tip, and defocused leaf sides ('tilting'). These characteristics offer several advantages but modeling them in treatment planning systems (TPSs) is challenging. PURPOSE The goals of this study were to investigate the challenges faced when modeling the Agility in two commercial TPSs (Monaco and RayStation) and to explore how the implemented MLC models could be improved in the future. METHODS Four linear accelerators equipped with the Agility, located at different centers, were used for the study. Three centers use the RayStation TPS and the other one uses Monaco. For comparison purposes, data from four Varian linear accelerators with the Millennium 120 MLC were also included. Average doses measured with asynchronous sweeping gap tests were used to characterize and compare the characteristics of the Millennium and the Agility MLCs and to assess the MLC model in the TPSs. The FOURL test included in the ExpressQA package, provided by Elekta, was also used to evaluate the tongue-and-groove with radiochromic films. Finally, raytracing was used to investigate the impact of the MLC geometry and to understand the results obtained for each MLC. RESULTS The geometry of the Agility produces dosimetric effects associated with the rounded leaf end up to a distance 20 mm away from the leaf tip end measured at the isocenter plane. This affects the tongue-and-groove shadowing, which progressively increases along the distance to the tip end. The RayStation and Monaco TPSs did not account for this effect, which made trade-offs in the MLC parameters necessary and greatly varied the final MLC parameters used by different centers. Raytracing showed that these challenging leaf tip effects were directly related to the MLC geometry and that the characteristics mainly responsible for the large leaf tip effects of the Agility were its tilting design and its small source-to-collimator distance. CONCLUSIONS The MLC models implemented in RayStation and Monaco could not accurately reproduce the leaf tip effects for the Agility. Therefore, trade-offs are needed and the optimal MLC parameters are dependent on the specific characteristics of treatment plans. Refining the MLC models for the Agility to better approximate the measured leaf tip and tongue-and-groove effects would extend the validity of the MLC model, reduce the variability in the MLC parameters used by the community, and facilitate the standardization of the MLC configuration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Hernandez
- Department of Medical Physics, Hospital Sant Joan de Reus, IISPV, Tarragona, Spain.,Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Tarragona, Spain
| | - A Angerud
- RaySearch Laboratories AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E Bogaert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Hussein
- Metrology for Medical Physics Centre, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
| | - M Lemire
- Department of Medical Physics, CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - J García-Miguel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Saez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Prentou G, Pappas EP, Prentou E, Yakoumakis N, Paraskevopoulou C, Koutsouveli E, Pantelis E, Papagiannis P, Karaiskos P. Impact of systematic MLC positional uncertainties on the quality of single-isocenter multi-target VMAT-SRS treatment plans. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2022; 23:e13708. [PMID: 35733367 PMCID: PMC9359048 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.13708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study the impact of systematic MLC leaf positional uncertainties (stemming from mechanical inaccuracies or sub‐optimal MLC modeling) on the quality of intracranial single‐isocenter multi‐target VMAT‐SRS treatment plans. An estimation of appropriate tolerance levels is attempted. Methods Five patients, with three to four metastases and at least one target lying in close proximity to organs‐at‐risk (OARs) were included in this study. A single‐isocenter multi‐arc VMAT plan per patient was prepared, which served as the reference for dosimetric impact evaluation. A range of leaf offsets was introduced (±0.03 mm up to ±0.30 mm defined at the MLC plane) to both leaf banks, by varying the leaf offset MLC modeling parameter in Monaco for all the prepared plans, in order to simulate projected leaf offsets of ±0.09 mm up to ±0.94 mm at the isocenter plane, respectively. For all offsets simulated and cases studied, dose distributions were re‐calculated and compared with the corresponding reference ones. An experimental dosimetric procedure using the SRS mapCHECK diode array was also performed to support the simulation study results and investigate its suitability to detect small systematic leaf positional errors. Results Projected leaf offsets of ±0.09 mm were well‐tolerated with respect to both target dosimetry and OAR‐sparing. A linear relationship was found between D95% percentage change and projected leaf offset (slope: 12%/mm). Impact of projected offset on target dosimetry was strongly associated with target volume. In two cases, plans that could be considered potentially clinically unacceptable (i.e., clinical dose constraint violation) were obtained even for projected offsets as small as 0.19 mm. The performed experimental dosimetry check can detect potential small systematic leaf errors. Conclusions Plan quality indices and dose–volume metrics are very sensitive to systematic sub‐millimeter leaf positional inaccuracies, projected at the isocenter plane. Acceptable and tolerance levels in systematic MLC uncertainties need to be tailored to VMAT‐SRS spatial and dosimetric accuracy requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Prentou
- Medical Physics Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftherios P Pappas
- Medical Physics Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Prentou
- Medical Physics Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Evaggelos Pantelis
- Medical Physics Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Papagiannis
- Medical Physics Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pantelis Karaiskos
- Medical Physics Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Saez J, Hernandez V, Goossens J, De Kerf G, Verellen D. A novel procedure for determining the optimal MLC configuration parameters in treatment planning systems based on measurements with a Farmer chamber. Phys Med Biol 2020; 65:155006. [PMID: 32330917 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ab8cd5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Modelling of the multi-leaf collimator (MLC) in treatment planning systems (TPS) is crucial for the dose calculation accuracy of intensity-modulated radiation therapy plans. However, no standardised methodology for their configuration exists to date. In this study we present a method that separates the effect of each dosimetric characteristic of the MLC, offering comprehensive equations for the determination of the configuration parameters used in the TPS model. The main advantage of the method is that it only requires prior knowledge of the nominal leaf width and is based on doses measured with a Farmer chamber, which is a very well established and robust methodology. Another significant advantage is the required time, since measuring the tests takes only about 30 minutes per energy. Firstly, we provide a theoretical general formalism in terms of the primary fluence constructed from the transmission map obtained from an MLC model for synchronous and asynchronous sweeping beams. Secondly, we apply the formalism to the RayStation TPS as a proof of concept and we derive analytical expressions that allow the determination of the configuration parameters (leaf tip width, tongue-and-groove width, x-position offset and MLC transmission) and describe how they intertwine. Finally, we apply the method to Varian's Millennium120 and HD120 MLCs in a TrueBeam linear accelerator for different energies and determine the optimal configuration parameters. The proposed procedure is much faster and streamlined than the typical trial-and-error methods and increases the accuracy of dose calculation in clinical plans. Additionally, the procedure can be useful for standardising the MLC configuration process and it exposes the limitations of the implemented MLC model, providing guidance for further improvement of these models in TPSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Saez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain. The first two authors contributed equally to this work
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Detailed evaluation of Mobius3D dose calculation accuracy for volumetric-modulated arc therapy. Phys Med 2020; 74:125-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Gholampourkashi S, Cygler JE, Belec J, Vujicic M, Heath E. Monte Carlo and analytic modeling of an Elekta Infinity linac with Agility MLC: Investigating the significance of accurate model parameters for small radiation fields. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2018; 20:55-67. [PMID: 30408308 PMCID: PMC6333188 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explain the deviation observed between measured and Monaco calculated dose profiles for a small field (i.e., alternating open-closed MLC pattern). A Monte Carlo (MC) model of an Elekta Infinity linac with Agility MLC was created and validated against measurements. In addition, an analytic model which predicts the fluence at the isocenter plane was used to study the impact of multiple beam parameters on the accuracy of dose calculations for small fields. METHODS A detailed MC model of a 6 MV Elekta Infinity linac with Agility MLC was created in EGSnrc/BEAMnrc and validated against measurements. An analytic model using primary and secondary virtual photon sources was created and benchmarked against the MC simulations and the impact of multiple beam parameters on the accuracy of the model for a small field was investigated. Both models were used to explain discrepancies observed between measured/EGSnrc simulated and Monaco calculated dose profiles for alternating open-closed MLC leaves. RESULTS MC-simulated dose profiles (PDDs, cross- and in-line profiles, etc.) were found to be in very good agreements with measurements. The best fit for the leaf bank rotation was found to be 9 mrad to model the defocusing of Agility MLC. Moreover, a very good agreement was observed between results from the analytic model and MC simulations for a small field. Modifying the radial size of the incident electron beam in the BEAMnrc model improved the agreement between Monaco and EGSnrc calculated dose profiles by approximately 16% and 30% in the position of maxima and minima, respectively. CONCLUSION Accurate modeling of the full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) of the primary photon source as well as the MLC leaf design (leaf bank rotation, etc.) is essential for accurate calculations of dose delivered by small radiation fields when using virtual source or MC models of the beam.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna E. Cygler
- Department of PhysicsCarleton UniversityOttawaONCanada
- Department of Medical PhysicsThe Ottawa Hospital Cancer CentreOttawaONCanada
| | - Jason Belec
- Department of Medical PhysicsThe Ottawa Hospital Cancer CentreOttawaONCanada
| | - Miro Vujicic
- Department of Medical PhysicsThe Ottawa Hospital Cancer CentreOttawaONCanada
| | - Emily Heath
- Carleton Laboratory for Radiotherapy PhysicsCarleton UniversityOttawaONCanada
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Roche M, Crane R, Powers M, Crabtree T. Agility MLC transmission optimization in the Monaco treatment planning system. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2018; 19:473-482. [PMID: 29959822 PMCID: PMC6123174 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.12399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The Monaco Monte Carlo treatment planning system uses three-beam model components to achieve accuracy in dose calculation. These components include a virtual source model (VSM), transmission probability filters (TPFs), and an x-ray voxel Monte Carlo (XVMC) engine to calculate the dose in the patient. The aim of this study was to assess the TPF component of the Monaco TPS and optimize the TPF parameters using measurements from an Elekta linear accelerator with an Agility™ multileaf collimator (MLC). The optimization began with all TPF parameters set to their default value. The function of each TPF parameter was characterized and a value was selected that best replicated measurements with the Agility™ MLC. Both vendor provided fields and a set of additional test fields were used to create a rigorous systematic process, which can be used to optimize the TPF parameters. It was found that adjustment of the TPF parameters based on this process resulted in improved point dose measurements and improved 3D gamma analysis pass rates with Octavius 4D. All plans calculated with the optimized beam model had a gamma pass rate of > 95% using criteria of 2% global dose/2 mm distance-to-agreement, while some plans calculated with the default beam model had pass rates as low as 88.4%. For measured point doses, the improvement was particularly noticeable in the low-dose regions of the clinical plans. In these regions, the average difference from the planned dose reduced from 4.4 ± 4.5% to 0.9 ± 2.7% with a coverage factor (k = 2) using the optimized beam model. A step-by-step optimization guide is provided at the end of this study to assist in the optimization of the TPF parameters in the Monaco TPS. Although it is possible to achieve good clinical results by randomly selecting TPF parameter values, it is recommended that the optimization process outlined in this study is followed so that the transmission through the TPF is characterized appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Roche
- The Department of Medical Physics, The Townsville Cancer Centre, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert Crane
- The Department of Medical Physics, The Townsville Cancer Centre, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marcus Powers
- The Department of Medical Physics, The Townsville Cancer Centre, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
| | - Timothy Crabtree
- The Department of Medical Physics, The Townsville Cancer Centre, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
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