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Comparison of CCC and ETAR dose calculation algorithms in pituitary adenoma radiation treatment planning; Monte Carlo evaluation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 May 2014

K. Tanha ,
S. R. Mahdavi  and
G. Geraily
K. Tanha
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Physics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
S. R. Mahdavi*
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Physics, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
G. Geraily
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Physics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
*
Correspondence to: Seied Rabi Mahdavi, Crossing of Hemmat and Chamran Pkwy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Tel: +982188622647. E-mail: srmahdavi@hotmail.com
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Abstract

Aims

To verify the accuracy of two common absorbed dose calculation algorithms in comparison to Monte Carlo (MC) simulation for the planning of the pituitary adenoma radiation treatment.

Materials and methods

After validation of Linac's head modelling by MC in water phantom, it was verified in Rando phantom as a heterogeneous medium for pituitary gland irradiation. Then, equivalent tissue-air ratio (ETAR) and collapsed cone convolution (CCC) algorithms were compared for a conventional three small non-coplanar field technique. This technique uses 30 degree physical wedge and 18 MV photon beams.

Results

Dose distribution findings showed significant difference between ETAR and CCC of delivered dose in pituitary irradiation. The differences between MC and dose calculation algorithms were 6.40 ± 3.44% for CCC and 10.36 ± 4.37% for ETAR. None of the algorithms could predict actual dose in air cavity areas in comparison to the MC method.

Conclusions

Difference between calculation and true dose value affects radiation treatment outcome and normal tissue complication probability. It is of prime concern to select appropriate treatment planning system according to our clinical situation. It is further emphasised that MC can be the method of choice for clinical dose calculation algorithms verification.

Keywords

CCCdose calculation algorithmETARMonte Carlo simulationtreatment planning system
Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 13 , Issue 4 , December 2014 , pp. 447 - 455
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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