Publications by authors named "Chad A Dexter"
Purpose: In this study, a C-series linear accelerator was configured to enable rapid and reliable conversion between the production of conventional electron beams and an ultrahigh-dose-rate (UHDR) electron beamline to the treatment room isocenter for FLASH radiation therapy. Efforts to tune the beam resulted in a consistent, stable UHDR beamline.
Methods And Materials: The linear accelerator was configured to allow for efficient switching between conventional and modified electron output modes within 2 minutes.
Purpose: The use of a linear accelerator (LINAC) in ultrahigh-dose-rate (UHDR) mode can provide a conduit for wider access to UHDR FLASH effects, sparing normal tissue, but care needs to be taken in the use of such systems to ensure errors are minimized. The failure mode and effects analysis was carried out in a team that has been involved in converting a LINAC between clinical use and UHDR experimental mode for more than 1 year after the proposed methods of TG100.
Methods And Materials: A team of 9 professionals with extensive experience were polled to outline the process map and workflow for analysis, and developed fault trees for potential errors, as well as failure modes that would result.
Purpose: In this study, procedures were developed to achieve efficient reversible conversion of a clinical linear accelerator (LINAC) and deliver ultrahigh-dose-rate (UHDR) electron or conventional beams to the treatment room isocenter for FLASH radiation therapy.
Methods And Materials: The LINAC was converted to deliver UHDR beam within 20 minutes by retracting the x-ray target from the beam's path, positioning the carousel on an empty port, and selecting 10 MV photon beam energy in the treatment console. Dose rate surface and depth dose profiles were measured in solid water phantom at different field sizes with Gafchromic film and an optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter (OSLD).