Monte Carlo investigation of electron fluence perturbation in MRI-guided radiotherapy beams using six commercial radiation detectors.

With the integration of treatments with MRI-linacs to the clinical workflow, the understanding and characterization of detector response in reference dosimetry in magnetic fields are required. The external magnetic field perturbs the electron fluence. The degree of perturbation depends on the irradiation conditions and on the detector type.

Monte Carlo calculation of detector perturbation and quality correction factors in a 1.5 T magnetic resonance guided radiation therapy small photon beams.

With future advances in magnetic resonance imaging-guided radiation therapy, small photon beams are expected to be included regularly in clinical treatments. This study provides physical insights on detector dose-response to multiple megavoltage photon beam sizes coupled to magnetic fields and determines optimal orientations for measurements.Monte Carlo simulations determine small-cavity detector (solid-state: PTW60012 and PTW60019, ionization chambers: PTW31010, PTW31021, and PTW31022) dose-responses in water to an Elekta Unity 7 MV FFF photon beam.

Traceable reference dosimetry in MRI guided radiotherapy using alanine: calibration and magnetic field correction factors of ionisation chambers.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided radiotherapy (RT) (MRIgRT) falls outside the scope of existing high energy photon therapy dosimetry protocols, because those protocols do not consider the effects of the magnetic field on detector response and on absorbed dose to water. The aim of this study is to evaluate and demonstrate the traceable measurement of absorbed dose in MRIgRT systems using alanine, made possible by the characterisation of alanine sensitivity to magnetic fields reported previously by Billas(2020115001), in a way which is compatible with existing standards and calibrations available for conventional RT. In this study, alanine is used to transfer absorbed dose to water to MRIgRT systems from a conventional linac.

Eigencolor radiochromic film dosimetry.

Purpose: The goal of this work is to propose a new multichannel method correcting for systematic thickness disturbances and to evaluate its precision in relevant radiation dosimetry applications.

Methods: The eigencolor ratio technique is introduced and theoretically developed to provide a method correcting for thickness disturbances. The method is applied to EBT3 Gafchromic film irradiated with cobalt-60 and 6 MV photon beams and digitized with an Epson 10000XL photo scanner.

Small-cavity chamber dose response in megavoltage photon beams coupled to magnetic fields.

In MRgRT, dosimetry measurements are performed in the presence of magnetic fields. For high-resolution measurements, small-cavity ionization chambers are required. While Monte Carlo simulations are essential to determine dosimetry correction factors, models of small-chambers require careful validation with experimental measurements.

Reference dosimetry in MRI-linacs: evaluation of available protocols and data to establish a Code of Practice.

With the rapid increase in clinical treatments with MRI-linacs, a consistent, harmonized and sustainable ground for reference dosimetry in MRI-linacs is needed. Specific for reference dosimetry in MRI-linacs is the presence of a strong magnetic field. Therefore, existing Code of Practices (CoPs) are inadequate.

IPEM code of practice for high-energy photon therapy dosimetry based on the NPL absorbed dose calibration service.

The 1990 code of practice (COP), produced by the IPSM (now the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, IPEM) and the UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL), gave instructions for determining absorbed dose to water for megavoltage photon (MV) radiotherapy beams (Lillicrap et al 1990). The simplicity and clarity of the 1990 COP led to widespread uptake and high levels of consistency in external dosimetry audits. An addendum was published in 2014 to include the non-conventional conditions in Tomotherapy units.

Alanine dosimetry in strong magnetic fields: use as a transfer standard in MRI-guided radiotherapy.

Reference dosimetry in the presence of a strong magnetic field is challenging. Ionisation chambers have shown to be strongly affected by magnetic fields. There is a need for robust and stable detectors in MRI-guided radiotherapy (MRIgRT).

The effect of magnetic field strength on the response of Gafchromic EBT-3 film.

With the advent of MRI-guided radiotherapy, the suitability of commercially available radiation dose detectors needs to be assessed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the magnetic field (B-field) on the response of the Gafchromic EBT-3 films. Moreover, as an independent study, we contribute to clarifying the inconsistency of the results of recent published studies, on the effect of B-field on the sensitivity of Gafchromic films.

Investigating the effect of a magnetic field on dose distributions at phantom-air interfaces using PRESAGE 3D dosimeter and Monte Carlo simulations.

Dosimetric quality assurance (QA) of the new Elekta Unity (MR-linac) will differ from the QA performed of a conventional linac due to the constant magnetic field, which creates an electron return effect (ERE). In this work we aim to validate PRESAGE dosimetry in a transverse magnetic field, and assess its use to validate the research version of the Monaco TPS of the MR-linac. Cylindrical samples of PRESAGE 3D dosimeter separated by an air gap were irradiated with a cobalt-60 unit, while placed between the poles of an electromagnet at 0.

IPEM topical report 1: guidance on implementing flattening filter free (FFF) radiotherapy.

Flattening filter free (FFF) beams are now commonly available with new standard linear accelerators. These beams have recognised clinical advantages in certain circumstances, most notably the reduced beam-on times for high dose per fraction stereotactic treatments. Therefore FFF techniques are quickly being introduced into clinical use.

Detector dose response in megavoltage small photon beams. II. Pencil beam perturbation effects.

Purpose: To quantify detector perturbation effects in megavoltage small photon fields and support the theoretical explanation on the nature of quality correction factors in these conditions.

Methods: In this second paper, a modern approach to radiation dosimetry is defined for any detector and applied to small photon fields. Fano's theorem is adapted in the form of a cavity theory and applied in the context of nonstandard beams to express four main effects in the form of perturbation factors.

Detector dose response in megavoltage small photon beams. I. Theoretical concepts.

Purpose: To explain the reasons for significant quality correction factors in megavoltage small photon fields and clarify the underlying concepts relevant to dosimetry under such conditions.

Methods: The validity of cavity theory and the requirement of charged particle equilibrium (CPE) are addressed from a theoretical point of view in the context of nonstandard beams. Perturbation effects are described into four main subeffects, explaining their nature and pointing out their relative importance in small photon fields.

Reference dosimetry in the presence of magnetic fields: conditions to validate Monte Carlo simulations.

With the advent of MRI-guided radiotherapy, reference dosimetry must be thoroughly addressed to account for the effects of the magnetic field on absorbed dose to water and on detector dose response. While Monte Carlo plays an essential role in reference dosimetry, it is also crucial for determining quality correction factors in these new conditions. The Fano cavity test is recognized as fundamental to validate Monte Carlo transport algorithms.

A simple approach for EPID dosimetric calibration to overcome the effect of image-lag and ghosting.

EPID dosimetry has known drawbacks. The main issue is that a measurable residual signal is observed after the end of irradiation for prolonged periods of time, thus making measurement difficult. We present a detailed analysis of EPID response and suggest a simple, yet accurate approach for calibration that avoids the complexity of incorporating ghosting and image-lag using the maximum integrated signal instead of the total integrated signal.

A small-body portable graphite calorimeter for dosimetry in low-energy clinical proton beams.

Calorimetry has been recommended and performed in proton beams for some time, but never has graphite calorimetry been used as a reference dosimeter in clinical proton beams. Furthermore, only a few calorimetry measurements have been reported in ocular proton beams. In this paper we describe the construction and performance of a small-body portable graphite calorimeter for clinical low-energy proton beams.