Dosimetric verification of modulated photon fields by means of compensators for a kernel model

Radiother Oncol. 2002 Jan;62(1):87-93. doi: 10.1016/s0167-8140(01)00433-9.

Abstract

The approach in treatment planning of applying beam quality correction factors to model compensator-induced depth-hardening effects is investigated and the present work comprises a dosimetric verification of the model for a common compensator material. Lead sheet modulators for four different phantom shapes were designed using a treatment planning system based on the model. The modulators were designed to yield homogeneous dose in a plane. The calculated modulation created by the lead sheets was re-imported into the treatment planning system and applied to a water phantom geometry for verification purposes. Comparing measurements, a total of 31 different geometries were measured, with calculations in this geometry showing good agreement for depth doses, dose profiles and output data with a maximum deviation of 4% except locally in the penumbra region and close to the edges of the cut lead sheets.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Biophysics
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Photons / therapeutic use*
  • Radiometry
  • Radiotherapy Dosage*
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted*
  • Radiotherapy, High-Energy
  • Scattering, Radiation