Commissioning of a reference beam model-based Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm for cranial stereotactic radiosurgery
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: In treatment planning system (TPS) commissioning for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), the required measurements and precision necessary to generate an accurate beam model make the process taxing and time-consuming. Recently, Brainlab AG released reference beam models available for use with the Elements TPS. In this work, we detail our implementation of reference beam model-based Monte Carlo dose calculations for our Elements 4.0 TPS. METHODS: Depth dose, output factor, and beam profile measurements were used to select a reference beam model. 9 treatment plans encompassing the range of clinical use cases were created. Patient QA measurements were performed using a high-resolution detector array. Dose distributions were mapped to the QA array using the reference beam model with 1-2 mm grid resolution. Independent MU verifications were performed for each test plan. An end-to-end test was performed for final verification of system performance and data integrity. RESULTS: Acceptable agreement was demonstrated between measured data and the reference beam model. All QA gamma pass rates exceeded 95 %. Measured peak dose differences were over 5 % for targets with diameter <7 mm when using a 1.0 mm Monte Carlo grid resolution. 1 of the 46 tested arcs had over a 5 % difference between MU verification and the TPS-calculated MU. End-to-end testing verified system performance. CONCLUSION: Validation testing demonstrated good agreement between the reference beam dataset and machine performance for targets with diameters ≥7 mm. The use of a reference beam model may significantly reduce measurement burden while mitigating potential failure modes associated with TPS commissioning.
Source: Physica Medica
Authors: Yohan A. Walter, Anne N. Hubbard, Philip F. Durham, William E. Burrell, Chiachien J. Wang, Hsinshun T. Wu
Institutions: Willis-Knighton Cancer Center, University of Jamestown
Language: English
Subfield: Radiation
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,780
OpenAlex ID: W4409411741