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Scattered radiation from applicators in clinical electron beams
L J van Battum1, W van der Zee, H Huizenga
1Erasmus MC-Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Department of Radiotherapy, Subdivision Clinical Physics, PO Box 5201, 3008 AE Rotterdam, The Netherlands. l.vanbattum@erasmusmc.nl
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|September 5, 2003
Summary
Scattered radiation from electron applicators in radiotherapy is significant, impacting dose distribution. This study measured applicator scatter, finding it can reach 12% at the surface and decreases with depth, necessitating its inclusion in treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
- Radiotherapy Physics
Background:
- Scattered radiation from electron applicators affects dose distribution in radiotherapy.
- Current treatment planning systems often neglect this scattered component.
- Applicator design and beam formation influence scatter levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the level of scattered radiation from electron applicators.
- To provide measured data for advanced treatment planning algorithms.
- To compare scatter from different accelerator manufacturers (Siemens, Varian, Elekta).
Main Methods:
- Measured central axis depth dose curves with and without applicators on Siemens, Varian, and Elekta accelerators.
- Determined scattered radiation by subtracting depth dose curves.
- Utilized BEAM Monte Carlo code for simulation validation.
Main Results:
- Applicator scatter is significant (up to 12% at surface) and decreases linearly with depth.
- Scatter levels vary between manufacturers; Elekta shows less scatter but higher angular variance.
- Experimental results align with Monte Carlo simulations.
Conclusions:
- Scattered radiation from electron applicators cannot be neglected in advanced radiotherapy planning.
- Measured data can serve as benchmark for treatment planning algorithm development.
- Understanding applicator scatter is crucial for accurate dose delivery.
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