A graphical user interface for an electron monitor unit calculator using a sector-integration algorithm and...

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiotherapy Physics
• Computational Dosimetry

Background:

• Accurate calculation of monitor units (MU) is crucial for precise electron radiotherapy.
• Existing methods for electron MU calculation may have limitations with irregular fields.
• A need exists for a user-friendly and accurate computational tool for radiotherapy staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel electron monitor unit (MU) calculator program named "eMUc".
• To provide a convenient and accurate platform for electron radiotherapy calculations.
• To improve the handling of irregular electron fields in treatment planning.

Main Methods:

• Developed the "eMUc" program using Microsoft Visual Basic.net with a graphical user interface.
• Implemented both polynomial and exponential curve-fitting methods for relative output factor (ROF) calculations.
• Utilized a new algorithm for irregular field sector integration and incorporated optical scanner image import.

Main Results:

• The eMUc program demonstrated a user-friendly interface and simplified image import.
• Calculations for irregular and clinical electron fields showed excellent agreement with measured data.
• The developed calculator achieved a high accuracy of +/-2% compared to measured results.

Conclusions:

• The eMUc program offers a reliable and accurate solution for electron radiotherapy MU calculations.
• The program enhances efficiency and accuracy for physics and radiotherapy staff.
• eMUc facilitates precise patient treatment by improving the handling of complex field geometries.