Improved accuracy for noncoplanar radiotherapy: an EPID-based method for submillimeter alignment of linear...

Accurate alignment of linear accelerator table rotational axis with radiation isocenter is critical for noncoplanar radiotherapy applications. The purpose of the present study is to develop a method to align the table rotation axis and the MV isocenter to submillimeter accuracy. We developed a computerized method using electronic portal imaging device (EPID) and measured alignment stability over time. Mechanical and radiation isocenter coincidence was measured by placing a steel ball bearing at radiation isocenter using existing EPID techniques. Then, EPID images were acquired over the range of table rotation. A MATLAB script was developed to calculate the center of rotation, as well as the necessary adjustment to move the table rotational axis to MV isocenter. Adjustment was applied via torque to screws at the base of the linac table. Stability of rotational alignment was measured with 49 measurements over 363 days on four linacs. Initial rotational misalignment from radiation isocenter ranged from 0.91-2.11 mm on the four tested linacs. Linac-A had greatest error (> 2 mm) and was adjusted with the described method. After adjustment, the error was significantly decreased to 0.40 ± 0.12 mm. The adjustment was stable over the course of 15 measurements over 231 days. Linac-B was not adjusted, but tracked from time of commissioning with 27 measurements over 363 days. No discernible shift in couch characteristics was observed (mean error 1.40 ± 0.22 mm). The greater variability for Linac-B may relate to the interchangeable two-piece couch, which allows more lateral movement than the one-piece Linac-A couch. Submillimeter isocenter alignment was achieved by applying a precision correction to the linac table base. Table rotational characteristics were shown to be stable over the course of twelve months. The accuracy and efficiency of this method may make it suitable for acceptance testing, annual quality assurance, or commissioning of highly-conformal noncoplanar radiotherapy programs.