Determination of geometric accuracy of radiotherapy fields by port film and DRR using Matlab graphical user interface

The purpose of this study is to determine and verify the exact location of radiation therapy fields by using port-film and digital reconstruction radiograph (DRR) as a low-cost tool. Initially, an appropriate algorithm was written for the application of port film in the megavoltage beam irradiation. Detectable contrast was created for the image and then by using appropriate markers and developed written program by MATLAB as DRrPortRegistartion. Semi-automatic and automatic registration between port-film and DRR images were performed for pelvic and chest phantoms. Then, results were compared with electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images in similar conditions. By using this software, DRR and port film as treatment verification tools, the precision of treatment verification and the accuracy of radiation therapy fields were achieved in the extent of the millimeter. Validation results with EPID demonstrated that the mean absolute average error in angle is equal to 0.59 degrees, 1.70 mm in the X-direction, and 2.42 mm in the Y-direction. The results of this study illustrated that using this software and suitable low-cost hardware in the machines without EPID can increase the precision of treatment verification to the millimeter and it can be introduced as a suitable alternative for EPID in centers for increasing treatment accuracy. Graphical abstract ᅟ.