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Dosimetric validation of Acuros® XB algorithm for RapidArc™ treatment technique: A post software upgrade analysis
Lalit Kumar1, Manindra Bhushan2, Vimal Kishore3
1Department of Applied Science and Humanities, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh; Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi, India.
The Acuros® XB (AXB) algorithm in Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) shows excellent agreement with measurements and the analytical anisotropic algorithm (AAA) for RapidArc™ (RA) technique. This validated algorithm offers accurate and fast photon dose calculations following TPS upgrades.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
- Radiotherapy Treatment Planning
Background:
- The Acuros® XB (AXB) algorithm is a dose calculation engine used in Eclipse treatment planning systems (TPS).
- Software upgrades necessitate re-validation of TPS algorithms to ensure accuracy in radiation therapy.
- RapidArc™ (RA) is an advanced radiotherapy technique requiring precise dose calculations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the Acuros® XB (AXB) algorithm in the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) for RapidArc™ (RA) technique after software upgrades.
- To assess the accuracy of AXB dose calculations against measured data and the analytical anisotropic algorithm (AAA).
Main Methods:
- Commissioning of the AXB algorithm using a 6 MV photon beam on a Clinac-iX linear accelerator.
- Acquisition of percentage depth dose (PDD) and profile data for various field sizes.
- Comparison of AXB-calculated PDDs and profiles with measured data and AAA-calculated data.
- Verification of RA plans using American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group (TG)-119 test cases.
Main Results:
- AXB-calculated PDD curves showed a maximum difference of <1% compared to measured data beyond the depth of maximum dose.
- Computed profiles in the central region matched measured data within <1% for all field sizes.
- Ion-chamber measurements for RA plans showed average confidence limits (CLs) of 0.020 (AAA) and 0.042 (AXB) in low-gradient regions.
- Portal measurements for RA plans showed average CLs of 2.48 (AAA) and 2.58 (AXB) with a 3%/3 mm gamma passing criteria.
Conclusions:
- The Acuros® XB (AXB) algorithm demonstrates excellent agreement with measured data and AAA calculations for the RapidArc™ technique.
- Confidence limits obtained with AXB are consistent with established baseline values from AAPM TG-119.
- The AXB algorithm provides accurate and fast photon dose calculations, suitable for clinical implementation after TPS upgrades.
