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An interface tool to parametrize treatment plans for the TrueBeam radiotherapy system into TOPAS parameter control
Ramon Ortiz1, Daren Sawkey2, Bruce Faddegon1
1University of California San Francisco, Department of Radiation Oncology 1600 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
Summary
A new interface tool simplifies the use of Monte Carlo (MC) methods for radiotherapy dose calculations by automating the conversion of treatment planning system (TPS) data into TOPAS parameter control files (PCF). This advancement aims to increase the clinical application of MC simulations in medical physics.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiotherapy
- Computational Dosimetry
Background:
- Monte Carlo (MC) methods are the gold standard for radiotherapy dose calculations but are underutilized in clinical research.
- Computational speed limitations and complex, error-prone conversion of treatment planning system (TPS) data hinder MC adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an interface tool for automating the creation of TOPAS parameter control files (PCF) from clinical TPS data.
- To facilitate the use of MC methods in clinical research by simplifying data conversion for the TrueBeam radiotherapy system.
Main Methods:
- The interface accepts DICOM-RT files from a TPS, allowing users to select multileaf-collimator models, variance reduction techniques, and scoring parameters.
- It generates ready-to-run TOPAS PCF incorporating TrueBeam system geometry and patient-specific treatment plan specifications.
Main Results:
- Dose distributions calculated using the generated PCF were compared with commercial TPS predictions for various treatment techniques (3D-CRT, IMRT, VMAT).
- High agreement (>98% pass ratio in gamma tests) validated the accurate parametrization of treatment plans into MC PCF.
Conclusions:
- The developed interface tool is expected to significantly increase the adoption of MC methods in clinical medical physics.
- It streamlines the transfer of treatment plan parameters from TPS to MC PCF, making advanced dose calculations more accessible.
