Challenges in evaluating the performance of the electron beam dose calculation algorithm: Monte Carlo simulation and...

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiotherapy Dosimetry
• Computational Biology

Background:

• The Electron Monte Carlo algorithm's role in radiotherapy dose calculation requires further investigation.
• Monte Carlo simulation is vital for precise dosimetry but its standalone sufficiency is unproven.
• This study examines the Electron Monte Carlo algorithm's relevance and reliability in electron beam radiotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the Electron Monte Carlo algorithm's role, strengths, and limitations in radiotherapy.
• To evaluate the algorithm's impact on dose distribution prediction accuracy.
• To compare Monte Carlo simulation results with experimental data for validation.

Main Methods:

• Derived percentage depth dose curves for electron beam energies (6-20 MeV) in a water phantom.
• Compared derived curves with those from Monte Carlo simulations.
• Utilized Gamma index for rigorous validation of dose distributions.

Main Results:

• High concordance (over 93.5%) between empirical and computational dose percentages was observed.
• The success rate met 3% dose difference and 3 mm distance-to-agreement criteria.
• Electron Monte Carlo algorithm may underestimate dose in electron equilibrium regions.

Conclusions:

• Geant4 simulations appear more accurate and closer to experimental data than the Electron Monte Carlo algorithm.
• Monte Carlo simulations are effective in improving radiotherapy treatment planning and delivery precision.
• Findings support the advancement of Monte Carlo simulations in clinical radiotherapy settings.