The influence of bone on 45 MV photon dose distributions

In an attempt to assess the pertubation of 45 MV depth dose distribution in a water phantom equipped with various thicknesses of bone-equivalent plastic. An increased dose was observed immediately behind the bone material and a reduced dose was found for points located greater than 5 cm behind the bone-equivalent plastic. The most significant change of the depth dose curve was produced by bone located in the dose build-up region.