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Head scatter modelling for irregular field shaping and beam intensity modulation

A R Hounsell¹, J M Wilkinson

¹North Western Medical Physics, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, UK. phyarh@picr.cr.man.ac.uk

Physics in Medicine and Biology

|October 6, 1997

Summary

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Two models for predicting radiation scatter in radiotherapy were evaluated. An empirical model using measured data proved more accurate for all field sizes than a Compton scatter approximation, improving dose prediction for intensity-modulated beams.

Area of Science:

Medical Physics
Radiation Oncology

Background:

Scattered radiation within the radiotherapy treatment head can significantly impact dose distribution across the entire treatment field.
A multileaf collimator (MLC) allows for custom field shaping and dynamic intensity modulation, creating complex radiation fields.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate and compare two models for predicting head scatter radiation, particularly under conditions relevant to intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
To determine a more generally applicable model for accurate head scatter calculation across various field sizes and shapes.

Main Methods:

A first-order Compton scatter approximation model was applied, focusing on scatter from the flattening filter for smaller fields (2x2 cm to 10x10 cm).
An empirical model, based on an exponential function fitted to measured data, was developed and tested across a wider range of field sizes (4x4 cm to 30x30 cm).

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Main Results:

The Compton scatter model showed good agreement (within 1%) for smaller fields but was less accurate for larger fields.
The empirical model demonstrated good agreement across the entire tested field size range, indicating superior general applicability.
Results were presented for static irregularly shaped fields and intensity-modulated beams generated with a Philips MLC.

Conclusions:

The empirical model, optimized with measured data, provides a more robust and generally applicable method for calculating head scatter contributions in radiotherapy.
Accurate prediction of head scatter is crucial for precise dose delivery, especially with advanced techniques like IMRT and irregularly shaped fields.