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VMAT monthly QA using two techniques: 2D ion chamber array with an isocentric gantry mount and an in vivo dosimetric device attached to gantry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 April 2013

P. Myers ,
S. Stathakis ,
C. Buckey  and
N. Papanikolaou
P. Myers
Affiliation:
Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Cancer Therapy & Research Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
S. Stathakis*
Affiliation:
Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Cancer Therapy & Research Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
C. Buckey
Affiliation:
Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Cancer Therapy & Research Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
N. Papanikolaou
Affiliation:
Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Cancer Therapy & Research Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
*
Correspondence to: Sotirios Stathakis, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7979, Wurzbach Rd, MC 7889, San Antonio TX 78229-4427, USA. Tel: (210) 450 1010. Fax: (210) 616 5682. E-mail: stathakis@uthscsa.edu
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Abstract

Purpose

Varian RapidArc is a volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) that obtains a conformal dose around the desired structure by employing variable gantry speed, dose rate and dynamic multileaf collimator (DMLC) speed as the gantry rotates about machine isocenter. This study is meant to build upon previous research by Ling et al. by completing the tests with an in vivo dosimetric device attached to the linac gantry and a 2D ionisation chamber array with an isocentric gantry mount.

Materials and methods

Two PTW detectors, seven29 array with gantry mount and DAVID, were attached to the linear accelerator gantry, allowing each device to remain perpendicular to the beam at all gantry angles. Three tests for RapidArc evaluation were performed on these devices including: dose rate and gantry speed variation, DMLC speed and dose rate variation and DMLC position accuracy. The reproducibility of the arc data was also reported.

Results

A picket fence plan varying dose rates (111 to 600 MU/minute) and gantry speeds (5·5 to 4·3°/second) was delivered consisting of seven sections of different combinations. These measurements were compared with static gantry, open field measurements and found to be within 2·39% for the DAVID device and 0·84% for the seven29. A four-section picket fence of varying DMLC speeds (0·46, 0·92, 1·84 and 2·76 cm/second) was similarly evaluated and found to be within 1·99% and 3·66% for the DAVID and seven29, respectively. For DMLC position accuracy, a picket fence arc plan was compared with a static picket fence and found to agree within 0.38% and 2.91%. Reproducibility for these three RapidArc plans was found to be within 0·30% and 2·70% for the DAVID and seven29.

Conclusion

The DAVID and seven29 detectors were able to perform the RapidArc quality assurance tests efficiently and accurately and the results were reproducible. Periodic verification of DMLC movement, dose rate variation and gantry speed variation relating to RapidArc delivery can be completed in a timelier manner using this equipment.

Keywords

DAVIDRapidArc QAseven29VMAT
Type
Technical Note
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 13 , Issue 2 , June 2014 , pp. 240 - 246
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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