A Fogliata1, R Cayez2, R Garcia3, C Khamphan3, G Reggiori1, M Scorsetti1,4, L Cozzi1,4. 1. Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Radiotherapy Dept, via Manzoni 56, 20089, Milan, Rozzano, Italy. 2. Oscar Lambret Center, rue Frédéric Combemale, Radiotherapy, 59000, Lille, France. 3. Medical Physics Department, Institut Sainte-Catherine, 250 Chemin de Baigne Pieds, 84000, Avignon, France. 4. Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The use of flattening filter free (FFF) beams generated by standard linear accelerators is increasing in the clinical practice. The radiation intensity peaked toward the beam central axis is properly managed in the optimization process of treatment planning through intensity modulation. Specific FFF parameters for profile analysis, as unflatness and slope for FFF beams, based on the renormalization factor concept has been introduced for quality assurance purposes. Recently, Halcyon, an O-ring based linear accelerator equipped with a 6 MV FFF beam only has been introduced by Varian. METHODS: Renormalization factors and related fit parameters according to Fogliata et al. ["Definition of parameters for quality assurance of FFF photon beams in radiation therapy," Med. Phys. 39, 6455-6464 (2012)] have been evaluated for the 6 MV FFF beam generated by Halcyon units. The Halcyon representative beam data provided by Varian were used. Dose fall-off at the field edges was matched with an unflattened beam generated by a 6 MV from a TrueBeam linac. Consistency of the results was evaluated against measurements on a clinical Halcyon unit, as well as a TrueBeam 6 MV FFF for comparison. RESULTS: The five parameters in the analytical equation for estimating the renormalization factor were determined with an R2 of 0.997. The comparison of the unflatness parameters between the Halcyon representative and hospital beam data was consistent within a range of 0.6%. Consistently with the computed parameters, the Halcyon profiles resulted in a less pronounced peak than TrueBeam. CONCLUSION: Renormalization factors and related fit parameters from the 6 MV FFF beam generated by the Varian Halcyon unit are provided.
INTRODUCTION: The use of flattening filter free (FFF) beams generated by standard linear accelerators is increasing in the clinical practice. The radiation intensity peaked toward the beam central axis is properly managed in the optimization process of treatment planning through intensity modulation. Specific FFF parameters for profile analysis, as unflatness and slope for FFF beams, based on the renormalization factor concept has been introduced for quality assurance purposes. Recently, Halcyon, an O-ring based linear accelerator equipped with a 6 MV FFF beam only has been introduced by Varian. METHODS: Renormalization factors and related fit parameters according to Fogliata et al. ["Definition of parameters for quality assurance of FFF photon beams in radiation therapy," Med. Phys. 39, 6455-6464 (2012)] have been evaluated for the 6 MV FFF beam generated by Halcyon units. The Halcyon representative beam data provided by Varian were used. Dose fall-off at the field edges was matched with an unflattened beam generated by a 6 MV from a TrueBeam linac. Consistency of the results was evaluated against measurements on a clinical Halcyon unit, as well as a TrueBeam 6 MV FFF for comparison. RESULTS: The five parameters in the analytical equation for estimating the renormalization factor were determined with an R2 of 0.997. The comparison of the unflatness parameters between the Halcyon representative and hospital beam data was consistent within a range of 0.6%. Consistently with the computed parameters, the Halcyon profiles resulted in a less pronounced peak than TrueBeam. CONCLUSION: Renormalization factors and related fit parameters from the 6 MV FFF beam generated by the Varian Halcyon unit are provided.
Authors: Damodar Pokhrel; Tanner Tackett; Joseph Stephen; Justin Visak; Falguni Amin-Zimmerman; Andrew McGregor; Stephen E Strup; William St Clair Journal: J Appl Clin Med Phys Date: 2020-12-19 Impact factor: 2.102
Authors: Damodar Pokhrel; Justin Visak; Lana C Critchfield; Joseph Stephen; Mark E Bernard; Marcus Randall; Mahesh Kudrimoti Journal: J Appl Clin Med Phys Date: 2020-12-20 Impact factor: 2.102