Verification by Monte Carlo methods of a power law tissue-air ratio algorithm for inhomogeneity corrections in photon beam dose calculations.

A Monte Carlo computer program has been used to calculate axial and off-axis depth dose distributions arising from the interaction of an external beam of 60Co radiation with a medium containing inhomogeneities. An approximation for applying the Monte Carlo data to the configuration where the lateral extent of the inhomogeneity is less than the beam area, is also presented. These new Monte Carlo techniques rely on integration over the dose distributions from constituent sub-beams of small area and the accuracy of the method is thus independent of beam size. The power law correction equation (Batho equation) describing the dose distribution in the presence of tissue inhomogeneities is derived in its most general form. By comparison with Monte Carlo reference data, the equation is validated for routine patient dosimetry. It is explained why the Monte Carlo data may be regarded as a fundamental reference point in performing these tests of the extension to the Batho equation. Other analytic correction techniques, e.g. the equivalent radiological path method, are shown to be less accurate. The application of the generalised power law equation in conjunction with CT scanner data is discussed. For ease of presentation, the details of the Monte Carlo techniques and the analytic formula have been separated into appendices.