New method of collecting output factors for commissioming linear accelerators with special emphasis on small fields and intensity modualted readiation therapy

• Other Authors: Smith, Cindy (author)
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Florida Atlantic University
• Subjects: Coherence (Nuclear physics); Linear accelerators in medicine; Medical physics; Nuclear medicine; Particle beams; Radiation > Dosage; Radiotherapy > Positioning
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004161

Common methods for commissioning linear accelerators often neglect beam data for small fields. Examining the methods of beam data collection and modeling for commissioning linear accelerators revealed little to no discussion of the protocols for fields smaller than 4 cm x 4 cm. This leads to decreased confidence levels in the dose calculations and associated monitor units (MUs) for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). The parameters of commissioning the Novalis linear accelerator (linac) on the Eclipse Treatment Planning System (TPS) led to the study of challenges collecting data for very small fields. The focus of this thesis is the examination of the protocols for output factor collection and their impact on dose calculations by the TPS for IMRT treatment plans. Improving output factor collection methods, led to significant improvement in absolute dose calculations which correlated with the complexity of the plans. === Includes bibliography. === Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. === FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection