Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38742858›Full record

ArticleJournal of applied clinical medical physics2024

Practical experience with initial quality assurance of a high dose rate brachytherapy grid-based Boltzmann solver algorithm.

Jessica M Fagerstrom

Abstract read
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Article in Journal of applied clinical medical physics, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

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2citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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2 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

1 author.

Jessica M FagerstromDepartment of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2074-5723

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeThe purpose of this study was to validate the use of a model-based dose calculation algorithm (MBDCA), Acuros BV, for high dose rate brachytherapy treatment planning for a community-based hospital with a Bravos afterloader. Based on published AAPM recommendations, this work details a practical approach for community-based clinics to complete initial validation of Acuros BV, in order to add a MBDCA to a TG-43 based brachytherapy treatment planning program.

methodsSource dimensions and materials used in Acuros BV and TG-43 source models were compared to the physical source. TG-186 testing was completed with standardized test cases externally calculated with Monte Carlo compared to locally calculated with Acuros BV. Point doses calculated using TG-43 were compared to those calculated with Acuros BV in water at various dose grid settings. Secondary dose check software was used to evaluate dose distributions resembling clinical patient plans, both in water and on CT datasets representative of patient anatomy.

resultsThe major source of discrepancy of source models was the length of modeled steel cable. TG-186 testing showed that the largest differences between Monte Carlo and Acuros BV dose distributions were located along the source axis for cases calculated in water, as well as located in regions of high dose gradients and within the applicator for the case calculated with a generic shielded applicator. An audit of point doses calculated with both TG-43 and Acuros BV in water found that dose grid settings significantly affected agreement. Secondary dose check software indicated that Acuros BV functioned satisfactorily, and a 5% threshold was adopted for secondary dose checks on gynecologic plans.

conclusionThis validation process indicated that Acuros BV met expected standards and affirmed its suitability for integration into this clinical practice's brachytherapy treatment planning.

Indexed as

AlgorithmsBrachytherapyMonte Carlo MethodPhantoms, ImagingQuality Assurance, Health CareRadiotherapy DosageRadiotherapy Planning, Computer-AssistedHumansNeoplasmsRadiotherapy, Intensity-ModulatedSoftwarebrachytherapycommissioningdose calculationHDRMBDCAquality assurancetreatment planning

Identifiers

PMID38742858
PMCPMC11302815

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.