The validation of photon beam data on the Helax-TMS treatment planning system at the Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment (NCCT) takes the form of profile and depth dose comparisons against measured data for square fields. With a view to using Helax-TMS to plan fixed SSD spine fields, validation of extreme rectangular fields was undertaken, based on guidelines published by the AAPM (Task Group report 53). The accuracy with which the Helax-TMS generated profiles matched those measured varied between treatment machines. For three 6MV beams in the department, two beams showed agreement to within 2% in the central portion of the field, while the third beam demonstrated differences of up to 4.4% in this region. The disparities were attributed to the modelling of the primary dose for each beam by Helax-TMS.
Kermode RH, Little BG, Richmond NG, Lawrence GP, Lambert GD. Technical Note: Validation of treatment planning system data: Variation in the modelling of three 6MV beams for extreme rectangular fields. Radiotherapy and Oncology (2001) In Press.
Rachael Kermode, NGH Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne. Tel: +44 (0)191-233-6161.
Regional Medical Physics Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
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