Dosimetric verification of a 3-D electron pencil beam dose calculation algorithm

Med Phys. 1994 Jan;21(1):13-23. doi: 10.1118/1.597363.

Abstract

A three-dimensional electron beam dose calculational algorithm implemented for use in a three-dimensional treatment planning system is described. The 3-D electron beam calculations have been in use clinically for more than seven years. The algorithm uses a pencil beam model based on small angle multiple Coulomb scattering theory. Our implementation allows volumetric CT-based inhomogeneity corrections and provides for irregular field shapes (fields shaped with cerrobend cutouts) and the use of bolus. As part of NCI-funded work evaluating the state of the art in electron beam treatment planning, extensive algorithm verification was undertaken and results of these tests for our implementation are presented.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Biophysics
  • Electrons
  • Humans
  • Models, Structural
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / statistics & numerical data
  • Software