• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2004

The relationship between the dose calculated with a radiotherapy treatment planning system (RTPS) and CT number verses the relative electron density curve was investigated for various CT voltages and beam qualifies. We obtained the relationship between the CT numbers and electron densities of the tissue equivalent materials for various CT voltages and beam qualifies. At lower CT voltages, the higher density materials, like cortical bone, showed larger CT numbers and the soft tissues showed no variations. We peformed a phantom study in a RTPS, where a phantom consisted of lung and bone legions in water. We calculated the dose received behind the lung and bone regions for 6 MV photon beams, in which the regions below the lung, water and bone received higher doses in this listed order. The result was the same for 10 MV photon beams. For the clinical application, the doses were calculated for the lung and pelvis. No difference was observed when using different electron density conversion tables with various CT voltages from a same CT. A relative dose difference of 1.5% was obtained when the CT machine for the density conversion table was different from that for the CT image for planning.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.144-152
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• 2006

The telemedicine using independent client-server system via networks can provide high quality normalized services to many hospitals, specifically to local/rural area hospitals. This will eventually lead to a decreased medical cost because the centralized institute can handle big computer hardware systems and complicated software systems efficiently and economically, Customized cancer radiation treatment planning for each patient Is very useful for both a patient and a doctor because it makes possible for the most effective treatment with the least possible dose to patient. Radiation planners know that too small a dose to the tumor can result in recurrence of the cancer, while too large a dose to healthy tissue can cause complications or even death. The best solution is to build an accurate planning simulation system to provide better treatment strategies based on each patient's computerized tomography (CT) image. We are developing a web-based and a network-based customized cancer radiation therapy simulation system consisting of four Important computer codes; a CT managing code for preparing the patients target data from their CT image files, a parallel Monte Carlo high-energy beam code (PMCEPT code) for calculating doses against the target generated from the patient CT image, a parallel linear programming code for optimizing the treatment plan, and scientific data visualization code for efficient pre/post evaluation of the results. The whole softwares will run on a high performance Beowulf PC cluster of about 100-200 CPUs. Efficient management of the hardware and software systems is not an easy task for a hospital. Therefore, we integrated our system into the client-sewer system via network or web and provide high quality normalized services to many hospitals. Seamless communication with doctors is maintained via messenger function of the server-client system.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.181-186
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• 2002

The IMRT planning depends on the algorithm of each planning system and MLC performance of each Linac system. Yonsei Cancer Center introduced an IMRT System at the beginning of February, 2002. The system consists of CORVUS (Nomos, U.S.A.) treatment planning system, LANTIS, PRIMEVIEW and PRIMART (Siemens, U.S.A) linac system. The optimization of CORVUS planning system with PRIMART is an important task to make a desirable quality treatment plan. Our Step ＆ Shoot IMRT system uses Finite Size Pencil Beams (FSPB) dose model, simulated annealing optimization algorithm and IMFAST segmentation algorithm. We constructed treatment plans for four different patient cases with two basic beamlet sizes, 1.0$\times$1.0 $\textrm{cm}^2$ and 0.5$\times$1.0 $\textrm{cm}^2$, and four intensity steps, 5%, 10%, 20%, 33%. Each case's plan was evaluated with the dose volume histograms of target volumes and delivery efficiencies. The patient case of small target volume is sensitive at the change of intensity map's segmentation and it highlighted an effective treatment plan at marrow intensity step and small basic projection beamlet.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.327-333
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• 2012

Purpose: To analyze the correlation between dose volume histograms(DVH) based on organ outer wall contour and organ wall delineation for bladder and rectum, and to compare the doses to these organs with the absorbed doses at the bladder and rectum. Material and methods: Individual CT based brachytherapy treatment planning was performed in 13 patients with cervical cancer as part of a prospective comparative trial. The external contours and the organ walls were delineated for the bladder and rectum in order to compute the corresponding dose volume histograms. The minimum dose in 0.1 $cm^3$, 1 $cm^3$, 2 $cm^3$, 5 $cm^3$, 10 $cm^3$ volumes receiving the highest dose were compared with the absorbed dose at the rectum and bladder reference point. Results: The bladder and rectal doses derived from organ outer wall contour and computed for volumes of 2 $cm^3$, provided a good estimate for the doses computed for the organ wall contour only. This correspondence was no longer true when large volumes were considered. Conclusion: For clinical applications, when volumes smaller than 5 $cm^2$ are considered, the dose-volume histograms computed from external organ contours for the bladder and rectum can be used instead of dose -volume histograms computed for the organ walls only. External organ contours are indeed easier to obtain. The dose at the ICRU rectum reference point provides a good estimate of the rectal dose computed for volumes smaller than 2 $cm^2$ only for a midline position of the rectum. The ICRU bladder reference point provides a good estimate of the dose computed for the bladder wall only in cases of appropriate balloon position.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.401-406
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• 2008

The aim of this study is to evaluate contra-lateral breast (CLB) surface dose in Field-in-Field (FIF) technique for breast conserving surgery patients. For evaluation of surface dose in FIF technique, we have compared with other techniques, which were open fields (Open), metal wedge (MW), and enhanced dynamic wedge (EDW) techniques under same geometrical condition and prescribed dose. The three dimensional treatment planning system was used for dose optimization. For the verification of dose calculation, measurements using MOSFET detectors with Anderson Rando phantom were performed. The measured points for four different techniques were at the depth of 0cm (epidermis) and 0.5cm bolus (dermis), and spacing toward 2cm, 4cm, 6cm, 8cm, 10cm apart from the edge of tangential medial beam. The dose calculations were done in 0.25cm grid resolution by modified Batho method for inhomogeneity correction. In the planning results, the surface doses were differentiated in the range of $19.6{\sim}36.9%$, $33.2{\sim}138.2%$ for MW, $1.0{\sim}7.9%$, $1.6{\sim}37.4%$ for EDW, and for FIF at the depth of epidermis and dermis as compared to Open respectively. In the measurements, the surface doses were differentiated in the range of $11.1{\sim}71%$, $22.9{\sim}161%$ for MW, $4.1{\sim}15.5%$, $8.2{\sim}37.9%$ for EDW, and 4.9% for FIF at the depth of epidermis and dermis as compared to Open respectively. The surface doses were considered as underestimating in the planning calculation as compared to the measurement with MOSFET detectors. Was concluded as the lowest one among the techniques, even if it was compared with Open method. Our conclusion could be stated that the FIF technique could make the optimum dose distribution in Breast target, while effectively reduce the probability of secondary carcinogenesis due to undesirable scattered radiation to contra-lateral breast.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.77-86
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• 2016

Purpose : When a radiation treatment, there is an attenuation by Carbon Fiber Couch. In this study, we tried to evaluate the usability of the Varian Standard Couch(VSC) by modeling with Treatment Planning System (TPS) Materials and Methods : VSC was scanned by CBCT(Cone Beam Computed Tomography) of the Linac(Clinac IX, VARIAN, USA), following the three conditions of VSC, Side Rail OutGrid(SROG), Side Rail InGrid(SRIG), Side Rail In OutSpine Down Bar(SRIOS). After scan, the data was transferred to TPS and modeled by contouring Side Rail, Side Bar Upper, Side Bar Lower, Spine Down Bar automatically. We scanned the Cheese Phantom(Middelton, USA) using Computed Tomography(Light Speed RT 16, GE, USA) and transfer the data to TPS, and apply VSC modeled previously with TPS to it. Dose was measured at the isocenter of Ion Chamber(A1SL, Standard imaging, USA) in Cheese Phantom using 4 and 10 MV radiation for every $5^{\circ}$ gantry angle in a different filed size($3{\times}3cm^2$, $10{\times}10cm^2$) without any change of MU(=100), and then we compared the calculated dose and measured dose. Also we included dose at the $127^{\circ}$ in SRIG to compare the attenuation by Side Bar Upper. Results : The density of VSC by CBCT in TPS was $0.9g/cm^3$, and in the case of Spine Down Bar, it was $0.7g/cm^3$. The radiation was attenuated by 17.49%, 16.49%, 8.54%, and 7.59% at the Side Rail, Side Bar Upper, Side Bar Lower, and Spine Down Bar. For the accuracy of modeling, calculated dose and measured dose were compared. The average error was 1.13% and the maximum error was 1.98% at the $170^{\circ}beam$ crossing the Spine Down Bar. Conclusion : To evaluate the usability for the VSC modeled by TPS, the maximum error was 1.98% as a result of compassion between calculated dose and measured dose. We found out that VSC modeling helped expect the dose, so we think that it will be helpful for the more accurate treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.31-43
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• 2015

Purpose : Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has proved its efficacy in several patient populations with primary and metastatic limited tumors. Because SBRT prescription is high dose level than Conventional radiation therapy. SBRT plan is necessary for effective Organ at risk (OAR) protection and sufficient Planning target volume (PTV) dose coverage. In particular, multi-target cases may result excessive doses to OAR and hot spot due to dose overlap. This study evaluate usefulness of Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in dosimetric and technical considerations using Flattening filter free (FFF) beam. Materials and Methods : The treatment plans for five patients, being treated on TrueBeam STx(Varian$^{TM}$, USA) with VMAT using 10MV FFF beam and Standard conformal radiotherapy (CRT) using 15MV Flattening filter (FF) beam. PTV, liver, duodenum, bowel, spinal cord, esophagus, stomach dose were evaluated using the dose volume histogram(DVH). Conformity index(CI), homogeneity index(HI), Paddick's index(PCI) for the PTV was assessed. Total Monitor unit (MU) and beam on time was assessed. Results : Average value of CI, HI and PCI for PTV was $1.381{\pm}0.028$, $1.096{\pm}0.016$, $0.944{\pm}0.473$ in VMAT and $1.381{\pm}0.042$, $1.136{\pm}0.042$, $1.534{\pm}0.465$ in CRT respectively. OAR dose in CRT plans evaluated 1.8 times higher than VMAT. Total MU in VMAT evaluated 1.3 times increase than CRT. Average beam on time was 6.8 minute in VMAT and 21.3 minute in CRT. Conclusion : VMAT for SBRT in multi-target liver cancer using FFF beam is effective treatment techniqe in dosimetric and technical considerations. VMAT decrease intra-fraction error due to treatment time shortening using high dose rate of FFF beam.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.19-26
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• 2017

Purpose: The application of density override is very important to minimize dose calculation errors by fiducial markers of metal material in proton treatment plan. However, density override with actual material of the fiducial marker could make problem such as inaccurate target contouring and compensator fabrication. Therefore, we perform density override with surrounding material instead of actual material and we intend to evaluate the usefulness of density override with surrounding material of the fiducial marker by analyzing the dose distribution according to the position, material of the fiducial marker and number of beams. Materials and Method: We supposed that the fiducial marker of gold, steel, titanium is located in 1.5, 2.5, 4.0, 6.0 cm from the proton beam's end of range using water phantom. Treatment plans were created by applying density override with the surrounding material and actual material of the fiducial marker. Also, a liver cancer patient who received proton therapy was selected. We located the fiducial marker of gold, steel, titanium in 0, 1.5, 3.5 cm from the proton beam's end of range and the treatment plans were created by same method with water phantom. Homogeneity Index(HI), Conformity Index(CI) and maximum dose of Organ At Risk(OAR) in Planning Target Volume(PTV) as the evaluation index were compared according to the material, position of the fiducial marker and number of beam. Results: The HI value was more decreased when density override with surrounding material of the fiducial marker was performed comparing with density override with actual material. Especially the HI value was increased when the fiducial marker was located farther from the proton beam's end of the range for a single beam and the fiducial marker's position was closer to isocenter for two or more beams. The CI value was close to 1 and OAR maximum dose was greatly reduced when density override with surrounding material of the fiducial marker was performed comparing with density override with actual material. Conclusion: Density override with surrounding material can be expected to achieve more precise proton therapy than density override with actual material of the fiducial marker and could increase the dose uniformity and target coverage and reduce the dose to surrounding normal tissues for the small fiducial markers used in clinical practice. Most of all, it is desirable to plan the treatment by avoiding the fiducial marker of metal material as much as possible. However, if the fiducial marker have on the beam path, density override of the surrounding material can be expected to achieve more precise proton therapy.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.107-113
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• 1992

Increasing frequency of skin cancer, mycosis fungoides, Kaposi's sarcoma etc, it need to treatment dose planning for total skin electron beam (TSEB) therapy. Appropriate treatment planning for TSEB therapy is needed to give homogeneous dose distribution throughout the entire skin surface. The energy of 6 MeV electron from the 18 MeV medical linear accelerator was adapted for superficial total skin electron beam therapy. The energy of the electron beam was reduced to 4.2 MeV by a $0.5\;cm\times90\;cm{\times}180\;cm$ acryl screen placed in a feet front of the patient. Six dual field beam was adapted for total skin irradiation to encompass the entire body surface from head to toe simultaneously. The patients were treated behind the acryl screen plate acted as a beam scatterer and contained a parallel-plate shallow ion chamber for dosimetry and beam monitoring. During treatment, the patient was placed in six different positions due to be homogeneous dose distribution for whole skin around the body. One treatment session delivered 400 cGy to the entire skin surface and patients were treated twice a week for eight consecutive weeks, which is equivalent to TDF value 57. instrumentation and techniques developed in determining the depth dose, dose distribution and bremsstrahlung dose are discussed.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2003

The spinal cord dose is the one of the limiting factor for the radiation treatment of the head ＆ neck or the thorax region. It is not an easy task to maintain the spinal cord dose below tolerance and to keep the clinically acceptable dose to the PTV in this region. To overcome this problem, the spinal cord partial block technique (PBT) with the dynamic Multi-Leaf Collimator (dMLC) has been developed. This technique is an extension of the conventional treatment planning. In the beginning the beam directions are selected as same as the conventional treatment planning to encompass the PTV, then the partial block are designed to shield the spinal cord. The plan comparisons between the conventional therapy plan and the PTB plan were performed to evaluate the validity of this technique. The mean dose and the dose volume histogram (DVH) were used as the plan comparison indices. A series of quality assurance (QA) was performed to guarantee the reliable treatment. The QA consisted of the film dosimetry for the verification of the dose distribution and the point measurements. The PBT plan generated better results than the conventional treatment plan and it was proved to be useful for the H＆N region.