Empirical Formalism for the Phantom Scatter Factor of Small Fields: Using Different Density Media

We present the Empirical Formula (EF) to calculate the phantom scatter factor, Sp, of small radiation fields under charge particle dis-equilibrium conditions. The Empirical Formula (EF) was verified by examining the calculated data with experimentally measured data utilizing the anthropomorphic phantom in twelve different combinations of beam entry and point location, where the value for Sp per tissue composition was within 3% in 8/12 cases, 5% in 1/12 cases, and 10% in 3/12 cases. Our results showed a good agreement with experimental data to less than 1% when the ion chamber was surrounded by the homogeneous tissue, whether lung, soft tissue, or bone. Indicating that the prediction of the equation is valid, and it can be reliably used for phantom scatter factor calculation for different homogeneous media under charge particle dis- equilibrium conditions.

Planning issues on linac-based stereotactic radiotherapy

This work aims to summarize and evaluate the current planning progress based on the linear accelerator in stereotactic radiotherapy(SRT).The specific techniques include 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy,dynamic conformal arc therapy,intensity-modulated radiotherapy,and volumetric-modulated arc therapy(VMAT).They are all designed to deliver higher doses to the target volume while reducing damage to normal tissues;among them,VMAT shows better prospects for application.This paper reviews and summarizes several issues on the planning of SRT to provide a reference for clinical application.

The Characteristic of Dose Equivalent Rates of Photon and Neutron Outside the Treatment Room under High-energy Electron Mode of Linac

Objective:The study aimed to explore the characteristic of dose equivalent rates(DERs)of photon and neutron outside the treatment room under high-energy electron mode(dose rate 1000 MU/min)of linac and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment room protection.Methods:A 451 P pressurized ion chamber and a thermo neutron detector were used to measure the DERs of the photon and neutron at selected points.The effects of field size,applicator size,applicator,anthropomorphic phantom(CDP)and lead block on DER were investigated respectively.Results:The DERs of a photon at the center of shielding door(point A),control console(point B),primary shielding walls(point C,D)and roof of treatment room(point E)increased with increasing electron energy,but decreased with the increasing field size.The DERs of a photons at points A and B are smaller than 2.5μSv/h for all scenarios,while those at point D greater than 2.5μSv/h when irradiated by 18-22 Me V electron.In addition,CDP may change the DERs of a photon at points C and D about 5% to 30%.On the other hand,the DERs of neutron increase with increasing electron energy but decrease with the increase of field size and applicator size,however,the lead block and the applicator itself will change the DERs of leak neutron at point A,but its amplitude is less than 0.5μSv/h.The maximum DER of neutron at point A is 6.18μSv/h irradiated by 22 Me V electron.For other scenarios,they are all in the range of national standards limits.Conclusion:The DERs of a photon and neutron outside the treatment room mainly depend on the energy,field size and irradiation direction of the electron beam.If high-energy 18 Me V and 22 Me V electron beams will be used,the primary shielding walls and shielding doors need reconstructing or increasing thickness.