• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.869-875
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to derive a formula for calculating the effective energy of an X-ray beam generated by a CT simulator. Under 90, 120, and 140 kVp X-ray beams, the CT number calibration insert part of the AAPM CT performance phantom was scanned 5 times with a CT simulator. The CT numbers of polyethylene, polystyrene, water, nylon, polycarbonate, and acrylic were measured for each CT slice image. The average value of CT number measured under a single tube voltage and the linear attenuation coefficients corresponding to each photon energy calculated from the data of the National Institute of Standards and Technology were linearly fitted. Among the obtained correlation coefficients, the photon energy having the maximum value was determined as the effective energy. In this way, the effective energy of the X-ray beam generated at each tube voltage was determined. By linearly fitting the determined effective energies(y) and tube voltages(x), y=0.33026x+30.80263 as an effective energy calculation formula was induced.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.90-98
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• 2003

Purpose : A new virtual simulation technique for craniospinal irradiation (CSI) that uses a CT-simulator was developed to improve the accuracy of field and shielding placement as well as patient positioning. Materials and Methods : A CT simulator (CT-SIM) and a 3-D conformal radiation treatment planning system (3D-CRT) were used to develop CSI. The head and neck were immobilized with a thermoplastic mask while the rest of the body was immobilized with a Vac-Loc. A volumetric image was then obtained with the CT simulator. In order to improve the reproducibility of the setup, datum lines and points were marked on the head and body. Virtual fluoroscopy was performed with the removal of visual obstacles, such as the treatment table or immobilization devices. After virtual simulation, the treatment isocenters of each field were marked on the body and on the immobilization devices at the conventional simulation room. Each treatment fields was confirmed by comparing the fluoroscopy images with the digitally reconstructed radiography (DRR) and digitally composited radiography (DCR) images from virtual simulation. Port verification films from the first treatment were also compared with the DRR/DCR images for geometric verification. Results : We successfully performed virtual simulations on 11 CSI patients by CT-SIM. It took less than 20 minutes to affix the immobilization devices and to obtain the volumetric images of the entire body. In the absence of the patient, virtual simulation of all fields took 20 min. The DRRs were in agreement with simulation films to within 5 mm. This not only reducee inconveniences to the patients, but also eliminated position-shift variables attendant during the long conventional simulation process. In addition, by obtaining CT volumetric image, critical organs, such as the eyes and the spinal cord, were better defined, and the accuracy of the port designs and shielding was improved. Differences between the DRRs and the portal films were less than 3 m in the vertebral contour. Conclusion : Our analysis showed that CT simulation of craniospinal fields was accurate. In addition, CT simulation reduced the duration of the patient's immobility. During the planning process. This technique can improve accuracy in field placement and shielding by using three-dimensional CT-aided localization of critical and target structures. Overall, it has improved staff efficiency and resource utilization by standard protocol for craniospinal irradiation.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.165-171
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• 2002

Purpose : In order to perform craniospinal irradiation (CSI) in the supine position on patients who are unable to lie in the prone position, a new simulation technique using a CT simulator was developed and its availability was evaluated. Materials and Method : A CT simulator and a 3-D conformal treatment planning system were used to develop CSI in the supine position. The head and neck were immobilized with a thermoplastic mask in the supine position and the entire body was immobilized with a Vac-Loc. A volumetrie image was then obtained using the CT simulator. In order to improve the reproducibility of the patients' setup, datum lines and points were marked on the head and the body. Virtual fluoroscopy was peformed with the removal of visual obstacles such as the treatment table or the immobilization devices. After the virtual simulation, the treatment isocenters of each field were marked on the body and the immobilization devices at the conventional simulation room. Each treatment field was confirmed by comparing the fluoroscopy images with the digitally reconstructed radiography (DRR)/digitally composite radiography (DCR) images from the virtual simulation. The port verification films from the first treatment were also compared with the DRR/DCR images for a geometrical verification. Results : CSI in the supine position was successfully peformed in 9 patients. It required less than 20 minutes to construct the immobilization device and to obtain the whole body volumetric images. This made it possible to not only reduce the patients' inconvenience, but also to eliminate the position change variables during the long conventional simulation process. In addition, by obtaining the CT volumetric image, critical organs, such as the eyeballs and spinal cord, were better defined, and the accuracy of the port designs and shielding was improved. The differences between the DRRs and the portal films were less than 3 mm in the vertebral contour. Conclusion : CSI in the supine position is feasible in patients who cannot lie on prone position, such as pediatric patienta under the age of 4 years, patients with a poor general condition, or patients with a tracheostomy.

• 대한방사선치료학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2000.06a
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• pp.30-30
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• 2000

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.118-125
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• 2008

Purpose: On-line image guided radiation therapy(on-line IGRT) and(kV X-ray images or cone beam CT images) were obtained by an on-board imager(OBI) and cone beam CT(CBCT), respectively. The images were then compared with simulated images to evaluate the patient's setup and correct for deviations. The setup deviations between the simulated images(kV or CBCT images), were computed from 2D/2D match or 3D/3D match programs, respectively. We then investigated the correctness of the calculated deviations. Materials and Methods: After the simulation and treatment planning for the RANDO phantom, the phantom was positioned on the treatment table. The phantom setup process was performed with side wall lasers which standardized treatment setup of the phantom with the simulated images, after the establishment of tolerance limits for laser line thickness. After a known translation or rotation angle was applied to the phantom, the kV X-ray images and CBCT images were obtained. Next, 2D/2D match and 3D/3D match with simulation CT images were taken. Lastly, the results were analyzed for accuracy of positional correction. Results: In the case of the 2D/2D match using kV X-ray and simulation images, a setup correction within $0.06^{\circ}$ for rotation only, 1.8 mm for translation only, and 2.1 mm and $0.3^{\circ}$ for both rotation and translation, respectively, was possible. As for the 3D/3D match using CBCT images, a correction within $0.03^{\circ}$ for rotation only, 0.16 mm for translation only, and 1.5 mm for translation and $0.0^{\circ}$ for rotation, respectively, was possible. Conclusion: The use of OBI or CBCT for the on-line IGRT provides the ability to exactly reproduce the simulated images in the setup of a patient in the treatment room. The fast detection and correction of a patient's positional error is possible in two dimensions via kV X-ray images from OBI and in three dimensions via CBCT with a higher accuracy. Consequently, the on-line IGRT represents a promising and reliable treatment procedure.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.367-373
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• 2021

A quality assurance of computed tomography(CT) have done seven items that were water attenuation coefficient, noise, homogeneity, spatial resolution, contrast resolution, slice thickness, artifact using by standard phantom. But there is no quality assurance items and methods for CT simulator at domestic institutions yet. Therefore the study aimed to access the CT dose index(CTDI), table tilting, image distortion, laser accuracy, table movement accuracy and CT seven items for CT simulator quality assurance. The CTDI at the center of the head phantom was 0.81 for 80 kVp, 1.55 for 100 kVp, 2.50 for 120 mm, 0.22 for 80 kVp at the center of the body phantom, 0.469 for 100 kVp, and 0.81 for 120 kVp. The table tilting was within the tolerance range of ±1.0° or less. Image distortion had 1 mm distortion in the left and right images based on the center, and the laser accuracy was measured within ±2 mm tolerance. The purpose of this study is to improve the quality assurance items suitable for the current situation in Korea in order to protect the normal tissues during the radiation treatment process and manage the CT simulator that is implemented to find the location of the tumor more clearly. In order to improve the accuracy of the CT simulator when looking at the results, the error range of each item should be small. It is hoped that the quality assurance items of the CT simulator will be improved by suggesting the quality assurance direction of the CT simulator in this study, and the results of radiation therapy will also improve.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.9 no.11
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• pp.254-261
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• 2009

This study suggested that the table of CT-simulator and the laser alignment system using diagnostic CT scanner have an efficient method for improvement in alignment between the planned target center of traverse image with CT scanner. It was conducted on the daily QA when presented in the AAPM TG66 with correcting the laser alignment system using geometric trigonometric functions and investigated the effectiveness of correction methods as compared with those before and after correction. Before correction error was 3.82mm between the planned target center of image, the table longitudinal axis was twisted with 0.436o. The laser alignment system using geometric trigonometric functions in after correction was satisfied with tolerance limits of ${\pm}2mm$ when occurred about 0.7mm in errors between the planned target center. The table correction to satisfy the geometric accuracy is very inefficient over against the time and economic loss as well as technical limits in the case of application as only radiation therapy associated with CT-simulator with diagnostic CT scanner in use. But, the method which corrects the laser alignment system is economic and relatively simple with possibility of getting well geometric accuracy and we suppose that it is efficient method for applying in the clinic.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.63-71
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• 1999

For the purpose of utilization in 3-D conformal radiotherapy and whole body radiosurgery, the Whole Body 3-Dimensional Topographic Radiation Therapy System has been developed. Whole body frame was constructed in order to be installed on the couch. Radiopaque catheters were engraved on it for the dedicated coordinate system and a MeV-Green immobilizer was used for the patient setup by the help of side panels and plastic rods. By designing and constructing the whole body frame in this way, geometrical limitation to the gantry rotation in 3-D conformal radiotherapy could be minimized and problem which radiation transmission may be altered in particular incident angles was solved. By analyzing CT images containing information of patient setup with respect to the whole body frame, localization and coordination of the target is performed so that patient setup error may be eliminated between simulation and treatment. For the verification of setup, the change of patient positioning is detected and adjusted in order to minimize the setup error by means of comparison of the body outlines using 3 CCTV cameras. To enhance efficiency of treatment procedure, this work can be done in real time by watching the change of patient setup through the monitor. The method of image subtraction in IDL (Interactive Data Language) was used to visualize the change of patient setup. Rotating X-ray system was constructed for detecting target movement due to internal organ motion. Landmark screws were implanted either on the bones around target or inside target, and variation of target location with respect to markers may be visualized in order to minimize internal setup error through the anterior and the lateral image information taken from rotating X-ray system. For CT simulation, simulation software was developed using IDL on GUI(Graphic User Interface) basis for PC and includes functions of graphic handling, editing and data acquisition of images of internal organs as well as target for the preparation of treatment planning.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare patient's body posture and its position at the time of simulation with one at the treatment room using On-board Imaging (OBI) and CT (CBCT). The detected offsets are compared with position errors of Rando Phantom that are practically applied. After that, Rando Phantom's position is selected by moving couch based on detected deviations. In addition, the errors between real measured values of Rando Phantom position and theoretical ones is compared. And we will evaluate target position's accuracy of KV X-ray imaging's 2D and CBCT's 3D one. Materials and Methods: Using the Rando Phantom (Alderson Research Laboratories Inc. Stanford. CT, USA) which simulated human body's internal structure, we will set up Rando Phantom on the treatment couch after implementing simulation and RTP according to the same ways as the real radioactive treatment. We tested Rando Phantom that are assumed to have accurate position with different 3 methods. We measured setup errors on the axis of X, Y and Z, and got mean standard deviation errors by repeating tests 10 times on each tests. Results: The difference between mean detection error and standard deviation are as follows; lateral 0.4+/-0.3 mm, longitudinal 0.6+/-0.5 mm, vertical 0.4+/-0.2 mm which all within 0~10 mm. The couch shift variable after positioning that are comparable to residual errors are 0.3+/-0.1, 0.5+/-0.1, and 0.3+/-0.1 mm. The mean detection errors by longitudinal shift between 20~40 mm are 0.4+/-0.3 in lateral, 0.6+/-0.5 in longitudinal, 0.5+/-0.3 in vertical direction. The detection errors are all within range of 0.3~0.5 mm. Residual errors are within 0.2~0.5 mm. Each values are mean values based on 3 tests. Conclusion: Phantom is based on treatment couch shift and error within the average 5mm can be gained by the diminution detected by image registration based on OBI and CBCT. Therefore, the selection of target position which depends on OBI and CBCT could be considered as useful.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.83-88
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• 2009

Purpose: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) using an on board imager (OBI) can check the movement and setup error in patient position and target volume by comparing with the image of computer simulation treatment in real.time during patient treatment. Thus, this study purposed to check the change and movement of patient position and target volume using CBCT in IMRT and calculate difference from the treatment plan, and then to correct the position using an automated match system and to test the accuracy of position correction using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) and examine the usefulness of CBCT in IMRT and the accuracy of the automatic match system. Materials and Methods: The subjects of this study were 3 head and neck patients and 1 pelvis patient sampled from IMRT patients treated in our hospital. In order to investigate the movement of treatment position and resultant displacement of irradiated volume, we took CBCT using OBI mounted on the linear accelerator. Before each IMRT treatment, we took CBCT and checked difference from the treatment plan by coordinate by comparing it with the image of CT simulation. Then, we made correction through the automatic match system of 3D/3D match to match the treatment plan, and verified and evaluated using electronic portal imaging device. Results: When CBCT was compared with the image of CT simulation before treatment, the average difference by coordinate in the head and neck was 0.99 mm vertically, 1.14 mm longitudinally, 4.91 mm laterally, and 1.07o in the rotational direction, showing somewhat insignificant differences by part. In testing after correction, when the image from the electronic portal imaging device was compared with DRR image, it was found that correction had been made accurately with error less than 0.5 mm. Conclusion: By comparing a CBCT image before treatment with a 3D image reconstructed into a volume instead of a 2D image for the patient's setup error and change in the position of the organs and the target, we could measure and correct the change of position and target volume and treat more accurately, and could calculate and compare the errors. The results of this study show that CBCT was useful to deliver accurate treatment according to the treatment plan and to increase the reproducibility of repeated treatment, and satisfactory results were obtained. Accuracy enhanced through CBCT is highly required in IMRT, in which the shape of the target volume is complex and the change of dose distribution is radical. In addition, further research is required on the criteria for match focus by treatment site and treatment purpose.