• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.131-135
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• 2006

A commercial ion chamber matrix was examined the characteristics and its performance for radiotherapy qualify assurance. The device was the I'mRT 2D-MatriXX (Scanditronix-Wellhofer, Schwarzenbruck, Germany). The 2D-MatriXX device consists of a 1020 vented ion chamber array, arranged in $24{\times}24cm^2$ matrix. Each ion chamber has a volume of $0.08cm^3$, spacing of 0.762 cm and minimum sampling time of 20 ms. For the investigation of the characteristics, dose linearity, output factor, short-term reproducibility and dose rate dependency were tested. In the testing of dose linearity. It has shown a good signal linearity within 1% in the range of $1{\sim}800$cGy. Dose rate dependency was found to be lower than 0.4% (Range: 100-600 Mu/min) relative to a dose rate of 300 Mu/min as a reference. Output factors matched very well within 0.5% compared with commissioned beam data using a ionization chamber (CC01, Scanditronix-Wellhofer, Schwarzenbruck, Germany) in the range of field sizes $3{\times}3{\sim}24{\times}24cm^2$. Short-term reproducibility (6 times with a interval of 15 minute) was also shown a good agreement within 0.5%, when the temperature and the pressure were corrected by each time of measurement. in addition, we compared enhanced dynamic wedge (EDW, Varian, Palo Alto, USA) profiles from calculated values in the radiation planning system with those from measurements of the MatriXX. Furthermore, anon-uniform IMRT dose fluence was tested. All the comparison studies have shown good agreements. In this study, the MatriXX was evaluated as a reliable dosimeter, and it could be used as a simplistic and convenient tool for radiotherapy qualify assurance.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.15-19
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• 2003

High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for treating a cervix carcinoma has become popular, because it eliminates many of the problems associated with conventional brachytherapy. In order to improve the clinical effectiveness with HDR brachytherapy, a dose calculation algorithm, optimization procedures, and image registrations need to be verified by comparing the dose distributions from a planning computer and those from a phantom. In this study, the phantom was fabricated in order to verify the absolute doses and the relative dose distributions. The measured doses from the phantom were then compared with the treatment planning system for the dose verification. The phantom needs to be designed such that the dose distributions can be quantitatively evaluated by utilizing the dosimeters with a high spatial resolution. Therefore, the small size of the thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips with a dimension of <1/8"and film dosimetry with a spatial resolution of <1mm used to measure the radiation dosages in the phantom. The phantom called a pelvic phantom was made from water and the tissue-equivalent acrylic plates. In order to firmly hold the HDR applicators in the water phantom, the applicators were inserted into the grooves of the applicator holder. The dose distributions around the applicators, such as Point A and B, were measured by placing a series of TLD chips (TLD-to-TLD distance: 5mm) in the three TLD holders, and placing three verification films in the orthogonal planes. This study used a Nucletron Plato treatment planning system and a Microselectron Ir-192 source unit. The results showed good agreement between the treatment plan and measurement. The comparisons of the absolute dose showed agreement within $\pm$4.0 % of the dose at point A and B, and the bladder and rectum point. In addition, the relative dose distributions by film dosimetry and those calculated by the planning computer show good agreement. This pelvic phantom could be a useful to verify the dose calculation algorithm and the accuracy of the image localization algorithm in the high dose rate (HDR) planning computer. The dose verification with film dosimetry and TLD as quality assurance (QA) tools are currently being undertaken in the Catholic University, Seoul, Korea.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.208-215
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• 2009

This study is to compare the accuracy of evaluation regarding the volume of the prostate, which three-dimensional volume rendering was produced the shape of protrusion, by measuring two kinds of craniocaudal length from the top of the protrusion and from the exclusion of the protrusion as the starting points. For the imaginary protrusion prostate models, total of 10 models were roughly made by using devils-tongue jelly and changing each of the 10 ml of capacity from 10 ml to 100 ml. For the protrusion prostate models aimed at estimating the real volume, through 64 cannel computed tomography (CT) and 3.0 tesla magnetic resonance image (MRI) were conducted by planimetry technique from three-dimensional volume rendering. And then we performed to evaluate on significance of these volumes by wilcoxon signed rank test. Also the obtained volumes data by ellipsoid volume formula were measured the volume of protrusion prostate models two times with each method using the two kinds of craniocaudal length from top of the protrusion and from exclusion of the protrusion as the starting points. Finally, the significance of differences using wilcoxon signed rank test was evaluated between the real volume by planimetry technique and the measured volume by ellipsoid volume formula from three-dimensional volume rendering. The average of the protrusion length on the models was $0.90{\pm}0.18\;mm$ in CT and was $0.75{\pm}0.11\;mm$ in MRI. There were not statistically significant difference between MRI and CT from the volume of protrusion prostate models (p=0.414). In MRI (p=0.139) and CT (p=0.057), there were not statistically significant difference between the real volume by planimetry technique and the measured volume by ellipsoid volume from exclusion of the protrusion as the starting points. While, there were statistically significant difference between the real volume by planimetry technique and the measured volume by ellipsoid volume from top of the protrusion as the starting points in MRI (p=0.005) and CT (p=0.005). For the accurate measurement of the protrusion prostate models, the craniocaudal length of the prostate should be measured from the exclusion of the protrusion as the starting points.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.291-297
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• 2013

This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of $T_{1/2}$ upon count rates in the analysis of dynamic scan using NaI (Tl) scintillation camera, and suggest a new quality control method with this effects. We producted a point source with $^{99m}TcO_4^-$ of 18.5 to 185 MBq in the 2 mL syringes, and acquired 30 frames of dynamic images with 10 to 60 seconds each using Infinia gamma camera (GE, USA). In the second experiment, 90 frames of dynamic images were acquired from 74 MBq point source by 5 gamma cameras (Infinia 2, Forte 2, Argus 1). There were not significant differences in average count rates of the sources with 18.5 to 92.5 MBq in the analysis of 10 to 60 seconds/frame with 10 seconds interval in the first experiment (p>0.05). But there were significantly low average count rates with the sources over 111 MBq activity at 60 seconds/frame (p<0.01). According to the second analysis results of linear regression by count rates of 5 gamma cameras those were acquired during 90 minutes, counting efficiency of fourth gamma camera was most low as 0.0064%, and gradient and coefficient of variation was high as 0.0042 and 0.229 each. We could not find abnormal fluctuation in $x^2$ test with count rates (p>0.02), and we could find the homogeneity of variance in Levene's F-test among the gamma cameras (p>0.05). At the correlation analysis, there was only correlation between counting efficiency and gradient as significant negative correlation (r=-0.90, p<0.05). Lastly, according to the results of calculation of $T_{1/2}$ error from change of gradient with -0.25% to +0.25%, if $T_{1/2}$ is relatively long, or gradient is high, the error increase relationally. When estimate the value of 4th camera which has highest gradient from the above mentioned result, we could not see $T_{1/2}$ error within 60 minutes at that value. In conclusion, it is necessary for the scintillation gamma camera in medical field to manage hard for the quality of radiation measurement. Especially, we found a tendency that count rate changes over time at this study, and we proved that it can effect $T_{1/2}$. And also, there is need of appropriate phantoms and the method of quality management like this study, because there are not any advice or limitation degrees for domestic medical purpose scintillation camera.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.137-141
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• 1998

The purposes of this report are to evaluate whether lead ball and steel ball could be used as protective material of radiation and to acquire physical data of them for protecting 4-10 MV X-ray beams. Lead balls of diameter 2.0～2.5mm or steel balls of diameter 1.5～2.0 mm were filled in an acrylic box of uniform width. An MV radiograph of metal balls in a box were taken to ascertain uniformity of ball distribution in the box. Average density of metal ball and linear attenuation coefficient of metal balls for 4～10 MV X -rays were measured. At the time of measurement of linear attenuation coefficient, Farmer ionization chamber was used and to minimize the scatter effect, distance between the ball and the ionization chamber was 70 cm and field size was 5.5cm${\times}$5.5cm. For comparison, same parameters of lead and steel plates were measured. The distribution of metal balls was uniform in the box. The density of a mixture of lead-air was 6.93g/cm$^3$, 0.611 times density of lead, and the density of a mixture of steel-air was 4.75g/cm$^3$, 0.604 times density of steel. Half-value layers of a mixture of lead-air were 1.89 cm for 4 MV X-ray, 2.07 cm for 6 MV X-ray and 2.16 cm for 10 MV X-ray, and approximately 1.64 times of HVL of lead plate. Half-value layers of a mixture of steel-air were 3.24 cm for 4 MV X-ray, 3.70 cm for 6 MV X-ray and 4.15 cm for 10 MV X-ray, and approximately 1.65 times of HVL of lead plate. Metal balls can be used because they could be distributed evenly. Average densities of mixtures of lead-air and steel-air were 6.93g/cm$^3$, 4.75g/cm$^3$ respectively and approximately 1.65 times of densities of lead and steel. Product of density and HVL for a mixture of metal-air are same as the metal.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.59-71
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• 2000

It is possible to obtain a fast CT scan during breath holding with spiral technique. But the risk of radiation is increased due to detailed and repeated scans. However, the limitation of X-ray doses is not fully specified on CT, yet. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to define the limitation of X-ray doses on CT The CT unit was somatom plus 4. Alderson Rando phantom, Solenoid water phantom, TLD, and reader were used. For determining adequate position and size of organs, the measurement of distance(${\pm}$2mm) from the midline of vertebral body was performed in 40 women(20~40 years). On the brain scan for 8:8(8mm slice thickness, 8mm/sec movement velocity of the table) and 10:10(10mm slice thickness, 10mm/sec movement velocity of the table) methods, the absorption doses of exposed area of the 10:10 were slightly higher than those of 8:8. The doses of unexposed uterus were negligible on the brain scan for both 8:8 and 10:10. On the chest scan for 8:8, 8:10(8mm slice thickness, 10mm/sec movement velocity of the table), 10:10, 10:12(10mm slice thickness, 12mm/sec movement velocity of the table) and 10:15(10mm slice thickness, 15mm/sec movement velocity of the table) methods, 8:8 method of the absorption doses of exposure area was the most highest and 10:15 method was the most lowest. The absorption doses of 8:10 method was relatively lower than those of the other methods. In conclusion, the 8:10 method is the most suitable to give a low radiation burden to patient without distorting image quality.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.109-120
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• 1991

Total body irradiation is operated to irradicate malignant cells of bone marrow of patients to be treated with bone marrow transplantation. Field size of a linear accelerator or cobalt teletherapy unit with normal geometry for routine technique is too small to cover whole body of a patient. So, any special method to cover patient whole body must be developed. Because such environments as room conditions and machine design are not universal, some characteristic method of TBI for each hospital could be developed. At Seoul National University Hospital, at present, only a cobalt unit is available for TBI because source head of the unit could be tilted. When the head is tilted outward by 90$^{\circ}$, beam direction is horizontal and perpendicular to opposite wall. Then, the distance from cobalt source to the wall was 319 cm. Provided that the distance from the wall to midsagittal plane of a patient is 40cm, nominal field size at the plane(SCD 279cm) is 122cm$\times$122cm but field size by measurement of exposure profile was 130cm$\times$129cm and vertical profile was not symmetric. That field size is large enough to cover total body of a patient when he rests on a couch in a squatting posture. Assuming that average lateral width of patients is 30cm, percent depth dose for SSD 264cm and nominal field size 115.5cm$\times$115.5cm was measured with a plane-parallel chamber in a polystyrene phantom and was linear over depth range 10～20cm. An anthropomorphic phantom of size 25cm wide and 30cm deep. Depth of dose maximum, surface dose and depth of 50% dose were 0.3cm, 82% and 16.9cm, respectively. A dose profile on beam axis for two opposing beams was uniform within 10% for mid-depth dose. Tissue phantom ratio with reference depth 15cm for maximum field size at SCD 279cm was measured in a small polystyrene phantom and was linear over depth range 10～20cm. An anthropomorphic phantom with TLD chips inserted in holes on the largest coronal plane was bilaterally irradiated by 15 minute in each direction by cobalt beam aixs in line with the cross line of the coronal plane and contact surface of sections No. 27 and 28. When doses were normalized with dose at mid-depth on beam axis, doses in head/neck, abdomen and lower lung region were close to reference dose within $\pm$ 10% but doses in upper lung, shoulder and pelvis region were lower than 10% from reference dose. Particulaly, doses in shoulder region were lower than 30%. On this result, the conclusion such that under a geometric condition for TBI with cobalt beam as SNUH radiotherapy departement, compensators for head/neck and lung shielding are not required but boost irradiation to shoulder is required could be induced.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.86-92
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to measure curvature contour skin dose using radiochromic film and TLD for a conventional open field. We also attempted to quantify the degradation of skin sparing associated with use of immobilization devices for high energy photon beams and to calculate the skin dose with a help of Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. To simulate head-and-neck and shoulder treatment, a cylindrical solid water phantom 11 cm in diameter was irradiated with 6 MV x-rays using $40{\times}40\;cm^2$ field at 100 cm source axis distance (SAD) to the center of the phantom. Aquaplastic mesh mask was placed on the surface of the cylindrical phantom that mimicked relevant clinical situations. The skin dose profile was obtained by taking measurements from $0^{\circ}$ to $360^{\circ}$ around the circumference of the cylindrical phantom. The skin doses obtained from radiochromic film were found to be 47% of the maximum dose of $D_{max}$ at the $0^{\circ}$ beam entry position and 61% at the $90^{\circ}$ oblique beam position without the mask. Using the mask (1.5 mm), the skin dose received was 59% at $0^{\circ}$ incidence and 78% at $80^{\circ}$ incidence. Skin dose results were also gathered using thin thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD). With the mask, the skin dose was 66% at $0^{\circ}$ incidence and 80% at $80^{\circ}$ incidence. This method with the mask revealed the similar pattern as film measurement. For the treatments of the head-and-neck and shoulder regions in which immobilization mask was used, skin doses at around tangential angle were nearly the same as the prescription dose. When a sloping skin contour is encountered, skin doses may be abated using thinner and more perforated immoblization devices which should still maintain immoblization.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.197-203
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• 2012

Purpose: In this study, we considerate our radiation therapy process for the breast cancer patient implanted a pacemaker applying the machine movement surgery, shielding, beam selection. Materials and Methods: We perform radiation therapy to a 54 years old, breast cancer patient implanted a pacemaker. The patient underwent a surgery to move the position of a pacemaker to right side breast after consultation with cardiology department. Prescribed dose was 5,040 cGy and daily dose 180 cGy for 28 fractions. The 10 MV photon energy, field size 0/$9.5{\times}20$ cm, half beam and opposing portal irradiation are used. To find out appropriate thickness of shielding board, we carried out an experiment using a solid water phantom ($30{\times}30{\times}7$ cm), a Farmer-type chamber (TN30013, PTW, Germany) and a shielding board (Pb $28{\times}27{\times}0.1$ cm). We calculated expected absorbed dose to te pacemaker with absorb ratio and shielding ratio. In the PTP system (Eclipse, Varian, USA), we figured out how much radiation would be absorbed to the machine with and without shielding. First day of the radiation therapy, we measured head scatter to the pacemaker with MOSFET Dose Verification System (TN-RD-70-W, Medical Canada Ltd., Canada). Results: In the phantom measurement, we found out appropriate thickness was 2 mm of shielding board. In the RTP, when using 2 mm shielding the pacemaker will be absorbed 11.5~38.2 cGy and DVH is 77.3 cGy. In the first day of the therapy, 4.3 cGy was measured so 120.4 cGy was calculated during total therapy. The patient was free from any side effects, and the machine also normally functioned. Conclusion: As the report of association which have public confidence became superannuated, there is lack of data about new machine. We believe that radiation therapy to thiese kind of patients could be done successfully with co-operation, patient-suitable planning, accurate QA, frequent in-vivo dosimetry and monitoring.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.155-160
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• 2005

Purpose : Many authors have been introduced field in field technique and 3-D conformal radiotherapy that increased the tumor dose as well as decreased the dose of abutting critical organ. These technique have multiple beam direction and small beam segments even below 10 MU(monitor unit)for each field. we have confirmed the influence of low MU on dose output and beam stability. Materials and Methods : To study the dose output, the dose for each field was always 90MU, but it divided into different segment size: 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15 segments, 90, 45, 30, 18, 9, 6 MU the measurements were carried out for X-ray energy 4 MV, 6 MV, 10 MV of three LINAC(Varian 600C, 2100C, 2100C, 2100C/D), in addition each measurement was randomly repeated three times for each energy. To study the field symmetry and flatness, X-omat V films were irradiated. After being developed, films were scanned and analyzed using densitometer. Results : Influence of low MU on dose is slightly more increase output about $1.2{\sim}2.9%$ in cGy/mu than 90MU, but may not changed beam quality(flatness or symmetry), Output stability depends on dose rate(PRF)rather than beam energy, field size. Conclusion : Presented result are under the limits(out put<3%, flatness<${\pm}3%$, symmetry<2%). The 3 accelerators are safe to use and to perform conformal radiotherapy treatments in small segments, small MU around 10MU. but Even if the result presented here under the limits, continuous adjustments and periodic QA should be done for use of small MU