• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.21-28
• /
• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find a optimal beam spoiler condition on the dose distribution near the surface, when treating a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and a lymphatic region with 10 MV photon beam. The use of a optimal spoiler allows elivering high dose to a superficial tumor volume, while maintaining the skin-sparing effect in the area between the surface to the depth of 0.4 cm. Materials and Methods: The lucite beam spoiler, which were a tissue equivalent, were made and placed between the surface and the photon collimators of linear accelerator. The surface-dose, the dose at the depth of 0.4 cm, and the maximum dose at the dmax were measured with a parallel-plate ionization chamber for $5{\times}5cm\;to\;30{\times}30cm^2$ field sizes using lucite spoilers with different thicknesses at varying skin-to-spoiler separation (SSS). In the same condition, the dose was measured with bolus and compared with beam spoiler. Results: The spoiler increased the surface and build-up dose and shifted the depth of maximum dose toward the surface. With a 10 MV x-ray beam and a optimal beam spoiler when treating a patient, a similer build-up dose with a 6 MV photon beam could be achieved, while maintaining a certain amount of skin spring. But it was provided higher surface dose under SSS of less than 5 cm, the spoiler thickness of more than 1.8 cm or more, and larger field size than $20{\times}20cm^2$ provided higher surface dose like bolus and obliterated the spin-sparing effect. the effects of the beam spoiler on beam profile was reduced with increasing depths. Conclusion: The lucite spoiler allowed using of a 10 MV photon beam for the radiation treatment of head and neck caner by yielding secondary scattered electron on the surface. The dose at superficial depth was increased and the depth of maximum dose was moved to near the skin surface. Spoiling the 10 MV x-ray beam resulted in treatment plans that maintained dose homogeneity without the consequence of increased skin reaction or treat volume underdose for regions near the skin surface. In this, the optimal spoiler thickeness of 1.2 cm and 1.8 cm were found at SSS of 7 cm for $10{\times}10cm^2$ field. The surface doses were measured 60% and 64% respectively. In addition, It showed so optimal that 94% and 94% at the depth of 0.4 cm and dmax respectively.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.77-81
• /
• 2005

To determine the appropriate method out of various available methods to measure build-up doses, the measurements and comparisons of depth doses of build-up region including the surface dose were executed using the Attix parallel-plate ionization chamber, the Markus chamber, a cylindrical ionization chamber, and a diode detector. Based on the measurements using the Attix chamber, discrepancies of the Markus chamber were within $2\%$ for the open field and increased up to $3.9\%$ in the case of photon beam containing the contaminant electrons. The measurements of an cylindrical ionization chamber and a diode detector accord with those of the Attix chamber within $1.5\%\;and\;1.0\%$ and after those detectors were completely immersed in the water phantom. The results suggest that the parallel-plate chamber is the best choice to measure depth doses in the build-up region containing the surface, however, using cylindrical ionization chamber or diode detector would be a reasonable choice if no special care is necessary for the exact surface dose.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.93-100
• /
• 1989

Several combinations of measuring devices and phantoms were studied to measure electron beams. Silicon Pmt junction diode was used to find the dependence of depth dose profile on field size on axis of electron beam Depths of 50, 80 and $90\%$ doses increased with the field size for small fields. For some larger fields, they were nearly constant. The smallest of field sizes over which the parameters were constant was enlarged with increase of the energy of electron beams. Depth dose distributions on axis of electron beam of $10\times10cm^2$ field were studied with several combinations of measuring devices and phantoms. Cylindrical ion chamber could not be used for measurement of surface dose, and was not convenient for measurement of near surface region of 6MeV electron. With some exceptions, parameters agreed well with those studied by different devices and phantoms. Surface dose in some energies showed $4\%$ difference between maximum and minimum. For 18MeV, depths of 80 and $90\%$ doses were considerably shallower by film than by others. Parallel-plate ion chamber with polystyrene phamtom and silicon PN junction would be recommended for measurement of central axis depth dose of electron beams with considerably large field size. It is desirable not to use cylindrical ion chamber for the purpose of measurement of surface dose or near surface region for lower energy electron beam. It is questionable that film would be recommended for measurement of dose distribution of electron with high energy like as 18MeV.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.103-107
• /
• 2008

Purpose: This paper describes a electron field presence of magnetic field, intensity and shape surface dose variation to clinical application possibility. Materials and Methods: The using 6 MeV electron and $10{\times}10\;cm^2$ field size, 9 hole to shielding block make the by measure the film, when the magnetic field position inside and outside of the X-Omat film and parallel plate ionization chamber using the surface dose measured. Results: Present of 4 cm to the side at angle about 3 degree from beam center, use of ring type magnetic is 0.9% increase the surface dose, lens block located in the magnetic field the surface dose 1.58% increase, half magnetic field's position on the side of them at the field center of the 3.6% increase of the surface dose. Conclusion: Surface dose variation is with magnetic field about the mean electron beam of progress direction change, orbit region patient's is inconvenient without surface dose increase percentage case goodness will be used as a useful way.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.51-54
• /
• 2007

Purpose: Total body irradiation is used to kill the total malignant cell and for immunosuppression component of preparatory regimens for bone-marrow restitution of patients. Beam spoiler is used to increase the dose to the superficial tissues. This paper finds the property of the distance between beam spoiler and patient. Materials and Methods: Set-up conditions are 6 MV-Xray, 300 MU, SAD = 400 cm, field size = $40{\times}40cm^2$. The parallel plate chamber located in surface, midpoint and exit of solid water phantom. The surface dose is measured while the distance between beam spoiler and patient is altered. Because it should be found proper distance. The solid water phantom is fixer and beam spoiler is moving. Results: Central dose of phantom is 10.7 cGy and exit dose is 6.7 cGy. In case of distance of 50 cm to 60 cm between beam spoiler and solid water phantom, incidence dose is $14.58{\sim}14.92cGy$. Therefore, The surface dose was measured $99.4{\sim}101%$ with got near most to the prescription dose. Conclusion: In clinical case, distance between beam spoiler and patient affect surface dose. If once $50{\sim}60cm$ of distance between beam spoiler and patient, surface dose of patient got near prescription dose. It would be taken distance between beam spoiler and patient into account in clinical therapy.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.74-80
• /
• 2001

Purpose : Irradiation cones by using backscatter electrons are made for the treatment of superficial small lesions of skin, oral cavity, and rectum where a significant dose gradient and maximum surface dose is desired. Methods and Materials : Backscatter electrons are produced from the primary electron beams from the linear accelerators. The design consists of a cylindrical cone that has a thick circular plate of high atomic number medium (Pb or Cu) attached to the distal end, and the plate can be adjusted the reflected angle. Primary electrons strike the metal plate perpendicularly and produce backscatter electrons that reflect through the lateral hole for treatment. Using film and a parallel plate ion chamber, backscatter electron dose characteristics are measured. Results : The depth dose characteristic of the backscatter electron is very similar to that of the hard x-ray beam that is commonly used for the intracavitary and superficial lesions. The basckscatter electron energy is nearly constant and effectively about 1.5 MeV from the clinical megavoltage beams. The backscatter electron dose rate of $35\~85\;cGy/min$ could be achieved from modern accelerators without any modification. and the depth in water of $50\%$ depth dose from backscatter electron located at 6mm for $45^{\circ}$ angled lead scatter. The beam flatness is dependent on the slit size and the depth of treatment, but is satisfactory to treat small lesions. Conclusions : The measured data for backscatter electron energy, depth dose flatness dose rate and absolute dose indicates that the backscatter electrons are suitable for clinical use.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.155-160
• /
• 1991

We have studied the effective point of measurement for cylindrical ion chamber in water phantom for medical electron beams. Markus parallel plate chamber water phantom are used for the measurement of depth dose to determine the depth of the effective point of measurement for various energies(for electron 6MeV, 9MeV, 12MeV, 16MeV, and 20MeV; Co-60; for photon 6MV, 15MV). Cylindrical ion chambes(PTW233643 with r=2.75mm, PR-05P with r=2mm, and PM30 wiht r=15mm are used for the measurement of depth dose by same mtethod and the values of d$\_$50/ and R$\_$p/ obtained by three cylindrical chambers were compared with those of a flat chamber. From this we could evaluate the effective measuring points of cylindrical ion chamber. The effective point of measurement was estimated as 0.4～0.6r shifted toward surface from the center of the chamber for electron beam, 0.3～0.7r for $\^$60/Co X-ray.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.49-52
• /
• 2001

We compared the characteristics of Siemens virtual wedge device with physical wedges for clinical application. We investigated the characteristics of virtual and physical wedges for various wedge angles (15, 30, 45, and 60) using 6- and 15-MV photon beams. Wedge factors were measured in water using an ion chamber for various field sizes and depths. In case of virtual wedge device, as upper jaw moves during irradiation, wedge angles were estimated by accumulated doses. These measurements were performed at off-axis points perpendicular to the beam central axis in water for a $15\;cm\;{\times}\;20\;cm$ radiation field size at the depth of 10 cm. Surface doses without and with virtual or physical wedges were measured using a parallel plate ion chamber at surface. Field size was $15\;cm\;{\times}\;20\;cm$ and a polystyrene phantom was used. For various field sizes, virtual and physical wedge factors were changed by maximum 2.1% and 3.9%, respectively. For various depths, virtual and physical wedge factors were changed by maximum 1.9% and 2.9%, respectively. No major difference was found between the virtual and physical wedge angles and the difference was within 0.5. Surface dose with physical wedge was reduced by maximum 20% (x-ray beam : 6 MV, wedge angle : 45, SSD : 80 cm) relative to one with virtual wedge or without wedge. Comparison of the characteristics of Siemens virtual wedge device with physical wedges was performed. Depth dependence of virtual wedge factor was smaller than that of physical wedge factor. Virtual and physical wedge factors were nearly independent of field sizes. The accuracy of virtual and physical wedge angles was excellent. Surface dose was found to be reduced using a physical wedge.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.393-402
• /
• 1997

Purpose : When an x-ray beam of small field size is irradiated to target area containing an air cavity, such as larynx, the underdosing effect is observed in the region near the interfaces of air and soft tissue. With a larynx model, air cavity embedded in tissue-equivalent material, this study is intonded for examining Parameters, such as beam quality, field size, and cavity size, to affect the dose distribution near the air cavity. Materials and Methods : Three x-rar beams, 4-, 6- and 10-MV, were employed to Perform a measurement using a 2cm $(width){\times}L$ (length in cm, one side of x-ray field used 2cm (height) air cavity in the simulated larynx. A thin window parallel-plate chamber connected to an electrometer was used for a dosimetry system. A ratio of the dose at various distances from the cavity-tissue interface to the dose at the same points in a homogeneous Phantom (ebservedlexpected ratio, O/E) normalized buildup curves, and ratio of distal surface dose to dose at the maximum buildup depth were examined for various field sizes. Measurement for cavity size effect was performed by varying the height (Z) of the air cavity with the width kept constant for several field sizes. Results : No underdosing effect for 4-MV beam for fields larger than $5cm\times5cm$ was found For both 6- and 10-MV beams, the underdosing portion of the larynx at the distal surface was seen to occur for small fields, $4cm\times4cm\;and\;5cm\times5cm$. The underdosed tissue was increased in its volume with beam energy even for similar surface doses. The relative distal surface dose to maximum dose was changed to 0.99 from 0.95, 0.92, and 0.91 for 4-, 6-, and 10-MV, respectively, with increasing field size, $4cm\times4cm\;to\;8cm\times8cm$, For 6- and 10-MV beams, the dose at the surface of the cavity is measured less than the predicted by about two and three percent. respectively. but decrease was found for 4-MV beam for $5cm\times5cm$ field. For the $4cm\timesL\timesZ$ (height in cm). varying depth from 0.0 to 4.8cm, cavity, O/E> 1.0 was observed regardless of the cavity size for any field larger than about $8cm\times8cm$. Conclusion : The magnitude of underdosing depends on beam energy, field size. and cavity size for the larynx model. Based on the result of the study. caution must be used when a small field of a high quality x-ray beam is irradiated to regions including air cavities. and especially the region where the tumor extends to the surface. Low quality beam. such as. 4-MV x-ray, and larger fields can be used preferably to reduce the risk of underdosing, local failure. In the case of high quality beams such as 6- and 10-MV x-rays, however. an additional boost field is recommended to add for the compensation of the underdosing region when a typically used treatment field. $8cm\times8cm$, is employed.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.147-153
• /
• 1992

It is ideal thing to compensate tissue deficit without skin contamination in curvatured irradiation field of high energy photon beam. The 3-dimensional compensating technique utilizing tissue equivalent materials to ensure an adequate dose distribution and skin sparing effect was described. This compensator was made of paraffin ($70\%$) and stearin wax ($30\%$) compound. The parameters for evaluation of the effect on skin dose in application of compensator were considered in the size of the field, the thickness of the compensator and the source-to-axis distance. The results are as follows; the skin doses were not changed even though application of the compensator, but depended on the field size and the source-to-axis distance, and the skin doses were only slightly changed within $1\%$ relative errors as increasing the thickness of the compensator in these experiments.