Gradient corrections for reference dosimetry using Farmer-type ionization chambers in single-layer scanned proton fields

Purpose: The local depth dose gradient and the displacement correction factor for Farmer-type ionization chambers are quantified for reference dosimetry at shallow depth in single-layer scanned proton fields. Method: Integrated radial profiles as a function of depth (IRPDs) measured at three proton therapy centers were smoothed by polynomial fits. The local relative depth dose gradient at measurement depths from 1 to 5 cm were derived from the derivatives of those fits. To calculate displacement correction factors, the best estimate of the effective point of measurement was derived from reviewing experimental and theoretical determinations reported in the literature. Displacement correction factors for the use of Farmer-type ionization chambers with their reference point (at the center of the cavity volume) positioned at the measurement depth were derived as a ratio of IRPD values at the measurement depth and at the effective point of measurement. Results: Depth dose gradients are as low as 0.1–0.4% per mm at measurement depths from 1 to 5 cm in the highest clinical proton energies (with residual ranges higher than 15 cm) and increase to 1% per mm at a residual range of 4 cm and become larger than 3% per mm for residual ranges lower than 2 cm. The literature review shows that the effective point of measurement of Farmer-type ionization chambers is, similarly as for carbon ion beams, located 0.75 times the cavity radius closer to the beam origin as the center of the cavity. If a maximum displacement correction of 2% is deemed acceptable to be included in calculated beam quality correction factors, Farmer-type ICs can be used at measurements depths from 1 to 5 cm for which the residual range is 4 cm or larger. If one wants to use the same beam quality correction factors as applicable to the conventional measurement point for scattered beams, located at the center of the SOBP, the relative standard uncertainty on the assumption that the displacement correction factor is unity can be kept below 0.5% for measurement depths of at least 2 cm and for residual ranges of 15 cm or higher. Conclusion: The literature review confirmed that for proton beams the effective point of measurement of Farmer-type ionization chambers is located 0.75 times the cavity radius closer to the beam origin as the center of the cavity. Based on the findings in this work, three options can be recommended for reference dosimetry of scanned proton beams using Farmer-type ionization chambers: (a) positioning the effective point of measurement at the measurement depth, (b) positioning the reference point at the measurement depth and applying a displacement correction factor, and (c) positioning the reference point at the measurement depth without applying a displacement correction factor. Based on limiting the acceptable uncertainty on the gradient correction factor to 0.5% and the maximum deviation of the displacement perturbation correction factor from unity to 2%, the first two options can be allowed for residual ranges of at least 4 cm while the third option only for residual ranges of at least 15 cm

IAEA Dosimetry symposium recommendations: Annex to CCRI(I)/03-08

NRC publication: Ye

Characterization of PTW-31015 PinPoint ionization chambers in photon and proton beams

The increased use of complex forms of radiotherapy using small-field photon and proton beams has invoked a growing interest in the use of micro-ionization chambers. In this study, 48 PTW-TM31015 PinPoint-type micro-ionization chambers that are used in the commissioning and patient specific QA of a proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) delivery system have been characterized in proton and high-energy photon beams. In both beam modalities, the entire set of PinPoint chambers was characterized by imaging them, by evaluating their stability using check source measurements, by experimentally determining the ion recombination, polarity effect and by cross calibrating them in terms of absorbed dose to water against Farmer-type ionization chambers. Beam quality correction factors were theoretically derived for both beam modalities. None of the chambers' check source readings drifted by more than 0.5% over a one year period. Beam quality correction factors for the 6 MV photon with reference to 60Co were on average 1.0 \ub1 0.5% lower than the theoretical values calculated according to the data and procedures outlined in IAEA TRS-398. While this difference is within the overall dosimetric uncertainty, it is significant considering only uncorrelated uncertainties indicating inconsistencies in the theoretical data. Beam quality correction factors for the 179.2 MeV proton beam with reference to 60Co were in good agreement with the theoretical data. Ion recombination and polarity correction factors were very consistent for all chambers with standard deviations of 0.2% or below show that findings from more comprehensive investigations in the literature can be considered as representative for all the chambers of this type. The characterization of 48 PinPoint-type micro-ionization chambers performed in this study provided a unique opportunity to investigate chamber-to-chamber variations of calibration, beam quality correction factors, ion recombination and polarity correction factors for an unprecedented sample size of chambers for both high-energy photon and proton beams

End-to-end tests using alanine dosimetry in scanned proton beams

This paper describes end-to-end test procedures as the last fundamental step of medical commissioning before starting clinical operation of the MedAustron synchrotron-based pencil beam scanning (PBS) therapy facility with protons. One in-house homogeneous phantom and two anthropomorphic heterogeneous (head and pelvis) phantoms were used for end-to-end tests at MedAustron. The phantoms were equipped with alanine detectors, radiochromic films and ionization chambers. The correction for the 'quenching' effect of alanine pellets was implemented in the Monte Carlo platform of the evaluation version of RayStation TPS. During the end-to-end tests, the phantoms were transferred through the workflow like real patients to simulate the entire clinical workflow: immobilization, imaging, treatment planning and dose delivery. Different clinical scenarios of increasing complexity were simulated: delivery of a single beam, two oblique beams without and with range shifter. In addition to the dose comparison in the plastic phantoms the dose obtained from alanine pellet readings was compared with the dose determined with the Farmer ionization chamber in water. A consistent systematic deviation of about 2% was found between alanine dosimetry and the ionization chamber dosimetry in water and plastic materials. Acceptable agreement of planned and delivered doses was observed together with consistent and reproducible results of the end-to-end testing performed with different dosimetric techniques (alanine detectors, ionization chambers and EBT3 radiochromic films). The results confirmed the adequate implementation and integration of the new PBS technology at MedAustron. This work demonstrates that alanine pellets are suitable detectors for end-to-end tests in proton beam therapy and the developed procedures with customized anthropomorphic phantoms can be used to support implementation of PBS technology in clinical practice

IAEA Subprogramme on dosimetry and medical radiation physics (DMRP). Report on activities, 2001-2002

NRC publication: Ye

Proton dosimetry intercomparison

Background and purpose: Methods for determining absorbed dose in clinical proton beams are based on dosimetry protocols provided by the AAPM and the ECHED. Both groups recommend the use of air-filled ionization chambers calibrated in terms of exposure or air kerma in a Co-60 beam when a calorimeter or Faraday cup dosimeter is not available. The set of input data used in the AAPM and the ECHED protocols, especially proton stopping powers and w-value is different. In order to verify inter-institutional uniformity of proton beam calibration, the AAPM and the ECHED recommend periodic dosimetry intercomparisons. In this paper we report the results of an international proton dosimetry intercomparison which was held at Loma Linda University Medical Center. The goal of the intercomparison was two-fold: first, to estimate the consistency of absorbed dose delivered to patients among the participating facilities, and second, to evaluate the differences in absorbed dose determination due to differences in Co-60-based ionization chamber calibration protocols. Materials and methods: Thirteen institutions participated in an international proton dosimetry intercomparison, The measurements were performed in a 15-cm square field at a depth of 10 cm in both an unmodulated beam (nominal accelerator energy of 250 MeV) and a 6-cm modulated beam (nominal accelerator energy of 155 MeV), and also in a circular field of diameter 2.6 cm at a depth of 1.14 cm in a beam with 2.4 cm modulation (nominal accelerator energy of 100 MeV). Results: The results of the intercomparison have shown that using ionization chambers with Co-60 calibration factors traceable to standard laboratories, and institution-specific conversion factors and dose protocols, the absorbed dose specified to the patient would fall within 3% of the mean value. A single measurement using an ionization chamber with a proton chamber factor determined with a Faraday cup calibration differed from the mean by 8%. Conclusion: The adoption of a single ionization chamber dosimetry protocol and uniform conversion factors will establish agreement on proton absorbed dose to approximately 1.5%, consistent with that which has been observed in high-energy photon and electron dosimetry