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Towards MR-guided electron therapy: Measurement and simulation of clinical electron beams in magnetic fields

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posted on 2024-11-15, 22:24 authored by R Kueng, Bradley ObornBradley Oborn, N Roberts, Trent Causer, M Stampanoni, P Manser, P Keall, M Fix
© 2020 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica Purpose: In the current era of MRI-linac radiotherapy, dose optimization with arbitrary dose distributions is a reality. For the first time, we present new and targeted experiments and modeling to aid in evaluating the potential dose improvements offered with an electron beam mode during MRI-linac radiotherapy. Methods: Small collimated (1 cm diameter and 1.5 × 1.5 cm2 square) electron beams (6, 12 and 20 MeV) from a clinical linear accelerator (Varian Clinac 2100C) are incident perpendicular and parallel to the strong and localized magnetic fields (0–0.7 T) generated by a permanent magnet device. Gafchromic EBT3 film is placed inside a slab phantom to measure two-dimensional dose distributions. A benchmarked and comprehensive Monte Carlo model (Geant4) is established to directly compare with experiments. Results: With perpendicular fields a 5% narrowing of the beam FWHM and a 10 mm reduction in the 15% isodose penetration is seen for the 20 MeV beam. In the inline setup the penumbral width is reduced by up to 20%, and a local central dose enhancement of 100% is observed. Monte Carlo simulations are in agreement with the measured dose distributions (2% or 2 mm). Conclusion: A new range of experiments have been performed to offer insight into how an electron beam mode could offer additional choices in MRI-linac radiotherapy. The work extends on historic studies to bring a successful unified experimental and Monte Carlo modeling approach for studying small field electron beam dosimetry inside magnetic fields. The results suggest further work, particularly on the inline magnetic field scenario.

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Kueng, R., Oborn, B., Roberts, N., Causer, T., Stampanoni, M., Manser, P., Keall, P. & Fix, M. (2020). Towards MR-guided electron therapy: Measurement and simulation of clinical electron beams in magnetic fields. Physica Medica: an international journal devoted to the applications of physics to medicine and biology, 78 83-92.

Language

English

RIS ID

145505

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