Radiotherapy Monte Carlo simulation using cloud computing technology

Authors

Christopher M. Poole, Queensland University of Technology, Royal Brisbane and Womens HospitalFollow
Iwan Cornelius, Queensland University of TechnologyFollow
Jamie Trapp, Queensland University of Technology
C M. Langton, Queensland University of Technology

RIS ID

106286

Publication Details

Poole, C. M., Cornelius, I., Trapp, J. V. & Langton, C. M. (2012). Radiotherapy Monte Carlo simulation using cloud computing technology. Australasian Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine, 35 (4), 497-502.

Abstract

Cloud computing allows for vast computational resources to be leveraged quickly and easily in bursts as and when required. Here we describe a technique that allows for Monte Carlo radiotherapy dose calculations to be performed using GEANT4 and executed in the cloud, with relative simulation cost and completion time evaluated as a function of machine count. As expected, simulation completion time decreases as 1/n for n parallel machines, and relative simulation cost is found to be optimal where n is a factor of the total simulation time in hours. Using the technique, we demonstrate the potential usefulness of cloud computing as a solution for rapid Monte Carlo simulation for radiotherapy dose calculation without the need for dedicated local computer hardware as a proof of principal. 2012 Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine.