Verification of an optimizer algorithm by the beam delivery evaluation of intensity-modulated arc therapy plans

Abstract

Background. In the case of dynamic radiotherapy plans, the fractionation schemes can have dosimetric effects. Our goal is to define the effect of the fraction dose on the plan quality and the beam delivery.

Materials and methods. Treatment plans were created for 5 early-stage lung cancer patients with different dose schedules. The planned total dose was 60 Gy, fraction dose was 2 Gy, 3 Gy, 5 Gy, 12 Gy and 20 Gy. Additionally renormalized plans were created by changing the prescribed fraction dose after optimization. The dosimetric parameters and the beam delivery parameters were collected to define the plan quality and the complexity of the treatment plans. The accuracy of dose delivery was verified with dose measurements using electronic portal imaging device (EPID).

Results. The plan quality is independent from the used fractionation scheme. The fraction dose can be changed safely after the optimization, the delivery accuracy of the treatment plans with changed prescribed dose is not lower. According to EPID based measurements, the high fraction dose and dose rate cause the saturation of the detector, which lowers the gamma passing rate. The aperture complexity score, the gantry speed and the dose rate changes are not predicting factors for the gamma passing rate values.

Conclusions. The plan quality and the delivery accuracy are independent from the fraction dose, moreover the fraction dose can be changed safely after the dose optimization. The saturation effect of the EPID has to be considered when the action limits of the quality assurance system are defined