Phantoms for IMRT dose distribution measurement and treatment verification

Daniel A. Low, Russell L. Gerber, Sasa Mutic, James A. Purdy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

73 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The verification of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) patient treatment dose distributions is currently based on custom- built or modified dose measurement phantoms. The only commercially available IMRT treatment planning and delivery system (Peacock, NOMOS Corp.) is supplied with a film phantom that allows accurate spatial localization of the dose distribution using radiography film. However, measurements using other dosimeters are necessary for the thorough verification of IMRT. Methods: We have developed a phantom to enable dose measurements using a cylindrical ionization chamber and the localization of prescription isodose curves using a matrix of thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) chips. The external phantom cross-section is identical to that of the commercial phantom, to allow direct comparisons of measurements. A supplementary phantom has been fabricated to verify the IMRT dose distributions for pelvis treatments. Results: To date, this phantom has been used for the verification of IMRT dose distributions for head and neck and prostate cancer treatments. Designs are also presented for a phantom insert to be used with polymerizing gels (e.g., BANG-2) to obtain volumetric dose distribution measurements. Conclusion: The phantoms have proven useful in the quantitative evaluation of IMRT treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1231-1235
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics
Volume40
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 1998

Keywords

  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy
  • Inverse planning
  • Radiation therapy dosimetry phantom
  • Treatment verification

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