Comparison of treatment plans calculated by Ray Tracing and Monte Carlo algorithms for head and thorax radiotherapy with Cyberknife

Abstract

This study investigates differences between treatment plans generated by Ray Tracing (RT) and Monte Carlo (MC) calculation algorithms in homogeneous and heterogeneous body regions. Particularly, we focus on the head and on the thorax, respectively, for robotic stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery with Cyberknife. Radiation plans for tumors located in the head and in the thorax region have been calculated and compared to each other in 47 cases and several tumor types.

Keywords

• treatment plans
• monte carlo
• ray tracing
• cyberknife
• tumour size and volume
• dose prescription